Becky G created many friends at the MN State Fair yesterday with her energetic, multifaceted and expansive mix of reggaeton, regional, Chicano, Hip-Hop and R&B, leaving the audience in awe of her beautiful voice and stage presence at the MN State Fair Grandstand last night. The audience kept singing “Becky . . . Becky . . . Becky” in between songs. It was a @BeckyG love fest. She emotionally accepted the love and gave the ultimate performance back to the audience. Backed by dancers and DJ, Becky G’s performance was artistically beautiful and her talent is outstanding.
As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, born and raised in Inglewood, Calif., Becky is no stranger to hardships and is passionate about her community. She uses her massive platform to speak out against inequality and raise awareness on social issues, including Black Lives Matter and DREAMers, and has made it a point to give back to her community.
Her tribute to the artist that inspired her most, Selena, was beautiful and included film footage of Selena, which showed an astounding resemblance.
Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Featuring Akwamu Traditional Area’s King Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, III and Queen Mother Nana Afrakoma, II, of West Africa, Ghana, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III, MN Humanities CEO Kevin Lindsey, St. Cloud State University American Studies Chair and Minnesota Book Award Winner Dr. Christopher Lehman, and Minnesota creative treasures T. Mychael Rambo, Thomasina Petrus and concluding with voices of the Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC).
This year’s documentary film is brought to audiences thanks to MN Humanities Center, Ujamaa Place, St. Paul Public Library, City of St. Paul, National Endowment for the Arts and supported by C.A. Ellis and Black 2 Black Capacity Builder Project.
Commemorate Black History & Culture is a BELOVED COMMUNITY partnership supported by Ujamaa Place, Saint Paul Public Library, MN Humanities Center and Public Art Saint Paul, in partnership with the City of Saint Paul, MN Arts Council, Young Rembrandts. An OMG Studios Production
Registration is now open for FREE Community Yin Yoga/Meditation with Angelique Dubois on Feb. 18! Space is limited. SIGN UP TODAY.
Calling all young artists!!! Mark your calendars for the Young Rembrandts Drawing Class on Feb. 25 at the George Latimer Central Library in downtown Saint Paul. Space is limited, register today.
A Black Man’s Sketch Black History Edition features a series of shows with Ujamaa Men talking about what Black History means to them that will be released throughout the month of February.
Music Monuments are a powerful force in the #KZMOVERSE, honoring the artistic contributions musicians make in society.
While Andre has always contributed fierce funk to the artists he collaborated with, Still A Thrill being the shining example, he first debuted the most furious funk for his own forthcoming solo record when he previewed songs live at Paisley Park New Years Eve in 2019/2020. While the pandemic pushed pause on everything, this album full of funk cannot be contained and will come out this summer. Listen to the full interview on The Boogie Down with Binky Griptite, Saturday April 2nd at 8:00pm CST at KZMOHD.com. Powered by OMG Media, KZMO-HD is a creatively and environmentally responsible, global and cultural media platform, on a mission to empower the human race through music and art. Learn more at: KZMOHD.com At OMG Media and its sister-brands, our work is centered around building cultural sustainability, in which music and art are essential to human survival and development. We strive to empower communities through our OMGisms – social constructs rooted in the arts that nurture and improve the health and wellness of youth and families. Learn more at: omgmediasolutions.com.
OMG Studios' Announces Its Innovation Lab Youth Will Host Its KZMOHD Community Podcast Network
About OMG Studios Innovation Lab
OMG Studios Innovation Lab is an interactive and evolving music, art and literature immersion project that will function as a cultural content creator hub. Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture.
Mission Statement
To provide a creative outlet for youth for music, art and literary expression, development, and education.
About KZMOHD Community Podcast Network
A community podcast network started in March 2022 as the original content distribution network for OMG Media and OMG Studios showcasing its vast media programming developed with community partners.
OMG Studios is located in the Creative Enterprise Zone of Saint Paul, MN. KZMOHD Community Network streams in high definition at OMG Studios, a state-of-the-art podcast, music and entertainment production studio and youth innovation lab.
The 2025 Innovation Music Lab Cohort is in full force!
In its 2nd official launch year, we are proud to welcome six amazingly talented youth to the 2025 music innovation lab, whose ages range from 14-18. The name of their band is The Black Note.
OMG Studios Director, Monique Linder commented on the importance of transferring knowledge to youth . . .
“On March 25th, we were blessed with a Music Innovation Lab Session with Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty during their first “Plus One” tour stop in Minneapolis, MN. This is an important element of OMG Studios’ immersive music lab instruction, learning the music business from professional artists, musicians, entertainment lawyers and industry experts. The War and Treaty shared their brilliance with the youth, and the parents in attendance, after a 15-minute The Black Note set of four songs performed for Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty. It was such a beautiful evening bearing witness to the impact and responsibility that Artists have to pass their knowledge to present and future generations. Our goal is not to have a dark space where knowledge dies in the music sphere between generations.”
Video Credit: OMG Studios Videographer: Monique Linder
Three years ago, OMG Media successfully piloted the program before opening OMG Studios in 2024, by partnering with the MN State Fair to feature the band Ujamaa Music Group on the International Bizarre Stage. In 2024, OMG Studios opened its doors in the Creative Enterprise Zone in Saint Paul, with 3,200 square feet of professional, state-of-the-art production space, that includes a recording studio, podcast studio, live event performance space, artist green room and an innovation lab course instruction space. The innovation lab participants are immersed into live OMG Studios’ productions shadowing professional audio and production engineers.
The students commit to a full year of sessions that include a mix of classroom, immersive lab instruction and live events activities for youth at differing levels of arts, literature and music technical skills. Participants discover their passion along the way and connection to the artist they are and strive to be.
We are grateful to The War and Treaty for the time they spent pouring their knowledge and support into the youth. We are grateful to the parents of these incredible young people, for their commitment and support in teaching their children to honor the music greats that came before them, and recognizing and supporting the talent their children were born with.
These sessions are extremely valuable to participant progression in understanding the business of music (good and bad), developing their stage presence, and learning how to protect themselves in an industry known for exploitation. Michael and Tanya Trotter were extremely generous with their time spent answering questions from the youth, and their parents.
Photo credit: OMG Studios Photographer: Nagashia Jackson
OMG Studios Innovation Lab is an interactive and evolving music, art and literature immersion project that will function as a cultural content creator hub. Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture. Its mission is to provide a creative outlet for youth for music, art and literary expression, development, and education.
OMG Studios Cultural Sustainability Promise
Our work is centered around building cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
OMG STUDIOS PRESENTS TINY BLOCK PARTY WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY THE WAR AND TREATY
What: Tiny Block Party with Special Appearance by The War and Treaty
When: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Patio at Lake Monster Brewing Co., 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul, MN 55114 (in the event of inclement weather, event will move inside the brewery)
Celebrating the release of their new album, Plus One, Tiny Block Party will feature a special appearance by The War and Treaty, meet & greet, listening session powered by DJ Lenka Paris, pop-up shop, and a chance to win a pair of tickets to their show at Fine Line. Minneapolis is the first stop on the Plus One Tour, at Fine Line on March 26.
Plus One Tracklist:
1. Love Like Whiskey
2. Skyscraper
3. Can I Get an Amen
4. Called You by Your Name
5. Stealing a Kiss
6. Teardrops in the Rain
7. Leads Me Home
8. Carried Away
9. Drink From Me ft. Billy Strings
10. Reminisce
11. Save Me
12. Love Is on Fire
13. I Can’t Let You Go
14. Home
15. Love Light
16. Mr. Fun
17. Tunnel Vision
18. The Glorious Ones
About OMG Studios
OMG Studios is a multidisciplinary media and production studio located in the Raymond-University district of Saint Paul. Our mission is to build cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
About The War and Treaty
Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Recently earning theirfirst ever GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song for “Blank Page,” they also received this year their first ever Duo of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association, Vocal Duo nomination from the Academy of Country Music, plus recognition by the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Americana Music Association including earning AMA Duo/Group of the Year for the second straight year. The War And Treaty has captivated audiences across the globe from North America to Europe, Australia and beyond, while headlining their own shows and opening for a diverse group of living legends: Al Green, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, John Legend, Lauren Daigle, and Van Morrison among them.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of Sly and the Family Stone, Jerry Martini aka “Papa J” and Monique (KZMOHD Producer) sit down to share their experience at Sundance for the release of the documentary “Sly Lives” (aka The Burden of Black Genius), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and produced by Joseph Patel.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Jerry Martini, Making A Special Appearance At Official Premiere of “SLY LIVES” Documentary
The legendary co-founder of Sly and the Family Stone, saxophonist Martini is credited by Sly Stone with starting the band in the 60s
Park City, Utah (January 21, 2025) – Founding member of the first, integrated, multi-gender American band, Jerry Martini, will arrive in Park City for the premiere of the Sly Lives documentary, directed by Ahmir (Quest Love) Thompson, at its Sundance premiere on Thursday, January 23rd.
.Recently Jerry Martini celebrated his 82nd birthday on October 1st, in Minneapolis, MN. Sharing the same birthday as President Jimmy Carter, Jerry played Happy Birthday on his beloved saxophone while Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang happy birthday to President Carter on his 100th birthday at the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Build Forward Bash.
“It was a great honor to be on stage with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, President Carter, who gave so much love to the world,” says Jerry Martini. Jerry went on to say . . .”It was a very special night of music celebrating President Carter’s latest housing project for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity called The Heights. It looked like a whole city of newly built homes for the community of Saint Paul, MN.
Jerry Martini, aka Papa J, has performed with countless music luminaries including Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Chris Rock, Mike Bloomfield and Van Morrison. Martini also performed during the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, sharing the stage with Steven Tyler, Jee Beck and Randy Jackson. As a song writer, Martini wrote “One With The Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album. Martini and female trumpeter, the late Cynthia Robinson toured with Larry Graham from 1997 to 2000 with Prince and performed on Prince’s 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special, “Rave Un2 The Year 2000.
In 1977, Martini started another successful funky rock group called “Rubicon,” releasing two albums before disbanding in 1979. Today, The Family Stone band can be seen touring the country performing the music of Sly and the Family Stone with Phunne Stone on vocals, who is the daughter of Cynthia Robinson and Sly Stone. Martini reflected on the success of Sly and the Family Stone and continues the legacy of the group by praising his touring band that includes: Swang Stewart, performing lead vocals, keys and guitar, Nate Wingfield (Guitar), Frank Klepacki (Drums), Blaise Sison (Bass) and Jimi McKinney (Keys), for keeping guests on their feet – dancing to the music that makes you feel good – paying homage to Sly and the Family Stone by keeping their unique sound in the hearts of EVERYDAY PEOPLE, who buy tickets to see them perform.
Watch this YouTube video of Sly Stone giving Jerry Martini credit for his vision shared of starting and leading the new band in 1966: Sly Stone: Portrait of a Legend – documentary (part 1 of 2) A great early 80’s documentary on Sly Stone from the Portrait of a Legend series . . .
Jerry Martini, aka Papa J is the original founder of Sly & the Family Stone. He is a founding member of the first inter-racial, multi-gender major American Band. He has also performed with countless luminaries including Mike Bloomfield, Carlos Santana, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Robert Cray, Willie Lomax, Prince, Graham Central Station, and Van Morrison. He is avid at horn arrangements as well as songwriting including “One With the Sun” on Santana’s “Barbaletta album among others. Through the millennial new year, he, along with Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, played with Prince on his 1999/2000 New Year’s Pay Per View special “Rave Un2 the year 2000”.
About Everyday People Project
The Everyday People Project will travel to cities across America spreading love and unity through the music of Sly and the Family Stone under the direction of its co-founder and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Jerry Martini. The Everyday People Project spreads love and human kindness through community partners that support music and art programs in marginalized communities. The Everyday People Project will tour cities with the greatest need and will provide a pre-determined amount of ticket sales to organizations that provide vital services in the community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/25/24: Award-Winning MN African American History Film Announces Fall 2024 Tour
Saint Paul, MN – “Best Short Documentary” (Santa Barbara International Movie Awards) and “Best Producer” (Hollywood Discovery Awards) film, Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History, announces a 5-city tour happening this Fall.
About the Film
This documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott at Fort Snelling, and into conversations with current and future scholars about where we go from here.
Co-produced by: OMG Studios and Minnesota Humanities Center Featuring: King Odeneho Kwafo Akoto, III & Queen Mother Nana Afrakoma, II (Akwamu Traditional Area, Ghana, AF); Melvin Carter, III (Mayor, St. Paul); Kevin Lindsey (CEO, Minnesota Humanities Center); Dr. Christopher Lehman (Ethnic Studies Chair, Ethnic, Gender, and Women’s Studies, St. Cloud State University); T. Mychael Rambo; Thomasina Petrus; and Voices from Black Youth Healing Arts Center
Tour Dates
10/12 – North Minneapolis (Twin Cities Black Film Festival) 10/19 – Waite Park* 10/20 – St. Louis Park (Twin Cities Film Festival) 10/26 – Rochester*
11/9 – Duluth* *FREE ADMISSION thanks to support from Minnesota Humanities Center and features a
post-screening discussion with appearances by those featured in the film. Reserve tickets: https://omgmediasolutions.com/reckoning-with-slavery-film-tour/
About Minnesota Humanities Center The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) collaborates with individuals, organizations, and communities to bring transformational humanities programming into the lives of Minnesotans throughout the state.
Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History Film
“Best Short Documentary” (Santa Barbara International Movie Awards) and “Best Producer” (Hollywood Discovery Awards) film, Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History, announces a 5-city tour happening this Fall.
Tickets on Sale Now for Public Celebration Featuring Celebrity Emcee, Jonathan Scott, co-host of Property Brothers, and Performances by The Family Stone and St. Paul and the MPLS Funk All-Stars
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will host the public celebration for the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project and to honor President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday at the Build Forward Bash on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at The Armory. The Build Forward Bash is a concert that is open to the public with performances by The Family Stone and St. Paul and the MPLS Funk All-Stars. Property Brothers co-host, entrepreneur, and Habitat Humanitarian Jonathan Scott will emcee the Bash with a special program honoring President Carter’s 100th birthday.
Tickets to the Build Forward Bash are only $15 each and can be purchased at tchabitat.org/buildforwardbash. Ticket proceeds benefit Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
The Carter Work Project is the official launch of Twin Cities Habitat’s construction efforts on The Heights housing development on St. Paul’s Greater East Side. The Carter Work Project will take place over President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday and will be hosted by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who will be building a home along with more than 4,000 volunteers from across Minnesota and the country. The crew is set to help build the first 30 homes of the development that week.
For the last 40 years, the Carter Work Project has traveled to 14 countries and brings together thousands of volunteers, celebrities, elected officials and other VIPs to build homes and cast a global spotlight on the importance of affordable housing. Twin Cities Habitat was chosen as the host for the 2024 project and has been diligently working over the last year to prepare for the week-long event.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: The Armory 500 S. 6th St., Minneapolis
Who: Property Brothers co-host, entrepreneur, and Habitat Humanitarian, Jonathan Scott, The Family Stone, and St. Paul & the MPLS Funk All-Stars, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and other local dignitaries.
About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity brings people together to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership and advance racial equity in housing. Since 1985, more than 1,800 families have partnered with Twin Cities Habitat to unlock the transformational power of homeownership. Twin Cities Habitat is one of the highest-regarded Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide. www.tchabitat.org.
As an Artist, Chance The Rapper is driven by the love he receives from his adoring fans. He responds by pouring love into his artistry, that is next level when it comes to creatively speaking truth. There is something truly pure and innocent about the way he connects his music to his fans in his latest Star Line project. He bears his soul in his music and leaves it all on the stage.
You may have heard that Chance released a song titled “3333,” which was his response to his agents asking him to cancel the show due to low ticket sales. The song opens with a funky beat and goes right into a story about the days when he would perform for 17 people. He goes on stage and still sees 17 people that showed up for him, referencing the 3,333 people that purchased tickets is why he would never cancel a show.
If you are into “numerology” the number 3 is Chance’s favorite number and the number “3333” is referenced as an angel number associated with the energies of joy, optimism and enthusiasm. The study of numerology reveals the numbers “3333” signify a strong presence of divine guidance and that angels and spiritual guides encourage tapping into your creative abilities and to authentically express yourself.
After watching Chance The Rapper’s MN State Fair concert, you could feel his joy, optimism and enthusiasm and the divine presence of our ancestors and angels encouraging him to be his true authentic self.
The next morning I received an email from his team inviting us to Chance’s private listening session that took place at a meeting center at Mall of America . . .
Hey Monique! Thank you so much for coming out and supporting Chance tonight and throughout the week! Chance was just mentioning you and the Innovation Lab Youth and would love to invite you all to his private listening experience event “Writing’s on the Wall” taking place at 9:30pm CT.
This listening session experience was a heavy mix of visual projection and surround sound, including lyrics visually displayed on screen. Everyone experienced this production while lounging on bean bags with glow in the dark headphones. Loved the “No Cell Phone” policy which forces everyone to be present in the moment. Chance gave me Prince vibes when he popped out of a side door into the space, and when he spoke from behind the drapes, as you were hearing and not seeing, welcoming you aboard the Star Line Cruise . . . This is your Captain. The Star Line journey was magnificent!!!
What we heard from Chance during his private listening session . . .
Chance freely exposed vulnerability when he explained how his past two albums did not resonate with his base which made he shy away from putting out music for a period.
Chance reads all social media comments.
Chance spends quality time with his children just being a dad.
Chance is unapologetically independent as an Artist.
Chance is constantly working on innovative ways to deliver his music.
Chance was raised in the church.
“As a creative that has been in the game for sometime, I feel like Chance The Rapper is just getting started.” ~Monique Linder, OMG Media Solutions
Photo credit: OMG Studios Photographer: Nagashia Jackson
