About MB (Hip Hop and Culture)

Welcome to my blog, the culmination of my life’s work and calling.

My name is Miquiel Banks, and I’m an eccentric talent from the SWATS section of Atlanta, Georgia.

MB Headshot 2

As a Polymath, I am highly skilled in several areas and my journey led me through these phases:

  • Hip Hop Evangelist
  • Hip Hop Journalist
  • Investigative Blogger
  • Story Alchemist
  • Cultural Ambassador
  • Content Coach
  • Content Scientist
  • Polymath


Join me on this journey as I share my insights, experiences, and creative expressions through this blog.

Early Life and Influences

Raised in the famous Kings Ridge Apartments, my teen years were shaped by the vibrant culture of ATL, with experiences at iconic spots like Jellybeans skating rink, the Fresh Party, Westgate Theatre, The Gold Mine, and the Rainbow Arcade.

Journey Through Hip Hop

I’ve climbed the scales of Hip Hop, transitioning from beatboxing to breakdancing, graffiti tagging, rapping, and music production. Now, I’ve evolved into a full-scale multimedia artist.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various names, including Eternal, Sage, and Sage-El, before embracing my true self: Miquiel Banks.

The Essence of MB

MB embodies the best of opposing forces:

  • Both rustic and sophisticated
  • Both educated and simple
  • Both esoteric and exoteric


From Haywood Studios to Patchwerks, DARP Studios, Bosstown Studios, and the Funk Shop, I’ve lived the nightlife, collaborating with artists like Kelvin Walton, DJ Smash, Da Black Man, DJ Stan, DJ Cooly C, Mike Fresh, DJ Toomp, Akon, Devyne, the Hard Boys, 90 MPH, Kool-Ace, Raheem the Dream, Sam Salter, Monica, Chuck D (Public Enemy), Ecstasy (Whodini), Yakira (Vocal Coach), Tony Terry, Seven, and many more.

Collaborations and Experiences

As a Consultant, I have worked with multiple Polymaths and Creatives:

  • Sophia Stewart (Creator and Owner of the Matrix/Terminator Franchises)
  • Dr. Khalid Muhammad
  • Dr. Mario Beatty
  • Pamela Jaye Smith
  • Stanley D. Williams
  • Mitchell German
  • DJ Smash
  • Kelvin Walton
  • Da Godfather of Crunk (Carlos Glover)
  • Klay Redd/Kool-Ace/Kool-Aid (Bryan Fleming)
  • DJ Toomp
  • Michael B McCray (Mike Fresh)
  • DJ Chauncey
  • The Great Cheez
  • Anthony Francis (Godfather of Yeek)
  • F.D.C. (Fresh Dancing Crew)
  • Da Black Man (Avery Blanton)
  • John “Redvoid” Sexton (Defcon6)
  • Funky49 (Steven Rush)
  • Dan Hetzel (Dan Hetzel Video)
  • Miss Vera Benton
  • Donna Akiba Sullivan Harper Ph. D.
MB Headshot 4

Personal Milestones (Hip Hop and Culture)

  • I embraced Hip Hop as a Spiritual Awakening and Gift from the Pleroma.
  • I became competent in all dimensions of Hip Hop (Rapping, Beatboxing, Breakdancing, Popping, Locking, Graffiti, Gear, Slang/Language, Lifestyle, Lifelong love of Music and Art, etc.)
  • I was the first Breakdancer in ATL to master the Hand Hop and the Elevator.
  • As a beatboxer, I created 100 beats in Dairy Queen and to this day, I recognize this as an ATL Record.
  • After hundreds of battles across the city, RockMiquiel went undefeated for my entire career (Beatboxing Champion).
  • I was the first ATL Rapper to write a song for a Corporate Brand, Coca-Cola (I did this before RUN DMC made My Adidas) and I was the first ATL rapper to write a song about Morris Brown (I did this before Outkast).
  • I did not participate in Pedophilia (or other heinous acts) to get signed (to a record deal).
  • I did not compromise the values of Hip Hop with the World or the Music Industry.
  • I embraced Sophia (Wisdom) and did what I was supposed to do.
  • I worked for the Morris Brown Newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and several radio stations in the Atlanta Area.
  • I trained under Dr. Khalid Muhammad in the Nation of Islam.
  • I marched and demonstrated at Georgia State University when they had the BlackFace Incident in the early 90s.
  • I went to college and finished — TWICE! (*** Morris Brown College, Strayer University ***)
  • I opposed my Commanding Officers in the Desert when they held me at gunpoint in Desert Storm.
  • While handcuffed in the back of an Ambulance during Desert Storm, I sat resolute and accepted the peaceful arms of Sophia (Wisdom).
  • I walked with ANGELS in the Desert through the Valley of the Shadow of death and emerged victorious on the other side.
  • I have singled-handedly opposed several lawsuits (Pro Se) and I still stand today RESOLUTE.
  • As the truest ATLien, I was born in Grady Hospital, attended Cook Elementary, L O Kimberly Elementary, Bunche Middle, Therrell High, Southside High, Georgia State University, and Morris Brown College. Can you top that?????
  • I was taught the Egyptian Hieroglyphics by Dr. Mario Beatty, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Howard University and the President of the ASCAC Organization.
  • I was trained by several Mentoresses — Alice Mae Taylor (My Grandmother), Elizabeth James Stewart (My Auntie), Beulah Sawyer (My Mother), Sophia Stewart (Creator and Owner of the Matrix and Terminator Franchises), Vera Benton (Morris Brown College), Donna Akiba Harper (Spelman College), Pamela Jaye Smith (Mythologist, Author, Producer, etc.), and many others.
  • I help start a College Newspaper from scratch (it hadn’t been operational in nearly 50 years) and served as its SOLE Editor-in-Chief and Writing Staff and won 3 Awards (1997, 1998, 1999).
  • I worked as a Technical Writer and I was never late on any projects in 20 years (due to Mind Mapping).
  • I am a Subject Matter Expert in Mind-Mapping and an Official Mappie Award Winner (Mindjet).
  • I worked for Sophia Stewart, the Mother of the Matrix, and I was never late and never messed up any projects in 8 years.
  • I cared for my brother for over a year, every day all day, until he passed.
  • I cared for my mother for 7 months, every day all day, until she passed in my care in my home.
  • My father was given a few months to live (testicular cancer) and per my duty as a voice of truth, I gave him the proper information and he not only survived, but is still thriving during the pandemic over 3 years later.
  • During the pandemic, I called the cops in Clearwater Florida on a white business owner, commanded the situation, and overturned his corporate regulations to get my 4k refund for a Mac Computer.
  • I have personally done over 1,000 songs and used every MAJOR DAW on the Market.
  • I taught myself to do Graffiti, finished thousands of tags, reached a professional level, and I am still active 40 years later.
  • I am still YEEKING 40 years later.
  • I am a CERTIFIED Hip Hop Scholar and Activist after 40 years of Service.
  • I have experienced every major Psychic and Spiritual Experience that has been categorized thus far.
  • As a Technical Writer, I worked 20 years and I have NEVER BEEN LATE on a Project (100%).
  • I am the most decorated Desert Storm Veteran (AWOL, MIA, POW, EPW).
  • I am a Global Authority and Expert on ATL Hip Hop Culture and History.
  • I am an Award-Winning Hip Hop Graffiti Artist.
  • I am an Award-Winning Videographer.
  • I am an Award-Winning Newspaper Editor (3 Times).
  • I am an Award-Winning Technical Writer.
  • I am an Award-Winning Mind Mapper (Mappie Award Winner).
  • I am a Global Authority and Expert on the Moral Premise (Stanley D. Williams).
  • I am a Global Authority and Expert on the Heroic Journey.
  • I joined ARNA in 2023 and I am designing my PURPOSE.

About MB (Career)

MB headshot - writer2_LoRes

Career

I learned early in my journey that “making it” requires an Artist to succumb to Bullying and Peer Pressure (Bending Over), so I decided to keep my “art” from the worlds of Finance, Corporatism, Capitalism, and Commerce.

My aptitude for Computers and Writing led me to a unique career path – Technical Writing.

I spent 20 years as a Technical Writer, retired, and I am currently pursuing other efforts.

Collaborations and Experiences

As a Technical Writer, I have worked for Major Corporations:

  • Verizon
  • AT&T
  • Jabil
  • AGS (American Gaming Systems) – Cadillac Jack
  • Dell SecureWorks
  • Spectrum

Corporate Milestones

2024

  • Artistic Achievement and Recognition
  • 2024 Hip Hop Studies Summit, Community Exhibition
  • Pyramids & Hieroglyphs: Hip Hop as Monument
  • (5 Graffiti Tags Selected)


2023

  • Artistic Achievement and Recognition
  • 2024 Hip Hop Studies Summit, Community Exhibition
  • Pyramids & Hieroglyphs: Hip Hop as Monument
  • (4 Graffiti Tags Selected)


2023

  • Artistic Achievement and Recognition
  • 2023 Hip Hop Studies Summit, Community Exhibition, Video
  • (1 Video Selected)
  • Hip Hop Remix of “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men, Supporting Kaepernick (2017)


2023

  • Receives Certificate from Strayer University (Contracts and Acquisitions)


2023

  • Makes HBCU History in the AUC by doing the First VIRTUAL HOMECOMING for Morris Brown College in October 2023


2022

  • Creates Slogans, Taglines, and Edits Pitch Deck for Caletta Harris (Award-Winning Writer and Director of the Documentary Series NO ADDRESS, now streaming on TUBI and Amazon Prime Video)

2022

  • Writes the most Popular LinkedIn Article Database on The Matrix and the Terminator and gets over 1,000 Subscribers

2018

  • Pitches, Conceives, Writes, and Publishes Award-Winning Guest Blog Series on the Mindjet Blog


2016

  • Creates, Designs, and Delivers Visual Dashboard with Jabil Executive Approval and Apple Certification


2015

  • Writes and Delivers Legal and Technical Documentation for Slot Machine Approval (Las Vegas, Oklahoma, and Atlantic City NJ)


2012

  • Chosen as Book Editor for Sophia Stewart’s Book, Matrix 4 The Evolution: Cracking the Genetic Code


2011

  • Mindjet Mappie Award Winner


2010

  • International and Federal Award-Winning Technical Writer
  • (Two Documents approved by the FAA in one week, subsequently approved by the JAA)


2008

  • Amazon – #1 Bestselling Author in eBooks, Screenwriting (4 times)


2004

  • Provides Administrative Support, Character Sheets, Pitch Deck, and other Screenwriting Content for Award-Winning Film by Michael Marks (Angel of Hate)

2003

  • Designs and builds Interactive CD-ROM (approved by the FAA and the Department of Defense)


2001

  • Publishes an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution


1999

  • Award-Winning Newspaper Editor (The Wolverine Observer – Morris Brown College – Historic HBCU)


1999

  • Graduates with a B.A in English Language and Literature, Minor in Journalism, from Historic HBCU (Morris Brown College, Atlanta GA)


1998

  • Award-Winning Newspaper Editor (The Wolverine Observer – Morris Brown College – Historic HBCU)


1997

  • Award-Winning Newspaper Editor (The Wolverine Observer – Morris Brown College – Historic HBCU)


1995

  • Selected as the Editor-in-Chief for the Morris Brown Newspaper (The Wolverine Observer) after being dormant for the past 50 years


1992-1994

  • Reporter for Georgia State University Signal Newspaper


1989

  • United States Army Decorated Desert Storm Veteran (National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Southeast Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars)

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