Meet the Team
This is your Team section. Briefly introduce the team then add their bios below. Click here to edit.
Art Director
Gideon Mekwunye JR
Gideon Mekwunye JR is a Multi-disciplinary artist consisting of dancing, Djing, voice acting,
rapping, etc. He goes by various stage names such as Gid-Nasty, Giddy, G.I.D., and Dj 95. He is a creative facilitator. He has made multiple events, some just to create buzz for an opening dance studio, some to help donate to the homeless, and a major event that became international called to make history. This event was created for the black community to give its expression empowerment while welcoming all ethnicities.
​
He is the Founder of a Breakdance crew called Ace Mob (Artistic creative energetic masters of
breaking) and Co-founder of a Dance crew called The Oakland Originalz. Ace mob is a crew who
targets the competition aspect of the dance culture, while The Oakland Originalz targets the
performing aspect. Over the years both crews have seemingly integrated into doing a little bit of
everything the dance world has to offer. Both these crews were envisioned to be modern-day
examples of how to better their environment, as each member is currently building skills while
giving back to the community. As far as songwriting his goal is to convey his life story regarding the social and economic dynamics of a 1st generation American. He Djays at events and clubs to set a positive vibe for those in need of services. Gideon has performed for Alicia Keys at a pre super bowl event in Sf 2016, The Art of Rap festival at Fremont’s amphitheater 2014, and
Worldwide performances through street theater. Has commercial appearances for Panasonic,
Jansport backpacks, and much more. Gideon has been with a non-profit called Hip Hop for
change for about 9 years, in the recent past two they have taught over 30,000 youth hip hop
education. Youth have been uplifted despite being in the juvenile system or just a local public
school in the bay area. Aside from this Gideon has worked with multiple artists across California,
Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, Miami, Thailand, Las Vegas, Nigeria, Brazil, London, Taiwan, and
Ghana.
Educator
Mitchell James
"Born and raised in Fresno, CA, Mitchell James has a diverse background spanning music, military service, aerospace engineering, education, and nonprofit work. After high school, James joined the military to seek new opportunities and pay for his education. He was a part of the US Navy Seabees for almost 7 years before moving to Colorado to attend school. Upon his exit from the Navy, James went back to school to earn his Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in African American History. While in school he worked diligently to immerse himself into the Colorado music scene, which included the Groundwaves monthly open mic hosted by Murs. In Colorado, Mitchell quickly gained a large following by supporting acts like Young MA, Marlon Craft, KYLE, The Living Legends, Brother Ali, Fashawn, Planet Asia, and countless others, leading him to become one of the most sought after live acts in the region.
​
After graduation, Mitchell returned home to California and found roots in Los Angeles. He became one of the key organizers for multiple platforms that worked to break hip-hop artists in LA and across the country, including PayDayLA and ThatGoodSh*t. He leveraged his skills in communication and media by doing PR for several Billboard 100 artists, including Juvenile, 50 Cent, and Tech N9ne. In 2022, Mitchell joined the Hip Hop for Change team as a hip-hop educator and continues to spread his message of positivity and perseverance through his music throughout the country. Mitchell's ultimate goal is to positively contribute to the music and culture that has enriched his life by providing other artists with the means to do what they dream for a living.
Program Coordinator
Lil MC
A natural performer, LiL MC stands out on stages with dynamic delivery and sassy wit. This paired with her freestyle rap skills got her recognized quickly after she started performing in 2010 by competing as one of the only women on the local rap battle scene and going on to become a rap battle champion.
​
Since then, she's expanded her musical craft from rapping and song-writing to develop her talents in singing and music production, making her one of the 3% of women music producers in the world. Now, she's teaching beat-making and songwriting to thousands of students all over the country as the program coordinator for Oakland Based non-profit, Hip Hop for Change.
​
She's traveled internationally both as a touring artist and an educator but she’s most passionate about building up women in Hip Hop and amplifying Bay Area artists, which is evident through the founding of the Queens of the Underground, a woman-powered performance showcase and professional development platform.
Educator
Jayd Cisneros
Jayd Cisneros Aka illijahbeats is an Artist/ producer DJ from Bakersfield CA by way of Los Angeles. He is an original bboy- Producer- Artist- DJ and is also known for his high level Finger-Drummimg performance .
I started off dancing/ Break dancing as a kid when I was 5 years old. It was something that naturally struck me. By the influences of kung foo movies and Hiphop culture, it’s gotten me where I am today as an artist, and overall person. I’ve transcended the hiphop elements from dancing, and took an even deeper dive into music. I have been featured on Apple Music with soulection radio with. Has opened of for live shows Such As Pak House (Anderson Pak festival) Coachella Festival (silent disco Stage) And was on tour with LCOOLJ and DJ Ztrip World tour.. I have DJ’d many events in Los Angeles and also have performed for a few artist such as Busta Rhymes, the root's, missy elliot, Queen Latifah , tribe called quest and also have projects with Red Bull music. You can find and follow me on IG @illijahbeats and also has his music on all streaming platforms.