If you have a music video you would like to be featured, send it my way at fridayfive [at] thecurrent.org! Lewiee Blaze – “Freedom Fighter” “Freedom Fighter” is rapper Lewiee Blaze’s ode to black activists, from protest footage from Minneapolis this past week to historical figures like Fred Hampton. The artist’s candid recording of events…

Yesterday, Morning Show host Jill Riley spoke with Tim Wilson, the owner and operator of Urban Lights, the only black-owned record store in the Twin Cities, which has been around for nearly three decades now. The two discussed the history of Urban Lights, the rebuilding of the Midway neighborhood following the events of the last…

The Twin Cities community has been impacted deeply by the killing of George Floyd. In the wake of tragedy, many forms of neighborly support have surfaced. We’ve compiled a list of ongoing efforts that are seeking and offering aid locally. Donation and Distribution Sites Interactive map of sites in the Twin Cities taking donations and…

“We all miss it; the live audiences, the fun, and the laughter.” said Tom Franek in a conversation with me regarding his cruise ship entertainment career that, due to the pandemic, has been put on hold. People have been speculating how the pandemic is going to impact the future of the live entertainment industry, and…

“This feels like we’re actually going forward.” said MC Longshot, while discussing the community’s powerful response to the police killing of George Floyd, and the current momentum in the ongoing fight for racial equity. “That’s the actual, hardcore meaning of movement, so I’m really proud of Minneapolis.” Local Show host, Andrea Swensson, had a conversation…

An album of newly-recorded tracks, compiled by local guitarist Matt Sowell and released via San Francisco’s Tompkins Square record label, is available now with proceeds going to benefit black-owned businesses and Native youth in Minneapolis. Out of the Ashes: A Benefit Album for Minneapolis is available exclusively on Bandcamp. The tracks include Siama Matuzungidi and Dallas…

On the day marking 62 years since Prince was born in Minneapolis, 26 collaborators spanning his career have collaborated, remotely, on a cover of “The Cross.” Created under the auspices of Kirk Johnson’s KAJ Productions, the recording is “dedicated to Minneapolis,” according to a title card. According to a press release: Kirk Johnson of Minneapolis…

Among music and music-adjacent businesses in the Twin Cities, black-owned businesses are underrepresented. Here are some black-owned or black-run music retailers, venues, theaters, mixed art spaces, and publications enriching the Twin Cities’ art and culture. Music retail Urban Lights is the only black-owned record store in the Twin Cities, and specializes in hip-hop. Urban Lights…

Following the killing of George Floyd while in police custody, the Twin Cities and beyond have become activated in many ways. Throughout a week of many protests, the community of the Twin Cities has formed a strong bond. In addition to demonstrations, communities have come together to operate donation banks, distribution centers, first aid, clothing…

This past Wednesday, June 3, Jill Riley talked with Dua Saleh on The Current’s Morning Show. Here’s their conversation, which touched on “body cast” – a new song with an urgent message that’s been amplified by the Recording Academy, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork. Jill Riley: I have songwriter, poet, actor, Minneapolis community member, Dua Saleh,…