Mike Wilson
The Real Mike Wilson - Storyteller and Musician
Vegan rapper, poet, music producer, sound engineer, and writer, I have dedicated my life to the arts. Here's a little bit more history.
Mike Wilson was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He began writing songs at the age of 12 after hearing his classmate repeat the first verse to Eminem's "The Way I Am." His young ears were captivated by the lyrics and the rhythm. A year (or two?) later, a coworker from the Summer Youth Program gave him a pirated version of Fruity Loops 3 which Mike immediately became obsessed with.
Between classrooms ciphers and recording music with his friend and mentor the late Brian Williams for their gospel rap group, Mike continued to hone his skills as a formidable emcee. During this time Mike was also the Co-Director of the theater ministry under mentor and friend, the late Elder Bonnie Reid. After high-school he joined up with fellow rapper Freedom Scott and start a rap group called The N.E.W.S. (No Existence Without Substance.)
Having denounced religion, and refocused on sociopolitical issues, the peer released mix-tapes and performed at venues like The Bowery Poetry Cafe, Santos Party House, Arlene's Grocery and many more. In 2009, Mike was mentored by James "Pop" Gaskins, an original Black Panther of the Brooklyn Chapter, at the Committee To Honor Black Heroes in Bedstuy, Brooklyn.
Since going solo in 2015, Mike has expressed his poetry and writing to a greater degree. He's released 3 projects, performed at numerous There's A Lot To Unpack Here events, So Far Sounds, and countless open mics in both New York and New Jersey. In 2021, he self-published "Faces," a collection of short-stories and poems about his life.
In 2024, Mike launched Studio Time, a workshop that offers lessons in songwriting, poetry-writing and production, as well as a chance to share in a jam session. For more info about Mike, just ask!