The Native American Music Awards (NAMMY) released the list of the 2025 winners. The list illustrated some known artists and others who are up and coming.
Native American Music Awards Honors 2025 Winners
“The 2025 Native American Music Awards (NAMMAs) took place yesterday, in Niagara Falls, NY, celebrating the best in Native music this year and showcasing a range of Indigenous artists across traditional and contemporary genres” (Native News Online, July 16).
One group that stood out is the brother duo Mike Bone (aka, Lil’ Mike and Funny Bone).
Lil Mike and Funny Bone, BEST HIP HOP RECORDING, Top Mike Bone Tracks, Lil Mike & Funny Bone (Pawnee and Mescogee Nation).
The listing is misleading. The “Top” refers to a collection of videos. Though a good selection, the NAMMYs don’t point to a single video. They are open-ended with the selection. This may not be very clear to those unfamiliar with their work.
My interest was immediately drawn to these artists. They are open about their Christian faith and how this has been foundational to their overall work. Seeing how these Native artists explore Hip Hop with a faith-based discipline while retaining their Native identity opens an area of discourse worth invesitgating.
Who We Are
The duo, Mike Bone, has made a splash from America’s Got Talent to Reservation Dogs. Featured on the 2013 season of America’s Got Talent, an article in the Oklahoma News Channel 4 (July 24, 2013) stated,
“America’s Got Talent is a hit again this Summer and recently, two rappers from Oklahoma City, Lil Mike and Funny Bone, made quite an impression on viewers…“We rocked it and the crowd, they loved it,” Funny Bone said. “I mean, we got a big response from them and the judges, they were shocked” (Oklahoma News Channel 4, July 24, 2013).
The duo were “booted off” in round two of their debut. The brothers state, “They thought we didn’t take it seriously; I think they were expecting more dancing than rapping,” (Oklahoma News Channel 4, July 24, 2013).
The unfortunate occurrence did not stop the brothers from continuing to pursue their dream.
Overcoming Limits
The bio on their website tells of a journey from homelessness, gang violence, and discrimination.
“Lil Mike & Funny Bone also known as Mike Bone, Yes, the two Native American rappers from America’s Got Talent. These OKC brothers, though they may look-a-like they are not twins. Also, what they lack in height they make-up for in talent.
Lil Mike “little Micheal Jackson” AKA BigFaith
FUNNY BONE “F.ULLY U.NITIED N.EW N.URISHED Y.OUNG B.ROTHA O.F N.OBLE E.SSENCE” AKA Bone
Born & raised in Oklahoma City, & Both started rapping at age 12” (Mike Bone Media, n.d.).
In addition to performing on live television in the U.S. and Canada, performing in penitentiaries, parties, churches, clubs, and flea markets, the duo, Mike Bone, has opened with the likes of Jacob Latimore, Wine-O, Nu Wine, Lil Troy, BillyRayCyrus, Lloyd, Bobby Valentino (Mike Bone Media, n.d.).
Being only 5 years apart, the brothers confirm that music is their only business. “The brothers are writing and recording as many songs as they can and performing all over the World with success in their grasp! Two natives who put a positive spin on the rap game” (Mike Bone Media, n.d.).
The duo articulates their faith as being central to their journey and the progression of their work.
“Their extreme faith in GOD is definitely an eye catcher, with a motto they say, ‘Love GOD & Party.'”
“Mike says, “Christian Music helped with his life change. The Gospel Gangstaz, King Shon, T-Bone and DC Talk was in my tape player all the time.” Mike realized he had a message to share, that could help other kids avoid gangs. He could show them that no matter how many obstacles you face, God can help you through them & that being a Christian aint so lame.”
In a radio interview on Bullseye With Jesse Thorn (WAMU, NPR, October 21, 2022), Mike tips his hand to Gospel Gangstaz, the group that changed his life and perspective on Christian Hip Hop. Mike notes the track “Mobbin‘” (1994, Myx Records) as the single track that marked his turning point.
This track uses elements of funk, soul, and classic Hip Hop style. The lyrics illustrate a testimony and change from the life of a gangster to one following Christian faith. The conversion shared throughout the track is displayed in rapid fire. Gospel Gangstaz took it upon themselves to work in the gangster culture as Christian Hip Hop evangelists. Biblically conscious, culturally aware, and Hip Hop-centered, Gospel Gangstaz showed Mike there is an alternative to the stereotypical gangster rap and lifestyle he was involved with early on.
Tribal Representations In Style
Possibly their most popular track to date, and the one the NAMMYs did take note of when voting for Mike Bone, “Rain Dance” is a heavy-hitting track with a strong backbeat that does not cloud the lyrics.
RAIN DANCE — MUSIC VIDEO by LIL MIKE & FUNNYBONE, posted February 2015.
The notes to the video state,
“Ever since Lil Mike & FunnyBone exploded onto the world music scene a few years ago thanks to NBC’s America’s Got Talent, they’ve been traveling the world, climbing charts & gaining popularity. They hold the title as one of the most watched and loved acts of season 8 with an unforgettable performance of their Hit song “Rain Dance.” The OKC duo is guaranteed to get the crowd bouncing and leave listeners wanting more. Get the full 20 track “Rain Dance” album (Nominated Best HipHop Album of the Year in CANADA) Online Everywhere!” (YouTube Channel, February 2015).
The song became part of the iconic FX series Reservation Dogs. The track has an underlying current to remain positive in light of despair. The duo finds interesting ways to instill and articulate their faith in their works, no matter how minor. References may be a simple positive theme or an outspoken statement about faith, direct in gesture and lyrics. The juxtaposition of this sleeper positive track on Reservation Dogs speaks to the bold nature of both the rap duo and the producers of the series.
Tracks To Represent
The output of Mike Bone is impressive. The short playlist contains over 31 different videos with collaborations from across the Native Hip Hop canon.
I’m Raw ft. Chase Manhattan (Official Music Video), posted December 2014.
Leaning heavily on their faith, this different position sets their work apart from others. Clean lyrics, scriptures noted in video descriptions, inspirational speakers, and Native Hip Hop artists? Mike Bone situates their presence in the rap game first and foremost on the foundations of their traumatic past to present a positive future.
STILL HERE by LIL MIKE & FUNNY BONE featuring Supaman (Lyric Video), posted October 2018.
The generosity of Mike Boke is noted as they offer permission to use this track for Indigenous People’s Day, a Powwow, or another event.
“Need a song to rep on Indigenous Peoples Day, a Pow Wow or any event you want to make epic! “STILL HERE” by Lil Mike & FunnyBone featuring Supaman is the song. This Lyric Video Celebrates Indigenous Peoples all over the world because, murder, rape, torture & enslavement of our ancestors should not be honored or celebrated as a holiday. Also we as First Nations People are living proof that even thru the struggle we are STILL HERE!” (YouTube Channel, Mike Bone, n.d.).
A personal offer from a rap group to openly allow their work to be used is not something seen often. This is a testimony to the community support from the brothers.
Showing their commitment to supporting others who are struggling, Mike Bone wrote the track “GODs Got This!”
The track is nothing overwhelming. The simplicity of the work offers the reviewer an opportunity to focus on the lyrics. When read as a Christian Hip Hop track, the track “GODs Got This!” is a singular testimony. The track does not involve evangelism, and there’s a marginal use of biblical scripture. The work can be seen as a discipleship work framed on testimony. These are the elements of core Christian Hip Hop that Mike Bone navigates. Rightly so, Lil’ Mike and Funny Bone both recognize their socio-economic oppressed upbringing, gang culture environment, stereotyped and targeted by bullying. The testimony of Mike Bone, from a collective voice, points to testimony and discipleship.
Following along these same lines is the track “Hold On Be Strong.”
Lil’ Mike and Funny Bone, Hold On Be Strong, posted September 2015.
This example points further to how Lil’ Mike and Funny Bone call on their faith to get them through rough times. Recording this work functions as active discipleship and testimony. Having this heartfelt work, along with other works, some may not notice as having a faith-based influence articulates Mike Bone’s technique of incorporating faith across their catalogue.
Expressing Culture
Lil Mike (aka Lil Michael Jackson) has not been shy with his interest in dance. The track “Ready for Battle” contextualizes this point.
Ready For Battle & Rock Showz ( Dance Music Video ), posted October 2016.
Complete with breakdancers, this track is stunning visually. The entrenched hype in the video captures the feel of the break dance floor. Shot from different reduced angles, the viewer must rely on minimal perception, the beat, and lyrics. This perspective places the external viewer in the virtual crowd. One may see this as a videographer’s limitation. The opposite is the reality. The forced angles keep the external view in a controlled, compressed position, as they would be in physical attendance. The movement of the live video works to complement what the lyrics are stating: “I don’t think you’re ready for the battle.” The viewer must be prepared to review the dynamics of the dancers. A vicarious view is inverted to read as active, external engagement. Lived expression is promoted to the foreground. Those who are non-Native watching the video would feel some level of “club comfort” with the environment, while those who are Native would be afforded an additional level of tribal representation. The video crosses these binary limitations in a minimal state. The physical nature of dance is articulated and coupled with a relevant tribal discourse.
BEAT OF THE DRUM by MIKE BONE & Young Buffalo Horse MUSIC VIDEO, posted December 2017.
The complement of traditional dance with break dance style following a powwow sample and digital drum beats, the track “Beat of the Drum” is a bricolage in sight and sound. Images taken in their local area, with powwow dancers shown in a gymnasium, the work qualifies as the roots of their work. Videography works between distant images to shots framing the duo in a lengthy position, being viewed from below. This operates on two levels, one as an audience participant, and the other to overshadow the limited height of the brothers. The distant images complete both of these visuals using a long-distance gaze to devalue personal space and expand the physical location. These real, lived experiences are elevated to agents of cultural definition rather than a limited budget signifier. Using a DIY style is consistent in the work of Mike Bone, which speaks to their journey and working ethic; no one is doing it for us, so we’ll do it for ourselves. Tenacity and determination are witnessed in the video, wrapped in a hypnotic powwow sample. The track speaks to those who come from a socio-economic context and allows those who are voyeurs to recognize contemporary Native reality.
This live track allows Mike Bone to share their background and commitment to a sober life at the Gold Country Casino, Tribal Christmas Dinner. Taking advantage of the stage, Mike Bone presents a long introduction and shares their style of testimony and discipleship. The subtlety with which Mike Bone presents these points makes the stories they share touching. Mike Bone is clear not to preach to others, but to invite individuals to explore their God given talents and gifts.
Never Overlooked
Looked Over But Never Overlooked: The Story of Lil Mike and Funny Bone, documentary video, posted September 2011.
The comments in the video say it all,
“A motivating documentary of a very talented duo that will have you laughing and crying. The real story of two short Native American brothers that have a big goal, to reach the world with their talent. Festivals: Winner (Best Documentary Short) — Script-2-Screen Film Festival 2009 Nominated — Trail Dance Film Festival 2010 Official Selection — Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival 2010 Now Known For: Reservation Dogs (Acting as Mose and Mekko) America’s Got Talent” (YouTube Channel, Seventh Plague Films).
The documentary will have you crying and cheering. The depth and honesty that come with the brothers are something Native rappers scratch on the surface or express in full transparency. Holding no borders on their approach, style, or intent, Lil Mike and Funny Bone may be as well known for their humor as they are for their profile. One is an articulation of humility, and the other is a message to viewers to hear beyond their eyes. In the end, the work produced by Mike Bone is the important point. Taking a systematic approach to their work, the duo allows others to form an opinion of their work, while they continue to perform, write, travel, and inspire. The involved nature of their faith highlights their progress while remaining opaque. It is the transparency of Mike Bone’s Christian faith that some may overlook. The method by which Mike Bone threads the needle between non-secular and faith-based audiences without losing their Christian focus is a talent.
Stepping Out In Faith
In the Oklahoman (April 2006), Mike Bone discusses more about their faith and individual testimony.
“[Mike Bone want to] talk about…their faith in God, whom Funny Bone calls “the only man that actually was a father figure”….Belief in that heavenly Father helped Lil Mike escape gang life and gave them both the courage to stand tall in the spotlight despite being only about 4 feet 9 inches tall.”
Witnessing a gang shooting in 1989/1990, Lil’ Mike knew he had to make a change in his life. This event brought harm to him physically, as local gangs attacked him.
“The incident drove him [Lil Mike] from the streets and into a Baptist church. Over the next few years, he heard the testimony of the Gospel Gangsters, a Christian rap group, and was awed by the Power Team, bodybuilders who praise God and break bricks” (The Oklahoman, 2006).
The change that Lil Mike would undertake was shared with his brother, Funny Bone. This turning point pointed the duo to discover how they could use their interest in music to encourage and inspire others.
“I was already a Christian, Lil Mike said. “But seeing them [Gospel Gangstarz and Power Team] just made me rededicate myself.”…Lil Mike realized he had a message to share, too. He could help other kids avoid gangs. He could show them that no matter how many obstacles you face, God can help you through them”(The Oklahoman, 2006).
Another interview of the duo can be heard at Indigenous In the News (February 15, 2025).
The inclusion of Lil Mike and Funny Bone by the NAMMYs was a good selection. The “top” songs will remain a mystery, but there are plenty in the oeuvre of the duo to be placed on a top/hit list. Consistency and dedication to their calling as Native rappers are worn. Tireless efforts and clear, verbal expressions of faith keep the group churning out works for their people. As they say in a humorous insider joke video, “Frybread snakin,’” a little frybread doesn’t hurt.
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