Toki Wright is one of the dopest emcees around who makes noise both on the microphone and as an uncompromising community activist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We like to call him the unofficial Mayor of the Twin Cities. His album Meal Plan Low Budget is a cult classic. He is currently working on a new album.

We sat down and spoke with Toki and he talked at length about the history, ethnic makeup and the politics of the Twin Cities. He talked to us about the challenges he faces everyday working with young people in the hood as the head of his organization 'Yo the Movement'. He notes that police brutality, education, crime and the need to better understood and engaged are key issues. He talked at length about how he worked hard to make sure his youth were brought up to speed politically and taught to think critically. He noted how Minnesota icon and comedian Al Franken had neglected campaigning in the hood and making himself known to a community which is often taken for granted or completely overlooked.

Toki insists that his community be included and he often goes out of his way to personally take people around and give them low down as to what is really going on around his way. At the same time he is no pushover or some cat begging for handouts. He talked at length about how organizations allow themselves to be compromised in an attempt to get funding. For Toki its about speaking truth and finding common ground and at the end of the day being in partnership with those who come to his part of town seeking votes or support. he also noted that every individual and organization has a role to play. For him he likes to make sure people of like minds and interests are connected and that they build something wonderful in coming together

Toki talked at length about the important role musicians in the Twin Cities have played over the years in terms of setiing an example of how to be self sufficient and independent. He talked about Prince and how he supports lots of organizations while not attaching his name and remaining behind the scenes. The same goes for other icons like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Toki also talked about the important role that the Rhymesayers Collective has played over the years. Less