Chronicles of Blaque dynamite

Blaque Dynamite began playing the drums at the early age of 2. Since then, he has learned to adapt to many styles of music, has studied theory intensely as well as practiced 16,862 hours! He was formally introduced to jazz at the age of 14, which spurred his passion for the genre. By the age of 17, he had performed/toured with Kamasi Washington, Chrisette Michele, Derrick Hodge, Gerald Clayton, Antonio Hart, Spirit Fingers (formerly known as The Polyrhythmics), Seven Davis Jr., and the legendary Stanley Clarke.

Fun Facts ~

Nickname:  Mike
MAC OR PC: Mac
IPHONE OR ANDROID: Flip phone (from 2003)
TWITTER OR FACEBOOK: Twitter
FAVORITE FOOD: Crab Legs
FAVORITE DRINK: Strawberry Lemonade
FAVORITE CAR: Hipster Bike
FAVORITE BOOK: Beowolf 
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Seinfeld 
FAVORITE BAND: Corey Henry & The Funk Apostles
FAVORITE VENUE: Church
FAVORITE SONG: “Optimistic” by Doobie Powell 
FAVORITE HOBBY: Art...period!
FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER: Huey Freeman
BEATLES OR STONES: Stones
KETCHUP OR MUSTARD: Ketchup
 
 

Official Biography

Blaque Dynamite, a/k/a Mike Mitchell, has given validity to the cliche’ that age is nothing more than a number. He began drumming at age 2...played in his first live recording session at the ripe young age of 7 and had acquired a roster of drum company endorsements by the time he turned 11 years old.  

"A young drumming phenom!" Vic's Drum Shop - Chicago, IL 

Young Dynamite gained his early development and exposure to music in a church setting. At an early age, he began to create his own music which evolved into a relentless passion and respect for the drum instrument. Inevitably, he had become very adamant in the pursuit of expanding his knowledge of music and honing his craft. At twelve, he embarked upon the study of drum music theory. At fourteen, he found himself in the hallways of the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas in 2009. The school also fostered the amazing talents of Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and the late great, Roy Hargrove. Simultaneously, Dynamite took full advantage of attending workshops, master classes and clinics at colleges and universities all over the country during the summer breaks and amid tours. 

"...a Jazz Drumming Prodigy...he is a powerhouse behind the kit!" - The Dallas Observer

 

Being gifted to play all genres, Dynamite has been the recipient of a host of accolades and prestigious awards. He has received 14 DownBeat Music Awards and his impressive performance credits include Grammy award-winning artists Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Erykah Badu, Thundercat, Michael McDonald, Bob Mintzer, Chrisette Michele, Terell Stafford, and the “Legendary” Clark Sisters.  

In 2012, he was selected to perform on a global stage at the inaugural International Jazz Day Celebration with one of the most influential jazz artist of all time, the “Iconic” Herbie Hancock. Shortly after, Dynamite was reigning the drum throne for the living legend, virtuoso bassist, composer and producer, Stanley Clarke. Then, he graduated high school! (Class of 2013) 


Fast forwarding, the Grammy nominated artist Blaque Dynamite has toured five of the seven continents of the world. In 2015, he released his debut album entitled "WiFi" with Dallas-bred band, Rache'. His collaboration with the artistry of Christian Scott, Derrick Hodge, Kamasi Washington, Doobie Powell, Kierra Sheard, Willow Smith, Ruth B., Maurice Brown, and MonoNeon has been the catalyst in the making of the new bandleader. 

In November of 2017, Blaque Dynamite released his sophomore project, craftily entitled, “Killing Bugs” on Ropeadope Records and just shy of the pandemic, released a new project, “Time Out.”

 

”…No words can describe this man’s extraordinary power, speed, velocity, feel and groove…” - The Blue Note NY