Blaque Dynamite, a/k/a Mike Mitchell, has given validity to the cliché 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, Raché. 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
