Artist Spotlight: Nique Love Rhodes & NLR Experience

A weekly feature showcasing local artists

Name: Nique Love Rhodes & the NLR Experience

Sound: Rhodes and her five-piece band play hip-hop, jazz, soul and funk with a socially conscious message. This Detroit native considers herself an activist and motivational speaker as well as a musician.

History: The NLR Experience has performed at the African World Fest in Detroit, the Hip-Hop Caucus in Ann Arbor and in local clubs like Magic Stick, Jazz Cafe and the Crofoot.

Next: Hear Nique Love Rhodes & the NLR Experience live Dec. 29 at the Tangent Gallery and Hastings Street Ballroom for an event titled Party for Passports for the People. It’s aimed at helping African-Americans, trans people and women get passports. The event also includes musicians Mahogany Jones and Deekah Wyatt, plus DJs. “Less than 5 percent of black Americans have passports,” poet and event emcee Fiyah Angelou says. “For many of us, a passport for us and the members of our family is an essential part of an emergency plan.” Doors open at 8 p.m. and cover is a $10 minimum donation.

Melody Baetens