MUC Presents: The Heart of Hip Hop Artists Leading Their Own Community
In an invigorating session of The Man Up Club Presents XROSS aka Mr. Dean delves into the heart of hip hop, community, and transformation. The Man Up Club, a mentor leadership organization, aims to uplift young Black males from ages 13 to 24, imparting crucial life, social, academic, and civic skills—a mission deeply rooted in Mr. Dean’s personal and professional endeavors.
The Man Up Club Initiative
A notable milestone has marked the journey of the Man Up Club: the inauguration of their new facility in downtown Minneapolis, celebrating one year of positive influence. As a pivotal part of his community-focused ventures, Mr. Dean also launched One Way Entertainment, a Christian Hip Hop record label that intertwines seamlessly with the Man Up Club’s vision, mentoring young Black boys and investing in their future.
The Artists
Three talented artists from Minnesota exemplify the mission of this initiative—Lewiee Blaze, Celena Lena, and Dijai. Each brings a unique narrative, passion, and ambition that contribute to the larger purpose of the Man Up Club.
- Lewiee Blaze: Hailing from the Twin Cities, Louie Blaze embodies the essence of hip hop through storytelling and conscious rap. His music breaks away from mainstream messaging found in today’s hip hop culture, promoting empowerment, persistence, and community healing. Blaze co-founded the organization M4, which aims to reshape the narratives of African American males through accountability and excellence.
- Celena Lena: More than just an artist, Celena is on a mission to uplift women within the hip hop community, challenging derogatory norms and promoting empowerment through her platform in Christian hip hop. As the Youth and Program Director of the Man Up Club, she contributes significantly towards generational wealth and community development.
- Dijai: At World Youth Connect, a youth-led non-profit organization, DJ embodies leadership and uses his platform to mentor and empower the next generation. His street-oriented approach to ministry brings a fresh perspective to hip hop, emphasizing potential and positivity over negativity.
The Conversation on Artistry
A critical aspect discussed was the multifaceted journey of becoming an artist. Mr. Dean and his guests provided insights into the discipline, dedication, and struggles that shape an artist’s career. The conversation touched on crucial topics such as the balance between personal and professional personas, collaboration between business and family, and the legacy of mentorship within artistic endeavors.
The Bigger Picture
The dialogue culminated in a powerful discussion on accountability within the hip hop industry. Using contemporary controversies as a lens, Mr. Dean and the artists highlighted the importance of authentic representation and the need to focus on positive narratives, truth, and community.
By refocusing on the transformative power of music and its potential to foster change, Mr. Dean’s platform on Holy Culture Radio provides a beacon for artists and listeners alike, underscoring the importance of using one’s voice to uplift the community—an emblematic mission of the Man Up Club.
Conclusion
With a strong foundation in mentorship, music, and community leadership, the Man Up Club continues to inspire and mobilize positive change across the Twin Cities and beyond. As Mr. Dean and his team of artists push the boundaries of hip hop, they invite their audience to reflect on their place in the movement, urging each listener to consider the narratives they choose to amplify.
Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to the Man Up Club
01:14 Meet the Artists: Louie Blaze, Celena Mina, and DJ
02:18 Lewiee Blaze’s Musical Journey and Inspirations
04:01 Celena Lena’s Artistic Path and Influences
05:19 Dijai’s Background and Positive Message in Music
15:31 The Role of Women in Hip Hop
19:38 Community Leadership and Initiatives
23:46 Youth-Led Community Initiatives
25:11 The Journey of Becoming an Artist
26:51 The Importance of Artist Development
29:54 Balancing Family and Business in the Music Industry
33:41 The Duality of the Artist and the Person
40:01 Balancing a 9 to 5 Job and Pursuing Artistry
44:41 Controversies in the Music Industry
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