A CONVERSATION WITH PLANET MC (Environmental rapper & middle school teacher)

Welcome to a uniquely inspiring conversation with Planet MC, an environmentalist whose rhythmic verses serve as a powerful call to action.

Planet MC & Ana Bonifacio (Founder of MKME)

Planet MC is a dedicated middle school educator who chooses rap as his primary method for discussing complex issues like the environment. In this special Q&A session, we have the privilege of exploring the dynamic intersection of music and education, as Planet MC discusses how he collaborates with rappers and teachers across the Bay Area to instill environmental responsibility in the minds of young learners.

From the stage to the classroom, join us as we unravel the harmonious synergy between artistry and teaching, shedding light on innovative ways to engage the next generation in the crucial dialogue surrounding our planet's well-being.

What inspires you to do the work that you do?

The inspiration for Planet MC has been seeing pollution in our community here in The San Francisco Bay Area. More directly, over the past six and a half years teaching in Oakland, I have experienced the urgent need to work with young people on projects that support our environment. Working with OTACA(Oakland Teachers Advancing Climate Action) and as a board member for EDP(Environmental Democracy Project) has been inspiring as well. There are so many great individuals and organizations working hard to make the planet a better place. However, the greatest inspiration has been my wife, Queen Gaia, who taught me that there is always another way that is more eco-friendly/sustainable.

Planet MC in the studio

What is the message you are trying to get across in your songs?

The message that I am trying to get across in our songs is that we can change our mindset to help save the Earth. Like a growth mindset, being green is really just about having the ability to recognize ways that we can have less of an impact on our environment. This can be at home, school, work or vacation, we can have this outlook and share it with others. Modeling eco-friendly actions is definitely crucial for adults to lead young people by example. Some songs are about one theme, like Baggy Pants, which is a new single by Kieko and me about reusing clothing. Other songs like Wasted, are focused on the larger mindset that we can have to protect our planet. Another message is that it is okay to be stressed, sad or upset about the challenges that are facing our environment.

What is your favorite part of the work that you do

My favorite part about the work that we do is that it is therapeutic. The past few years have been tough in many ways, especially as a teacher. Music has been my savior. It has been an outlet and a way for me to work with other people and be social. Music is also a way for me to learn new skills. I had not recorded music or rapped before Doctor Earth and I recorded in January of 2020. Most importantly Planet MC connects with young people and students in the community. It is invaluable that I am able to have conversations with kids and teens about our environment and the future of the world.

How do you prepare your songs? What is your process?

I prepare songs by brainstorming topics and themes that I find important or exciting. Then I ask producers for songs that they want to collaborate with me on. They send the songs and I match them with the idea. Then I write while listening to the songs, letting the melodies and rhythms guide the lyrics. Currently I am working on an album with Kieko and it has been really fun because I am co-producing the songs with him. Doctor Earth records most of the songs in San Francisco and has been a huge support as they are so patient as I learn how to be efficient in the studio.

Why do you want to collaborate with MKME?

I want to collaborate with My Kitchen & Me for tons of reasons. Firstly, we spend SO much time in the kitchen, with young people, and with friends. Therefore, kitchens are like classrooms. Next, kitchen products are often unsustainable and not eco-friendly. So I am excited to see alternatives being promoted and want to help with that. Lastly, Ana's vision and goals for MKME are inspiring to me and will make the planet a better place. The more time I spend with Ana, the more I learn and want to collaborate closely. Teamwork is really crucial for the environmental movement. There is power in numbers!

What do you learn from your work with children?

I learn so much from working with young people. I am often amazed with their innovative ideas and ability to navigate technology. Some things that are tough for me, like social media, are so simple to them. I have also learned that environmental issues are urgent to young people as many of them feel depressed and stressed about the dire situation our planet is in.

A large part of what I learn from children is with our club, School of Rap(@schoolofrap510). This generation of children can make music on computers and phones incredibly easily. I am in awe of their ability to create songs and focus on real issues in real time.

How do you think that we can help our planet and future generations?

I know that we can help the planet and future generations by communicating. Whether it is music, painting, protesting, poetry, politics, or posting, we have the ability to use our voices and influence to show others how we can change. We cannot give up on our planet. Instead, we can show persistence and determination that can drive young people to follow their dreams and speak out to protect the environment no matter their age, background or setting. Let us continue to encourage young people to research and educate so we are no longer ignorant. There can be a bright future where we are enlightened on environmental issues. -@planetecorap