I Self Devine Presents The Culture Series: THE UPLIFTMENT STRUGGLE
I SELF DEVINE
I Self Devine returns with his highly anticipated sophomore album The Sound of Low Class Amerika. You can feel the passion I Self Devine delivers on topics of community, class and social injustice in America as he spits truths to inspire the masses. The album is both a narrative for the current state of the world and a telling history as to how we arrived here. I Self Devine's truly unique voice and style create a sense of urgency and call to action while leading and equipping the listener with the tools necessary to act and dissent. Production from Jake One, Vitamin D, Medium Zach, Benzilla, DJ Todda, King Karnov, and Proh Mic drives the entire album. It comes in strong and never slows or wavers as it takes to the listeners ear and marches them to the end. It's an album that ultimately solidifies I Self's position as a leader -- not only in his own social community but that of the music community.
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Chaka Mkali, also known as I Self Devine is a musician, MC, community organizer, racial justice trainer, graffiti artist, muralist, program coordinator and director of organizing and community building at Hope Community Center in Minneapolis. As an MC, I Self is known as an integral part of the Atlanta and Twin Cities underground Hip Hop community as ½ of the duo Micranots, ½ of Semi Official, ¼ of the Dynospectrum, and as a soloist. Over the last decade I Self has released over 10 albums of political conscious socially aware music capable of moving the crowd as well as uplift the spirit and sustain the movement.
As a graffiti artist and muralist, Chaka Mkali is recognized as one of the crucial figures in the revitalization of graffiti art in the Twin Cities using the skills developed in the streets, alleyways, walls, and store fronts of Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Atlanta. As The Director of Organizing and Community Building Chaka has developed impressive work with very diverse largely low income teens and young adults that is impacting individual lives and collectively helping to bring change to a challenged community.
ILL CHEMISTRY
Ill chemistry is a musical duo rooted in Hip Hop, using beat box & vocals with the help of a loop pedal and effects pedal. Since their beginning, the group has been an innovative addition to the Twin Cities music scene. Their collaboration includes not only stage performances but work with youth. Together, Desdamona & Carnage have been developing a curriculum called R.hythm A.nd P.oetry that includes beat box technique and creative song writing. The two regularly work in schools around the midwest, inspiring youth to find their voice and use it.
MARIA ISA
Beginning her arts education at El Arco Iris Center for the Arts in 1992, Maria Isa quickly progressed from the role of student to the role of singer, songwriter, emcee and performer Her 2009 release, Street Politics, has received much critical acclaim. She has been featured on the cover of Twin Cities Metro and City Pages. She is currently shooting indie film Strike One in LA with Danny Treo; then she is headed to Puerto Rico to shoot the documentary We Rock Long Distance with filmmaker Justin Schnell.
PLAIN OLE BILL
Known in the Twin Cities as co-founder of Get Cryphy, the city's top hip-hop night, Plain Ole Bill stands apart from others behind the booth when it comes to his skill, genial attitude, and résumé. He gained recognition outside Minneapolis as P.O.S.'s touring DJ throughout most of 2009, but this year has been especially busy for Bill.
KOOL AKIEM
From underground mixtapes in the early nineties and the various Micranots releases, to 2006's Mixtape Deluxe, DJ Kool Akiem formerly of the Micranots and DJ for MF DOOM has been providing a steady diet of funk to the public for years now. Lacing ornate and eclectic samples over rugged drum hits and 808 kicks, Kool Akiem's productions have a distinct feeling that provide just the right amount of stimulation not to take attention away from the lyrics of his various collaborators.
