Born and raised in the Twin Cities to NuyoRican parents, emcee, singer, and songwriter Maria Isa is recognized for her dedication towards celebrating her cultural diversity through music and political activism. In 1992 she started her performing arts education at El Arco Iris Center for Arts, forming Raices in 2002 with other advanced students to conserve their ancestral Puerto Rican folklore music. Following her nomination in 2006 for the Minnesota Music Award's "Best Hip-Hop Artist" category, Isa released her first independent album M.I. Split Personalities in May of 2007 and has been promoting her music in the Twin Cities, Puerto Rico and nationally. STREET POLITICS Drops 06.05.09!!!!! Hip-hop/R&B/Reggaeton starlet Maria Isa is back again with her highly-anticipated sophomore studio album "Street Politics" set for worldwide release on SotaRico, her independent, family-owned label. One of the few artists who can combine the traditional Afro-Boricua rhythms of the Bomba y Plena vibe and remix it with a refreshingly new hip-hop flavor, Maria Isa tackles this feat with an album she describes as "The United Nations roundtable meets MAC lipgloss fantastic." With her hard-hitting band, Maria evokes the Soul and Funk of Motown and Fania's fusion of Salsa and Bugaloo. Expect more than a typical hip-hop album from Maria Isa-- Diverse political imagery and revolutionary calls to action mingle with the most mellow and sensual recorded moments to create "Street Politics." "Street Politics defines the emotions of life's struggles, advantages and passions through love, activism, violence, education and cultural representation. The streets and it's politics are influenced by the way ‘we the people' are governed by the authority of those who are in position to rule law." -Maria Isa Street Politics captures the sounds heard at the corner bodegas and botanicas to the heated discussions in classrooms and alleys around the world. The album showcases Maria Isa's song writing and vocal versatility, capturing all of life's influences of family, barrio empowerment, abuse, sexuality, machismo vs feminista, legal and illegal -profits, alongside the mourning an unexpected lost in the hood. On the other side of the street, Maria Isa celebrates leadership and cultural pride. She represents a voice for girls on the block wanting to make a difference for "la gente," while jamming to a soulful vibe. Street Politics Track Listing: 1) Image 2) Caramelo 3) Never Let Go feat. Muja Messiah 4) Passion Fantasy 5) Derechos 6) Street Politics feat. Killa Capone 7) Acting Strange 8) Bad Feels Good 9) Rest In Peace 10) After Party Maria Isa is frequently featured on various radio stations such as hip-hop DJ and historian Davey D’s Breakdown FM, the Current, and Radio K. She has graced the cover of the local Village Voice affiliate City Pages, and garnered press in such publications as the Pioneer Press, Star Tribune, Vita.MN and Minnesota Monthly.