I haven’t posted very much since I started working at The Flint Journal in January 2012, so I want to update you guys on some of the things I’ve done while working here. I’ve interviewed some fantastic people, seen talented Flint people ascend to nationwide/global fame, and chronicled some important things to happen in Flint. You’ll see that I’ve covered a lot more than music since starting at The Flint Journal, and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Read below to see what I’ve been able to do.
Jon Connor coverage
I’ve done a lot of stories about Jon Connor (above), the Flint emcee who recently signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. He was one of my first priorities to cover once I started working here, since I had posted his music on MichiganHipHop.com while I was running that site. But I’ve done several stories I’m proud of. CLICK HERE to read the story I wrote as soon as he announced the record deal, and CLICK HERE for the story I wrote about him when he came back to Flint to celebrate the signing with his family and friends with a party and a concert.
Bands, ‘Ink Master’ and diversity are behind the rich tattoo culture in Flint
I teamed up with Flint Journal photographer Jake May to create a profile on the rich tattoo culture in Flint. Flint is one of the most tattooed cities in the United States, and I spoke to area tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and a health official to find out why. CLICK HERE to read the profile and to check out the photos.
Flint’s own ‘American Band’ Grand Funk Railroad can’t catch a break and get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Why isn’t Grand Funk Railroad – the Flint band behind chart-topping songs like “The Loco-Motion” and “We’re An American Band” – in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? I spoke to DJs, music critics, and lead singer Mark Farner himself for this Flint Journal story.
Flint gospel artists are ‘anointed to sing,’ says Grammy-nominated musician
Flint has an incredible gospel music scene. There are writers, singers, musicians and choirs who tackle regular 9-to-5 jobs before making music that sends them and/or their tunes around the world. CLICK HERE to read my profile on what makes Flint’s gospel arena so great.
The legend of Captain Bubblegum
A straight-to-DVD film was made about Captain Bubblegum, an old Flint horror myth. CLICK HERE to read my story about the background behind that legend, and the film.
The story behind Lyric Da Queen’s eye patch
Flint native Lyric Da Queen captured the hearts of TV viewers around the country as a member of Lyric 145, one of the finalists on “The X Factor USA.” Many people wanted to know the story behind her eye patch, and I was able to talk to her about it. It’s a great example of perseverance, and turning a negative thing into a positive. CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Terry Crews interview
Terry Crews is an amazing actor, but he’s also a Flint native, starting his football career there before being drafted to the NFL and retiring. He came back to Flint to do a fundraiser for an area hospital, and I spoke to him about his career, and how Flint made him. CLICK HERE to read the interview.
Dallas Martin interview
Dallas Martin, the vice president of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music, is from Flint, and he has one of the most inspiring come-up stories I’ve heard, much less written about. CLICK HERE to see how he worked his way to the top.
Tech N9ne interview and concert review
I wasn’t familiar with Tech N9ne’s music, but I’m definitely familiar with his movement: the Kansas City, Mo. emcee is the most successful indie rapper in the industry. I first saw him at Rock The Bells in Detroit a few years ago, and I was surprised when I saw how serious the audience was – they flocked to stage for him like he was one of the headlining acts. He performed in Flint on Friday night, so I interviewed him ahead of time.
CLICK HERE for the interview, where he talks about hanging with Andre 3000 on Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV, giving advice to Machine Gun Kelly while on tour, and watching a member of Insane Clown Posse go Mayweather on his friends.
CLICK HERE for the concert review. Photographer Griffin Moores did an incredible job with the lens, and I think this is the best event review of my career.
Wayne Brady interview
Wayne Brady was the first major story I did for Flint Journal – I interviewed the multi-talented thespian before he performed at The Whiting in Flint. He’s known for his comedy, but we had a candid conversation about racial stigmas in Hollywood, along with his musical endeavors and the imperfections of improvisation. CLICK HERE to check it out, and CLICK HERE for the concert review.
