Mike Ellison

Mike Ellison—also known as MIKE-E—is a Detroit-based interdisciplinary artist whose work spans music, spoken word, acting, and activism. Born in Ethiopia to African-American parents and raised in Virginia, Ellison ultimately made Detroit his home, where he immersed himself in the city’s deep cultural and musical heritage.

Ellison’s artistry blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary hip-hop and funk influences, producing socially charged and emotionally resonant work. His albums, including AfroFlow and Flytanium, reflect a deep commitment to using music as a tool for awareness and empowerment. Through the AfroFlow initiative, developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Ellison engaged youth and marginalized communities in conversations around public health, anti-tobacco activism, and social justice.

As a spoken word artist, Ellison has gained national recognition for his powerful performances, noted for their clarity, emotion, and call to action. His work often explores identity, systemic inequality, and resilience, combining lyrical intensity with an activist’s drive.

Ellison’s collaboration with Detroit techno collective Underground Resistance further solidifies his position as a cultural force. In 2022, he released the Covalence EP on UR, blending his incisive spoken word with UR’s signature futurist, rhythmically complex sound. The EP includes a Mark Flash remix, tech edits, and an extended version, capturing a synergy between UR’s electronic vision and Ellison’s humanist narrative voice.

His partnership with Underground Resistance exemplifies their shared commitment to art as a vehicle for social change—fusing Detroit’s musical legacy with an activist’s message. Through music, performance, and community engagement, Mike Ellison continues to challenge conventions and inspire new directions in both culture and consciousness.