Rapper Michael Roen was born and raised in the Purple City, Minneapolis. Born in the 80’s to a single mother, he was generally a good student, but he struggled with a weight problem. He spent a good portion of his teens and 20’s partying his time away, although his depression was near.
For Rapper, Michael Roen, Minneapolis was an eclectic place filled with culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, secret society, and racism. “If you grew up in Mill City, you probably have a very open-mind and high-tolerance, which I see as an advantage in a world full of division and hatred based on people’s birth traits,” says Roen.
It is with this open-mind and the rapid decay of the genre (Rap) that gave him an overwhelming sense of urgency to help save it. Roen, with his very unique voice that he has shown to deploy in a variety of ways, along with a vernacular and vocabulary that not many rappers can equal he is on his road to success. He concentrates on his writing almost as spoken word-esque monosyllabic verses that actually work. Many Rappers are forced to switch the word being rhymed every few bars because they run out of words, but Roen’s words are something like a walking thesaurus. He has a command and love for the English language. He was always in advanced classes in school, with aspirations of becoming a Journalist. He has spent years honing on his own style. “It is important in a genre where everyone sounds like they are overdosing on Xanax at the same time,” says Roen.
“I really just want to make good music and use the platform to educate people on the dark forces of the Earth trying to pull them from the light, “ says, Roen. “Some people make a deal with the devil when they start in this industry. I made mine with the Lord to use this talent for good, and besides making you dance, that’s what I hope to accomplish.” Although Roen has been inspired by many Rappers, he tells us that it was Nas that made him want to write. “While many people my age were listening to Backstreet Boys, I was memorizing every lyric to Illmatic. I can still rap it word for word. Just a lyrical masterpiece.”
What is your advice to new Rappers? “Take time to hone your craft. Develop a style that helps you stick out. Go to local shows and support your fellow artists and build bridges. Just note who is worthwhile to collaborate with. Although my experience has been a little sour, find someone to apprentice in music. I learned a lot, even if it was what NOT to do with my career. And don’t give up: you may misfire, but just reload.”
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