Tying tradition to today: Red Lake hip-hop artist's new song involves local youth

RED LAKE -- Some Red Lake Boys and Girls Club youth who had been working on traditional dances for now-canceled powwows were recently given a unique opportunity to show off their skills.

Red Lake hip-hop artist Thomas Barrett, who goes by the stage name Thomas X, gave the 9 to 14-year-old's a virtual stage in his new music video. "All of these kids would take any opportunity to get in their regalia," he said.

His recently released song, "I'm Anishinaabe," blends contemporary powwow singing with modern hip-hop and lyrics about Ojibwe culture.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/community/6626167-Tying-tradition-to-today-Red-Lake-hip-hop-artist%E2%80%99s-new-song-involves-local-youth