The Detroit-based MC was actually born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,and moved to the U.S. when he was three years old. Before he launched afull-fledged rap career, he could be seen gracing several televisioncommercials and heard doing many voiceovers for radio. However, Ellis found anational audience for his lyricism on HBO's Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetryin 2004, and he returned to the show as a favorite newcomer for later seasons.His unique and diverse experiences fully prepared him to begin releasing musicthrough his Wendemé Creative imprint. In early 2007, Mike-E headed up theAfroflow tour sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Targeting historicallyblack colleges and universities, his concerts furthered the cause for tobaccoprevention and cancer awareness, but also promoted his AfroFlow LP, whicharrived later in the year. ~ Cyril Cordor