APPLETON – Jezelle Childs-Evans, known by stage name J25, is a Wisconsin music artist who is having a big year.
The Chickasaw Nation member is collaborating on an album with a star of the hit Hulu series “Reservation Dogs,” was recently nominated for a Native American Music Award and is planning to attend the Grammy Awards in April.
Childs-Evans, 37, is the only female nominee for this year’s candidates for best rap and hip hop music video at the Native American Music Awards.
“There is so much musical talent and entrepreneurs coming from all Indian Reservations around the world,” she said. “It is time for us to shed light on our culture and show the public we are still here and need to be heard.”
She was nominated for her song “Indigenous.” Winners will be finalized April 1 with a date for the ceremony in New York still to be decided.
“I am honored and thankful to be a nominee for the Native American Music Awards,” Childs-Evans, of Appleton, said. “There are so many musicians and entertainers who I’ve looked up to in our Native American culture and to be part of this feels amazing.”
One musician she said who’s definitely inspired some of her music is Sten Joddi, rapper and co-star of the Hulu series “Reservation Dogs.”
The show follows four teens on an Oklahoma reservation who plan to run away from their community to California to start new lives, but soon discover why they actually love their home.
Sten Joddi portrays a deadbeat dad who later provides comic relief on the show with the hilarious music video “Greasy Frybread.” Frybread, made with dough that is deep-fried, is a staple in many Native American kitchens. It’s the state bread of South Dakota.
Childs-Evans recently collaborated with Joddi on an album titled “Blessings on Blessings,” produced by David Strickland, that will be released later this year.
She’s also been inspired by several other notable Indigenous music artists, including Taboo from Black Eyed Peas, Drezus, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Supaman.
“We are all laying down a strong foundation for Indigenous musicians and artists to keep it going for our up-and-coming young artists,” Childs-Evans said.
RELATED: Appleton-based Indigenous hip-hop artist to judge 2022 Grammy nominations, seeks Indigenous award category
RELATED: Wisconsin artists among leaders in rise of Indigenous hip hop in the US
One up-and-coming young artist she’s working with is Trent “Novel” White of the Menominee Nation. Together, they formed the group Reztitution.
Childs-Evans also founded a record label in Wisconsin titled HGM Music Group, which is designed to promote other Indigenous music artists.
Indigenous hip hop tends to focus on the issues affecting tribal nations and people. Childs-Evans and other artists use the platform to bring awareness to issues affecting Indian Country, such as the former Indian boarding schools that led to trauma and death for many, violence against Indigenous women and sovereignty battles.
“What I love most is that we all bring a strong message to the industry about issues that impact our tribes while staying in tune with our traditions and values,” she said. “Music is good medicine and positive energy that we want to spread across the globe.”
Last year, Childs-Evans was inducted as a member into the Recording Academy, the organization that presents the annual Grammy Awards. She reviewed and voted on the best eligible music submissions in hip hop, pop, jazz, rock, reggaeton and gospel.
Childs-Evans plans to attend the 64th Grammy Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas on April 3.
Frank Vaisvilas is a Report For America corps member based at the Green Bay Press-Gazette covering Native American issues in Wisconsin. He can be reached at 920-228-0437 or fvaisvilas@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA.
