The Minnesota Hip Hop and Education Summit returns to St. Cloud State University in November, bringing together industry professionals, enthusiasts, educators and scholars of all ages to celebrate and explore the vibrant culture of hip hop.
The one-day conference will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 3 in the Atwood Memorial Center at SCSU, providing attendees with a one-of-a-kind professional development experience and a platform to discuss, showcase and inspire innovation within the realms of music, dance, fashion, visual arts and socio-cultural impact.
“The summit is a singular celebration of all things hip hop culture, and on hip hop’s 50 anniversary, we are thrilled to highlight Minnesota’s place in the conversation and are excited to shine a light on the educational power of arts and culture,” said Dr. Michael Dando, Associate Professor of English and Program Director of Communication Arts and Literature at SCSU who helps organize the summit.
The Minnesota Hip Hop and Education Summit saw great success during its first year at SCSU in 2022, giving everyone a chance to immerse in the culture of hip hop, connect with like-minded individuals, discuss important topics relevant to hip culture and studies, and more.
Key features of the summit in 2023 include Interactive workshops, live performances from Minnesota’s top hip hop artists, open mic, community mural painting, breakdancing sessions, drum circles, a pop-up record shop and bookstore, and more. Educators who attend will have access to strategies and approaches for teaching hip hop across the curriculum and will have professional development hours.
Multiple notable presenters and performers will be present during this year’s summit, including: J. Rawls, Carnage the Executioner, Dr. Tasha Iglesias, Mickey Breeze, Chris Britton, Vera Naputi, Dr. ‘DJ’ Johnson and Tyrus Goshay.
The cost to attend the event is $10 for students and $100 for faculty, staff and community members. Learn more about the event and how to register by visiting the Minnesota Hip Hop and Education Summit website.
Presenter and Performer Details
J. Rawls
J. Rawls is a producer and DJ. He produced with BlackStar which placed him on the map among independent hip hop producers. He as also worked with artists including, Dom Genesis (Odd Future), Capital Steez )Pro Era), Beastie Boys, El Da Sensei, Sadat X, 9th Wonder and other? He also has over 15 years of K-12 teaching experience. Rawls co-authored the book, “Youth Culture Power: A #HipHopEd Guide to Teacher-Student Relationships and Student Engagement” with John Robinson through Peter Lang Publishers.
Carnage the Executioner
Carnage the Executioner has been at work over the last twelve years. He is boasting an undeniable resume with quality releases. Although he is a Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist, he has had multiple shows in Europe & South East Asia, touring the U.S., and delivering an engaging live show has enabled Carnage to steal the hearts of music fans worldwide. As an experienced human beatboxer of over 30 years, Carnage instructs others to use the body as an instrument.
Dr. Tasha Iglesias
Dr. Tasha Iglesias is the President of the Hip-Hop Association of the advancement and education. She serves as an Adjunct faculty member, public speaker, consultant, and community leader with 15 years of experience working for universities, non-profit organizations, and labor unions. Education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, Master’s degree in Sociology and Ed.D in Educational Leadership (Higher Education).
Mickey Breeze
Mickey Breeze is a DJ, artist and educator. A native of Twin Cities native, he has over 10 years of musical experience that started as early as the age of 5 years old, the word “prodigy” would be an understatement. He started playing instruments at age 5 and now plays trumpet, drums, piano, violin and cello. At age 8, he began producing music electronically, and by age 10, DJing seemed like the logical next step that combined production with the knack for live performance he picked up as a musician.
Chris Britton
Chris Britton is a hip hop head to the core. He is currently a teach er at Marshall High School in Rock Island Illinois. Chris grounds his entire teaching pedagogy utilizing Hip Hop pillars. He started his career as a Youth Pastor where he used music and breakdancing as a way to reach his community.
Vera Naputi
Vera Naputi has been teaching middle and high school for over 20 years. Focus is on designing and implementing curriculum that is youth centered, structured, relevant, skill-based, and future oriented. Values team teaching and co-constructing curriculum alongside youth and adults for engagement and effectiveness. Instructional coach for curriculum, instruction and lesson planning that is centered in equity and intersectionality. Lover of youth, collective building with adults, centering voice and minds, visioning and dreaming.
Dr. ‘DJ’ Johnson
Dr. Johnson has spent 25 years working with students of all ages. His expertise is community building to create impact. He is the founder of Loras Colleges Black Men United (a support group for African American Male students) and the Gentleman’s Breakfast club, created for African American males at Dubuque Senior High School. DJ has served as a mentor, coach, teacher father and more. He is currently serving as the Principal of Ankeny High School in Ankeny, Iowa. He has a history of building community at his organizations by using the utilizing the hip-hop principle of knowledge of self.
Tyrus Goshay
Tyrus Goshay is an award-winning digital illustrator and 3D artist with over 18 years of experience. He is a college professor, teaching game design and illustration in his off time. Tyrus has a Bachelor in Computer Animation and Multimedia and a Master’s degree in Teaching with Technology (MALT).
