“I want people to really value what it is that I’m trying to do because it takes a lot of time. It’s not about the money. It is about the love, but it’s more about the appreciation,” said DeCole.
Khymyle Mims
Khymyle Mims is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The buzz is more than real for RajiTheOne
Anyone who takes the time to speak to artist RajiTheOne will find out quickly that he has a plan at hand, and nobody believes in him as much as he does. Born Jamal Rogers, the Chicago-born, and Minnesota-based artist paid his dues in the music game for nearly a decade in various capacities. Years later, […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
Designer creates magic through costumes
Have you ever stopped to think about how important clothes are? Have you ever wondered what causes someone to wear a certain sweater or dress? What would you wear when spending the day with someone special? These are just a few questions that costume designers think of when creating the looks for characters we see […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Facing up to untreated trauma
Some say it and other mental ills have been ignored too long On February 27, Hope and Healing Counseling Services (HHCS) hosted a conversation entitled “Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma.” The event was moderated by Rev. Nekima Levy-Pounds and featured panelists Marques Armstrong, owner of HHCS; Dr. Peggy Elliott, author and counselor; and Rev. Dr. […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Black history exhibit just scratches the surface
In the basement of the Hennepin County Government Center, two stories beneath the main entrance, you’ll come off the escalator and walk into the gallery, which is currently featuring the Black History in Minnesota 101 exhibit. The exhibit is on display until March 28, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 6 pm. The exhibit […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
REVIEW: ‘The Wiz’ — a lively rendering sure to delight young and old
The kick-off of the Super Bowl experience in Minneapolis couldn’t stop the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) from packing the house for the opening night of The Wiz on Jan 26. Full of excitement and energy, CTC and Penumbra Theatre collectively delivered a five-star production of the award-winning show. Under the direction of Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy, […]
Posted inLocal & State
New U of M program engages communities of color to correct biased history
Our heritage has been Whitewashed At the start of fall semester, the University of Minnesota launched a new graduate program entitled Heritage Studies and Public History (HSPH). Excited to hear more about the interdisciplinary program, the MSR sat down with the program’s first students and its creators to learn what this new opportunity is all […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Undersheriff Hodges reflects on historic position and call to serve
This past February, Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier appointed Inspector Booker T. Hodges to Undersheriff of Administration for the county. He is the just the second African American to hold the position, and the highest ranking African American law enforcement officer in Ramsey County. Undersheriff Hodges’ career began in 2005, after accepting a position to work as […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Who is Destiny Roberts?
Local rising star blazes her own trail From interviews on a popular radio show to live performances at the hottest shows, Destiny Roberts’ profile has risen considerably in the last year. The MSR recently sat down with Roberts to catch up with her career moves and answer the question: just who is Destiny Roberts? “When […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Local filmmaker explores emotional toll of youth violence in North Mpls.
To define Brian Few, Jr. as simply creative would be an injustice. Few, 27, is a lifelong resident of North Minneapolis and director of Angels Walk, a short film about the emotional effects of gun violence in North Minneapolis. Following the death of Tabyis Paskins in August of 2016, Minneapolis’ then-18th homicide of the year, Few was […]
Posted inArts + Culture
From humble beginnings to bright horizons
Twin Cities-based artist Mike DeCole is making moves Humble beginnings may be just a phrase or great marketing ploy for some, but for Mike DeCole it could be the title to his autobiography. DeCole is an up-and-coming R&B artist based in the Twin Cities who has had a successful 2016 and is looking to take […]
Posted inNews
Northsiders encouraged to police their own community
On Saturday, July 16, community activists K.G. Wilson and Anthijuan Beeks, Sr. joined forces to host Stop the Violence in North Minneapolis on 21st Ave between Oliver and Penn. Beeks, a former North Minneapolis police officer and activist for over two decades, and Wilson, an activist for nearly 15 years, said the event is intended […]
Posted inNews
NAACP president calls St. Paul churchgoers to action
Churchgoers at Progressive Baptist Church in East St. Paul gave a thunderous response to NAACP President Cornell Brooks’ call to action Sunday evening. Reverend Dr. Earl Miller shared his final Pastor Anniversary celebration with Brooks to address the recent police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile and the unrest and protests across the nation. […]
Posted inMusic
#MPLS: a musical multi-genre gumbo
It was in March of 2013, while presenting songs to music mogul Wyclef Jean, that members of #MPLS discovered how much they liked to work together. From working together on a case-by-case basis, to doing shows around the city as a cover band, group leader Brandon Commodore says one day they just had to ask […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Simple livin’ fuels creative spirit of local artist
Up-and-coming independent, Minneapolis artist Princeton Brown has the wisdom of an elder at the ripe age of 23. Seeing the world through a critical lens, Brown seeks the simple things and natural way of life, which he expresses in his music.
Posted inArts + Culture
Soundset 2016: Fest shines even brighter at Midway location (photos)
It was safe to rock your Js and Air Forces this year, as Soundset moved from the muddy fields of Canterbury Park in Shakopee, to the cement paved roads of the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul Sunday, May 29. From the diverse lineup of national and local artists and open mic freestyle sessions, to the […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Stormy weather no match for Beyoncé
If you were ever on the fence about being a Beyoncé fan, then you clearly have not seen her live. While severe weather evacuated TCF Bank stadium for a half hour, it did little to break Beyoncé’s powerful stride or formation.
Posted inArts + Culture
PHOTOS | Rapper Chuck D refocused MLK Day from past to present
Working collectively, knowledge, and the support of local artists were at the center of Chuck D’s message as he spoke to a crowd gathered at Augsburg’s MLK Convocation: Race, Rap & Reality on MLK Jr. Day, Monday, January 18.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Young, gifted and ready
In early December 2015, 3rd World Music Entertainment (3ME) and rap artist Nsikak (N-SEE-KA) hit a milestone, putting on their first show as they aim to “take over the city.”
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Photo Galleries
PHOTOS | Rhymesayers celebrates 20 years of enduring hip hop legacy
“If you came here to have a good time, say yes, I did,” Brother Ali shouted to the packed crowd at the Target Center December 4. “Yes I did!” was the thunderous response of roughly 10,000 hip hop enthusiasts, summing up the celebratory mood of those gathered for the Rhymesayers’ 20th anniversary.
Emceed by Ali, the mega concert featured over 30 acts that addressed three elements of hip hop — break dancing, DJing, and of course, emceeing.