Maria Isa

Maria Isa is an emcee, singer, songwriter, activist and educator, raised by Nuyorican parents in St. Paul, Minnesota, hailing from what she calls SotaRico- a conjunction of creativity, combining her Minnesotan and Puerto Rican pride. As a fixture in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene, Isa is recognized for her refreshing fusion of R&B and Reggaeton, weaving traditional Afro-Boricua rhythms of Bomba y Plena, remixed with hip-hop flavor. Her lyrics capture sounds echoing from corner bodegas to classrooms and alleyways around the world. Diverse political imagery and revolutionary calls to action mingle with reverent moments to political leaders such as Lolita Lebron.

Rooted in activism and education, Isa's lineage includes community leaders and political activists. Through speaking appearances, non-profit collaborations and artist residencies across the country, she dedicates her life to artistic excellence, and mentorship of others with Juvenile Diabetes. As an MC- "Message Carrier," she emphasizes equal rights, faith and balance. Her performing arts education began in 1992 at El Arco Iris Center for Arts, committed to nurturing, disseminating, and elevating Latino culture through artistic endeavors. Isa is now Program Director at the very place where her career took flight.

Whether she is speaking to young men at the MN Correctional Facility in Red Wing or tearing the roof down at her album release party at the acclaimed First Avenue nightclub, Isa is planting the seeds of change, through what she calls "The United Nations roundtable meets MAC lipgloss fantastic."

"...I get 'em to listen, I won't stand still/ attacking the system, flip 'em like Uma in Kill Bill." Maria Isa on "Image"