We recently connected with Dante Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dante, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

A meaningful project for me involves being part of a team organizing a youth benefit concert series in my community. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by examples of generosity, stemming from a family legacy of giving that my parents instilled in me early on, inspired by the teachings of their mothers. My childhood was filled with the care of family, friends, teachers, and coaches, ensuring I was motivated and supported. At the age of 17, I experienced a transformative moment, presenting my own creation for the first time at an open mic event curated by my creative writing teacher. Despite initial nervousness, stumbling through my poem while reading it from my phone, I got off stage feeling empowered.
Leimert Park, my neighborhood, has a rich history of artists using their talents to give back and inspire. Immersed in this culture during my upbringing, I felt a deep desire to reciprocate the positive energy that shaped my world. Now, contributing to a youth benefit concert series is not just a project but a continuation of the legacy of generosity that has been passed down through generations.

Dante, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From my earliest memories, I found a natural affinity for books and words. When my immediate family faced fragmentation, I sought solace in athletics, finding an escape that helped me navigate the challenges. Throughout, community played a pivotal role – I was nurtured by the village that surrounded me. Coming off a trip to the state championship the year prior. My senior year of high school took an unexpected turn when a season-ending basketball injury led me to switch my elective to creative writing. It was here that I encountered the legendary Angeleno, Mike “The Poet” Sonksen, who recognized something special in my writing. Under his guidance, I ventured into the vibrant world of open mics across Los Angeles.
My confidence blossomed through unconventional stages – trains, buses, parks, and street corners became my platforms for guerrilla-style poetry. Evolving, I began performing at various institutions, engaging in writing workshops with youth and accepting the role of an ambassador. Now known as the Prince of the Ghetto, my goal is to uplift my community through both my art and coaching.
What sets me apart is the fusion of my athletic background, artistic expression, and commitment to community empowerment.
I never lost my passion for sports, and I use both sports and art to bring empowerment and positivity to the world. For over 16 years of coaching, personal training, and performing, I’ve advocated for pushing through obstacles, using self-love and discipline as tools for transformation and elevation – not only physically but mentally and spiritually.

This is too good of a segue so I’ll use this as a time to plug myself! I’m thrilled to share my latest single, “The Key,” co written and produced by the talented Balam Garcia, a powerful anthem expressing that “we have the key to free our minds forever.” This song captures my desire to instill the spirit of empowerment in others, sparking a journey towards self-liberation and elevation.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I invite you to join me on this transformative journey. Explore the multifaceted facets of my work, and let “The Key” serve as a resonant symbol of empowerment in your own life. Together, let’s unlock the doors to a liberated and uplifted existence.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

You know, for me, the most rewarding thing about being a creative is the journey of bringing an idea to life. It’s like this magical process where something that started in your mind becomes a real, tangible thing for others to experience. Especially in my music, it’s not just about making sounds; it’s about creating something that will stick around, you know? Something that might inspire someone, maybe even long after I’m gone.

I really see it as a kind of duty, in a way. Life has its ups and downs, and when we’re in those tough spots, we all need a bit of inspiration to get through. So, when I’m creating, I keep that in mind. I think, “How can this piece, this melody, these words, inspire someone out there?” It’s like this cycle of inspiration—taking what life throws at you, turning it into something positive, and then sharing that positivity with others. That’s what makes the whole creative process so rewarding for me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

So, picture this—I was 28, a struggling artist barely making ends meet. Studio time? A luxury. Social media presence? Not exactly popping. No full album to my name, bills piling up… you get the picture. It wasn’t the best of times. But deep in the back of my mind for a decade was this wild idea about organizing a book drive in my community.

One day, the voice in my head, my gut, intuition, whatever you want to call it, spoke louder than ever: “You have to have an event in your community, use your gifts to inspire the youth.” Everything was a struggle, but ignoring this call felt like an even tougher battle. I formulated my pitch and nervously walked into a local coffee shop called Hot and Cool Cafe.

To my luck, the owner was there. Sweating bullets, I spilled my vision. A fundraising event for books and supplies, featuring local and youth artists. She gave me this look, a mix of shock and amusement, and then broke into a smile. Turns out, a teenage DJ named Dj Kai had pitched the same idea, and they needed artists. We exchanged emails, set up a meeting, and it was on! The synergy was through the roof.

Long story short, we pulled it off. Donations poured in, Dj Kai provided the beats, Hot and Cool Cafe offered the space, and I was in charge of the entertainment. It was a boom moment! Even now, typing this, I’m still blown away by how it all fell into place. I learned a valuable lesson that day: never dismiss a special idea, even if you’re not sure how it’ll come together. Act on it.

This whole experience made me take on way more than just creating and performing. Suddenly, I was orchestrating an entire event, handling logistics, coordinating with partners, and being a driving force behind a cause. It broadened my role as an artist from someone who creates and performs to someone who can mobilize a community for a greater purpose. It’s like my artistry evolved beyond the stage, taking on a more significant role in community engagement and impact.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lineageofthekingdom?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/zenmastahphresh?s=21
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@princeoftheghetto333?si=Eroamwt377YCwQbX

Image Credits
Zay Monae The85mil Zorrie Photography by Zorrie