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Def-i (Diné) cut his teeth as a rapper freestyling in rural New Mexico. He just put the skills he’s been honing in the years since to the test in a pair of back-to-back freestyle events; he participated in a three-day rap cypher marathon followed by a 13-hour freestyle attempt to break a Guinness World Record. Def-i calls it a “grueling challenge”.
Longtime Minneapolis-based rapper Tall Paul incorporates his Ojibwe language into much of his creative works. That is the case in his latest single, “Prayers in a Song 2”, which explores Native identity and reconnection. He also released a horror-themed EP titled Ghoulash. The record offers scathing social and political commentary, with lyrical imagery fit for a Halloween party and track titles like “Zombies Ate My Natives”, “Horror D’oeuvres”, and “iLL Eagle Alien.”
Both talented rappers join us on our Native Playlist, our regular feature celebrating Native music.
Break 1 Music: Resilient (song) Def-I (artist) Resilient (album)
Break 2 Music: Put Your Feathers On (song) Blue Moon Marquee & Northern Cree (artist) Get Your Feathers Ready (Album)
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