Written by Tanya Terry
The Flint Courier News has been featuring an exclusive series about an impressive group of young men who are using their friendships and talents to unify the Flint community.
For this article, the Courier talked to Isaiah “Jaddai” Baker.
Baker described to the Courier each member of the group’s unique role.
He describes Kameron “King Kam” Motley as a “leader.” He said Davonte “Wuta” Williams is “diverse.” Da’Christian “Butter” Brown-Pinson is” humble,” according to Baker.
“I would say for myself, I’m really spiritual,” Baker said.
Baker has been a member of the Flint Renaissance Era for about 5 months.
Baker has been attending Spirit of Victory Church for about 5 months, and previously attended Refuge Temple for over 13 years. Baker is a youth leader at his current church. He also reads the Bible and prays.
“They say I’m a positive energy to the group,” Baker said regarding his role with the Flint Renaissance Era.
Baker explained how the Flint Renaissance Era began in his own words.
“We were having a conversation one day,” Baker began. ‘”Wuta’ was saying Flint could really be like a Renaissance. We were thinking about Black Wall Street and how they owned all those businesses and the Renaissance back in the 1700s. We were thinking this is a really good idea. We can really have a positive impact with this.”
Antonio Sweeney was also a part of the initial discussion about unifying the community. Williams came up with the name The Flint Renaissance Era.
Baker said the Flint Renaissance aims to give the youth a voice.
One way the group has been doing this is by putting on an open mic night at Comma Bookstore & Social Hub. Baker told the Courier the group plans to resume holding open mic nights in March.
It has been important for Baker to get the group’s brand out and make sure Flint area residents, including youth, are familiar with them. He has done this through everything from helping with podcasts to helping with flyers.
Baker is a graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School. He is currently focusing on work and using his creativity through music and works in e-commerce.
As far as Baker’s music goes, it cannot be put into one genre.
“One album may be totally more rap. The next album might be rock. I love to adventure into different genres.”
Baker has released five albums.
“You can look me up on all platforms: ‘Jaddai.’ It’s on every platform: Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube. Whatever you use to listen to music, you can find me on everything.”
Baker’s latest album is titled “Ballenger.”
“It’s really about being in a city experiencing tragic loss, experiencing trauma. I just incorporated that title because it’s a street in Flint. That’s where I mostly grew up. On the album I talk about trauma, dealing with depression and anxiety. It’s about stuff I’m dealing with in the moment and stuff I was dealing with in the past. When I was younger, I was in foster care.”
Baker hopes those who hear the album will be able to see life through a different perspective.
“It’s really important to look at life through other people’s perspectives sometimes so you can see what they’re going through. It’s kind of like putting on someone else’s shoes.”
Baker has gained over 3 million streams with his music. He said this makes him both proud and humble.
Baker states his goal is to become a better version of himself so the Flint Renaissance Era can continue moving towards even greater things.
