MRAC Grant for “Priest” Documentary

Inverted Arts is excited to announce that we have received an Arts Activities grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for a new documentary film, “Priest.” The film will highlight the story of Priest, a 13 year old Rapper and Hip Hop artist from North Minneapolis. Priest recorded his first song at the age of 9, released a five song EP when he was 10, and released his first full album at the age of 12. His music has been highlighted by the Star Tribune, he has performed 100 times nationwide, worked with over 20 local non-profits, and donated back to his community. His message is, “you are never too young to make a difference!” Priest is an inspiration to many young artists and youth, but especially “Black Boys” (a title of one of his songs). As a 13 year old, African American artist, Priest is a role model who is calling youth to have pride in who they are and where they came from. Priest is redeeming Hip Hop to its origins: community based, uplifting, and speaking truth to power. The film will cover Priest’s backstory and artist development, his impact and inspiration to his community, and the importance of having a young, positive black role model. The film will also include a brief history and origins of Hip Hop and show how mainstream Hip Hop has distorted the true essence of the art form. 

The film is a collaboration between three partners: MARK Music Global (Priest’s record label), Chitwood Media and Inverted Arts. The Documentary will be filmed over a course of one week and in addition to Priest, four young North Minneapolis students will serve as co-producers (pictured below). The film will premiere this fall so stay tuned!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”