When “I say Oakland, You say Mind!”
The real speak back. Ever Since 2014 when the Oakland Mind had their first congregation on the streets of Downtown Oakland. All creative s0uls are welcome. Everyone is given the opportunity to spit their truth on the mic and build community with others. Art. Music. & Culture. These are the founding principles of the Oakland mind.
No two cyphers are the same, except for the beautiful energy you can feel emanating from the core Oakland Mind members who are at the Mary Weather every week, rain or shine. My mouth routinely is hanging on the floor or curved into the widest grin when the mic gets passed to cats like Remy, Javier, Crsna, Deli, Mac Che (the cypher MC), or Najee, (leader of the group). It amazing what Spirit inspires in the minds of these artists, and its really hard to believe what you’re hearing . . . sometimes I get jealous the raps are so good!
What makes these cyphers really special is the love that flows through this community of artists in a way most have never had the pleasure of experiencing. So many talented artists pop in to the cyphers. The mutual support is heart warming. The Mind regularly gives energy to the Anti-Sex Trafficking movement advanced by Regina’s Door, enjoys the vibes of Nights at the Libertine by @AnyXMeans, and collaborates with Struggle ENT to organize monthly show that shake the foundation at Brix.
And its not just music! Nzingha and Omi hold it down for the womxn in the group, slaying in Fashion and Performance Arts. Omi recently birthed a king of a child and brightens ups the Thursday Cyphers when ever she brings him around. And Nzingha is a powerhouse fashion model who works bi-coastal, tearing up the runway and spreading the Oakland Mind ethos.
By linking together a group of high powered artists, The Oakland Mind has done something really special. Every member in the group is thriving in their own art, yet the conscious decide to collect together to have a larger impact. The community recognizes the power of the Mind, and nominated them for a prestigious Soul of Oakland Indie Award in 2017. The Oakland Mind has been trending upward in the underground music scene since birth in 2014. With Oakland becoming the Seat of the Bay Area, and the driver of culture in the region, don’t be surprised if you see the Oakland Mind having a profound impact in the near future.