Artist Bio

Mikal Jessie Hameed aka M11X was born the son of Jazz musician, Obie Jessie aka Young Jessie, and was raised in South Central Los Angeles. He was brought up in an environment that inspired much of his artistic endeavors.

Much of his childhood was spent acting and performing. He and his brother, Obie Jessie Jr., both debuted their acting careers as the Dannon Yogurt kids in 1977-- aside from continuous commercial appearances, voiceovers and appearances in several after school specials.

After graduating from University High School in 1987 with a major in theater arts, Mikal became one of the few talented actors to participate in the project A.B.L.E (Aids Beliefs Learn Easily). It was here that he gained a great interest in community service. He toured with this group in major cities across the US educating children deemed ‘at risk’ about AIDS and AIDS related issues.

In his adult years, Mikal gained a reputation in the Bay Area as a Storyteller/Performance Artist. He was often seen as a spiritualist due to his passionate oratory style. Mikal has appeared all over the country performing at clubs, schools, museums and theaters and had a chance to come to NYC to perform at the Apollo Theater.

After moving to NYC, Mikal decided to make some major career changes and took on set designing. He quickly established himself as a premier Production Designer. Since then, he cultivated a reputation as the savior of film and music video production for over 10 years. Mikal also decided to make a major career change in the world of the arts and is a key part of the Brooklyn district cultural art movement, which has had him and his friends to credit for. His roots planted in the community have allowed him to develop his art, as well as build a contemporary creative legacy that the world looks towards more now than ever.

Mikal never tried to have his finger on the pulse; instead he is a part of the pulse's continuous speed. His most recent work is nothing short of authentic and innovative. Appropriately, his recent sound sculptures were used as the album cover art on the rave reviewed compilation albums "Verve Remixed 4" and “Verve Xmas Remixed.”

Artist Statement

Mikal Hameed latest works blend his musical history and his creative nature. As a designer (Mikal) and artist (M11X), he calls on us to forget our individualized nature and relationship with our headphones and demands that we start to share our music as it was meant to be; unplugged from our ears and freed. M11X’s manifesto blends the iconic image of the boom box and alters the platform by which music is brought to the masses. Mikal’s personal relationship to the early 80’s and boom boxes create a strong foundation that he explores through collaboration with traditional art mediums.

By toying with the power of music and endless design possibilities I can brings beats, rhythm, and life into painting, furniture, and mixed media sculpture… M11X