Some of the The Native Threads family profiles. These profiles consist of people from all walks of life who have an affiliation to Native threads. They include musicians, singers, rappers, dancers, skaters radio hosts, models, actors, designers,writers chiefs, stand up comedians and motivational speakers.
RedCloud
Hip Hop Artist - Actor
Hailing from Los Angeles, artist RedCloud is an incendiary hip-hop artist whose live shows are legendary; POWER 106, the number-one hip-hop radio station in the world, crowned him its freestyle champion five weeks in a row—undefeated.
Taking his name from the famous Native American Oglala Chief, RedCloud’s singular brand of hip-hop is part verbal assault, part comedy routine, part revival service. Born of Indigenous heritage (Huichol), RedCloud’s unique background shines through on classic tracks like “Battle of Big Horn” and “Koyote Gospel”.
RedCloud’s music has turned up in film and television; “When Kenpo Strikes” was specifically written into the Michael Douglas/Kirk Douglas film ‘It Runs In The Family’. Three of RedCloud’s tracks are included in the new XBox 360 game “Amped 3.”
RedCloud’s brand new album “Hawthorne’s Most Wanted” is now available at Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Target and includes an uncanny line up of smash hits and special guests including: Death Row recording artist “Kurupt” from the Dogg Pound and G-Unit’s newest artist- “Jayo Felony.”
Most importantly, RedCloud is an artist is bold and unashamed about his faith. More than just a phenomenally talented MC, he’s a gifted communicator who captures the imagination of youth with his unparalleled skills and then uses this connection to deliver the truth of the Creator.
RedCloud’s music has been featured in films such as “It Runs In The Family” starring Michael Douglas, as well as the surf documentary “All The Way Live”.
RedCloud has been on four nationally recognized tours, performing in clubs, high schools, Indian rez’s, sold out arenas, churches, quinceneras, festivals, Pow Wows as well as speaking at schools against violence and gangs.
RedCloud has shared the stage with:
Tech N9ne, Murs, Evidence, KRS One, Linkin Park, P.O.D., Atmosphere, Kurupt, Living Legends and many more.
Tech N9ne, Murs, Evidence, KRS One, Linkin Park, P.O.D., Atmosphere, Kurupt, Living Legends and many more.
You can download RedCloud’s newest album for free at Bandcamp- http://www.mcredcloud.bandcamp.com and his videos can be seen on YouTube (Search: RedCloud) and you can find him on Social Network sites here:
Crystle Lightning is everything that her given name implies: a clear bolt of penetrating energy.
A plains Cree American Indian, Crystle began her show business journey at the tender age of four in Alberta, Canada. As a child, she was cast as a series regular on several family productions that included: LAST CHANCE DETECTIVES, LEGEND OF BIGFOOT, MYSTERY OF NAVAJO MESA, and ESCAPE FROM FIRE LAKE. At the age of nine, Crystle and her family relocated to the Los Angeles area where she immediately landed her first lead role in the blockbuster hit 3 NINJAS – KNUCKLE UP.
During her high school years, Crystle successfully fine-tuned her ability to balance her educational studies with her blossoming acting career, finding success in both. A few of her credits during that time included the TNT TV movie TECUMSEH: THE LAST WARRIOR and feature film BACKROADS. Plans to further her education after high school at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing in Los Angeles were halted a few weeks before she was to begin classes when she was cast in the notable and honorable role of “Private Lori Piestawa” in the NBC television movie SAVING JESSICA LYNCH which was based on the true story of the rescue of Private Jessica Lynch by the United States army in Iraq.
Since then, Crystle has been dedicated to studying, training and honing her craft and acting full-time, she currently studies at one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected acting schools, the Beverly Hills Playhouse that was founded by renowned director and teacher, Milton Katselas. Most recently, Crystle’s works includes three shorts in which she stars in, SEARCH FOR THE WORLDS BEST INDIAN TACO, THE RICOCHET and SARDINES. Both SEARCH FOR THE WORLDS BEST INDIAN TACO and THE RICOCHET were official selections of the LA SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL. Crystle also had a recurring role on the daytime NBC soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES a few years back, and has played lead roles in several feature films such as: TECUMSEH: THE LAST WARRIOR, AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS: BAND CAMP, A DIFFERENCE DANCE, and in OLDER THAN AMERICA she played strong supporting role along side veteran actor BRADLEY COOPER (“Hang Over”). She has a plethora of television commercials under her belt and most recently ventured into new media via webisodes as a series regular on TEASE and CAMERA CAFE. In theatre, she starred in the production DETENTION OF THE DEAD, which marked her theatrical debut.
Crystle makes her home in Los Angeles, California. And when she isn’t acting, modeling, or in class at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, she is DJing out and about Los Angeles…looking to be the first top female Native DJ to hit top scenes everywhere. Crystle is the most recent addition to the NATIVE THREADS clothing line, look for her sporting NATIVE THREADS attire in ads and on the web, support Native business – wear NATIVE THREADS!
LightningCloud is a North American Hip Hop group based out of Los Angeles, California. The duo consists of Crystle Lightning and MC RedCloud. Invigorated by the sounds and energy of the underground club scenes, LightningCloud found a way to fuse the elements of Hip Hop with Electro-House music, giving birth to a two headed, fire spitting dragon of sophisticated delivery. LightningCloud is well equipped with a highly anticipated debut album that is rumored to explode and capture the hearts of every listener. With a vibrant, multimedia stage performance in their arsenal and a hunger that is all but gone in this generation, LightningCloud arrives to save us all from the monotony… just in the nick of time.
Sam Slovik of the LA Weekly writes “LightningCloud is the Bonnie and Clyde of Hip Hop” and they live up to that quote on this debut album. The LP is described as first class lyricism with an assortment of patterns, styles and articulations, over unmerciful hip hop, electro and house production. Songs like “Casino Money” and “Gravitron” satisfy the souls of any dance club enthusiasts, while tracks like “Hang it Up Daddy” and “Get Tribal” earn the respect of hip hop heads and boombox saints alike.
Crystle Lightning is everything that her given name implies: a clear bolt of penetrating energy.
A Plains Cree/First Nations Indigenous woman, Crystle began her show business journey at the tender age of four in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. By the age of nine, Crystle and her family relocated to Hollywood California where she immediately landed her first lead role in the blockbuster hit: 3 NINJAS – KNUCKLE UP. Since then she has landed impressive performances, including: a recurring role on the daytime NBC soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES, BET’s THE GAME, AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS: BANDCAMP, and in OLDER THAN AMERICA she played strong supporting role along side veteran actor BRADLEY COOPER (“Hang Over” “People Magazines Sexiest Man Alive 2011″).
A woman of many talents, Crystle Lightning is also a well established DJ. She is one half of the Hollywood DJ Crew “Ladies of The House”. Spinning records at notable famed clubs such as King King and House of Blues and honed residencies at The 1616 Club and Lucys 51, Crystle Lightning made
her imprint in the realm of music entertainment. While touring with partner in crime and rhyme, RedCloud, Crystle made her way from behind the DJ booth to center stage with Mic in hand and discovered another way to move the crowd. LightningCloud was concieved.
MC RedCloud, from the City of Hawthorne, is an indigenous legend with a highly exalted live performance track record.
A California Native and Huichol Indian (Jalisco, Mexico), MC RedCloud began his underground supremacy when his freestyles where heard over the radio airwaves, as he defeated numerous opponents on Power 106 with Felli Fel. RedCloud signed with Syntax/Koch in 2000 and moved well over 50,000 units of his releases. RedCloud is a “Tour Monster” and has seen 60 Nationwide dates in a row with TECH N9NE. He has also toured consistently with IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, KRS ONE and EVIDENCE.
RedCloud’s life would be forever changed during a chance encounter at a Native Threads Catalogue Photoshoot, when he met his soul mate Crystle Lightning. Both being rehearsal junkies and choreography addicts, it was only a matter of time that LightningCloud would overflow and spill onto stages all across the Planet. LightningCloud’s self titled debut album “LightningCloud” is scheduled to release early 2012. Bundle up, the reign is coming.
Twenty-one year old Bryant Chapo is a new addition to the Native Threads family. Bryant, known to his friends as Chapo, is a professional skateboarder sponsored by Native Threads. Chapo was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he lived until he was 10 years old, then he and his mother moved to Idaho to the Fort Hall, Idaho reservation. Idaho is where Chapo fell in love with skateboarding.
“My skating career took off after I met new friends when I moved to Idaho.,” Chapo said. “I saw my friend and his friends skateboarding so I went and checked it out. I was really interested in it so I asked my friend if I could try his skateboard… I got on it and didn’t fall. So, I went out and bought a skateboard and that’s when it all started and never stopped after I bought that board.”
Chapo heard about Native Threads from a sponsor of his that helped him move out to California to persue his skateboarding career. He thought Native Threads would be a great way to keep in touch with his culture.
When looking for inspiration Chapo turns to music, “It gets me hyped up to try and learn new tricks to perfect my career.” The “everywhere” sport itself is an esc ape for Chapo, “The thing I love about skating is when I’m stressing out or I’ve got a lot on my mind I go and skateboard, it usually clears my mind.”
Chapo has been a part of the Native Threads family for nearly a year and a half. We are proud to have a professional, upcoming skateboarder as a part of our family!
JR Redwater is a 35-year-old enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. JR was born November 26, 1975; his parents are Dominic Sr. and Leanne Redwater.
Coming from a poor, alcoholic family wasn’t a happy life for JR, and because it was a dysfunctional family he knew he had to dream big. Growing up on an Indian Reservation in Indian Country was definitely a test of JR’s will to conquer centuries of systematic oppression and genocide.
The experience of sexual and physical abuse as a child was a difficult obstacle for JR to overcome in order to try to live a “normal” life.
At the age of 10, JR got his Indian name in a naming ceremony, “Wanbli-Ohitika,” which means Brave Eagle – his Native American culture plays an important role in his life. He sang and danced traditional on the powwow trail, making sure to honor his name – which he got from dancing as a boy during a cultural presentation. Kids mocked him as he danced, but JR decided to dance for those that appreciated his culture, and be proud of his heritage. This courage would be an attribute to his life long journey.
After graduating high school, JR joined the US Navy. “Going to see the world and get the heck out of South Dakota!” It seemed like a good solution for the kid who liked adventure – it would be, to this day, one of his best decisions.
After boot camp JR was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS INDEPENDENCE, after a year in Japan his new orders were to meet his new ship off the coast of California, the USS CARL VINSON, CVN-70, a nuclear aircraft carrier. Three WestPac cruises to the Persian Gulf and four years later, JR would move back to South Dakota only to live a life as a dysfunctional alcoholic.
Realizing he was going nowhere fast, he jumped the Greyhound Bus to California to embark on his long dream…
Quickly learning that alcohol was not the only drug, he became involved in a whirlwind of chaos, but luckily enrolled in the United States Truck Driving School, and became a long haul truck driver.
A year and a half later, JR was stopped in Huntington Beach, California while driving under the influence of alcohol, twice, in two months. Losing his Class A license was just the beginning of the end – JR vowed to quit drinking and started to attend meetings at Alcoholic Anonymous. For the first time since he started his drinking career, he was sober. JR’s sobriety lasted a mere nine months. A brief visit back to South Dakota would prove to be his first relapse in recovery – JR received his third DUI a year. The judge sentenced him to 60 days in the county jail, accompanied by large fines and probation.
Immediately after serving his Felony DUI jail sentence, JR committed his self to alcohol rehab, even after the court only recommended continued A.A. meetings.
After returning to Southern California, JR got a job as a hydraulic mechanic, and realized that this job was a dead end. He had nowhere else to turn, so he began his career as a professional stand-up comedian. The rest is history.
Today, JR is following his dream. He is drug and alcohol free, and now resides in Southern California. His life experiences at such a young age allow him to share his knowledge with those who dare to dream, he mentors high school students and young adults. JR is now a devoted Christian.
He is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and comedian. Touring with Pow-wow Comedy Jam, and Lone Wolf Comedy Tour to Iraq to perform for the troops, and most notably, being featured in the Showtime Comedy Special, “Goin’ Native, American Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations!” that debuted on Showtime Cable Network in November 2009.
His comedy has always been an outlet for his anger. It has always been the way he has always tried to heal people’s pain. It is a way of life for him. Brave Eagle will live up to his name, in the face of adversity, helping his people and relatives around the world!
The “Reservation Sensation” is truly living the Native American dream! This rising star surely is shattering stereotypes of the modern day Indian, and is happy to call himself, a leader for all to follow!
Crystle Lightning
Actor – Model – DJA plains Cree American Indian, Crystle began her show business journey at the tender age of four in Alberta, Canada. As a child, she was cast as a series regular on several family productions that included: LAST CHANCE DETECTIVES, LEGEND OF BIGFOOT, MYSTERY OF NAVAJO MESA, and ESCAPE FROM FIRE LAKE. At the age of nine, Crystle and her family relocated to the Los Angeles area where she immediately landed her first lead role in the blockbuster hit 3 NINJAS – KNUCKLE UP.
During her high school years, Crystle successfully fine-tuned her ability to balance her educational studies with her blossoming acting career, finding success in both. A few of her credits during that time included the TNT TV movie TECUMSEH: THE LAST WARRIOR and feature film BACKROADS. Plans to further her education after high school at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design & Marketing in Los Angeles were halted a few weeks before she was to begin classes when she was cast in the notable and honorable role of “Private Lori Piestawa” in the NBC television movie SAVING JESSICA LYNCH which was based on the true story of the rescue of Private Jessica Lynch by the United States army in Iraq.
Since then, Crystle has been dedicated to studying, training and honing her craft and acting full-time, she currently studies at one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected acting schools, the Beverly Hills Playhouse that was founded by renowned director and teacher, Milton Katselas. Most recently, Crystle’s works includes three shorts in which she stars in, SEARCH FOR THE WORLDS BEST INDIAN TACO, THE RICOCHET and SARDINES. Both SEARCH FOR THE WORLDS BEST INDIAN TACO and THE RICOCHET were official selections of the LA SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL. Crystle also had a recurring role on the daytime NBC soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES a few years back, and has played lead roles in several feature films such as: TECUMSEH: THE LAST WARRIOR, AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS: BAND CAMP, A DIFFERENCE DANCE, and in OLDER THAN AMERICA she played strong supporting role along side veteran actor BRADLEY COOPER (“Hang Over”). She has a plethora of television commercials under her belt and most recently ventured into new media via webisodes as a series regular on TEASE and CAMERA CAFE. In theatre, she starred in the production DETENTION OF THE DEAD, which marked her theatrical debut.
Crystle makes her home in Los Angeles, California. And when she isn’t acting, modeling, or in class at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, she is DJing out and about Los Angeles…looking to be the first top female Native DJ to hit top scenes everywhere. Crystle is the most recent addition to the NATIVE THREADS clothing line, look for her sporting NATIVE THREADS attire in ads and on the web, support Native business – wear NATIVE THREADS!
LightningCloud
musiciansSam Slovik of the LA Weekly writes “LightningCloud is the Bonnie and Clyde of Hip Hop” and they live up to that quote on this debut album. The LP is described as first class lyricism with an assortment of patterns, styles and articulations, over unmerciful hip hop, electro and house production. Songs like “Casino Money” and “Gravitron” satisfy the souls of any dance club enthusiasts, while tracks like “Hang it Up Daddy” and “Get Tribal” earn the respect of hip hop heads and boombox saints alike.
Crystle Lightning is everything that her given name implies: a clear bolt of penetrating energy.
A Plains Cree/First Nations Indigenous woman, Crystle began her show business journey at the tender age of four in Edmonton Alberta, Canada. By the age of nine, Crystle and her family relocated to Hollywood California where she immediately landed her first lead role in the blockbuster hit: 3 NINJAS – KNUCKLE UP. Since then she has landed impressive performances, including: a recurring role on the daytime NBC soap DAYS OF OUR LIVES, BET’s THE GAME, AMERICAN PIE PRESENTS: BANDCAMP, and in OLDER THAN AMERICA she played strong supporting role along side veteran actor BRADLEY COOPER (“Hang Over” “People Magazines Sexiest Man Alive 2011″).
A woman of many talents, Crystle Lightning is also a well established DJ. She is one half of the Hollywood DJ Crew “Ladies of The House”. Spinning records at notable famed clubs such as King King and House of Blues and honed residencies at The 1616 Club and Lucys 51, Crystle Lightning made
her imprint in the realm of music entertainment. While touring with partner in crime and rhyme, RedCloud, Crystle made her way from behind the DJ booth to center stage with Mic in hand and discovered another way to move the crowd. LightningCloud was concieved.
MC RedCloud, from the City of Hawthorne, is an indigenous legend with a highly exalted live performance track record.
A California Native and Huichol Indian (Jalisco, Mexico), MC RedCloud began his underground supremacy when his freestyles where heard over the radio airwaves, as he defeated numerous opponents on Power 106 with Felli Fel. RedCloud signed with Syntax/Koch in 2000 and moved well over 50,000 units of his releases. RedCloud is a “Tour Monster” and has seen 60 Nationwide dates in a row with TECH N9NE. He has also toured consistently with IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, KRS ONE and EVIDENCE.
RedCloud’s life would be forever changed during a chance encounter at a Native Threads Catalogue Photoshoot, when he met his soul mate Crystle Lightning. Both being rehearsal junkies and choreography addicts, it was only a matter of time that LightningCloud would overflow and spill onto stages all across the Planet. LightningCloud’s self titled debut album “LightningCloud” is scheduled to release early 2012. Bundle up, the reign is coming.
Bryant Chapo
Professional Skateboarder“My skating career took off after I met new friends when I moved to Idaho.,” Chapo said. “I saw my friend and his friends skateboarding so I went and checked it out. I was really interested in it so I asked my friend if I could try his skateboard… I got on it and didn’t fall. So, I went out and bought a skateboard and that’s when it all started and never stopped after I bought that board.”
Chapo heard about Native Threads from a sponsor of his that helped him move out to California to persue his skateboarding career. He thought Native Threads would be a great way to keep in touch with his culture.
When looking for inspiration Chapo turns to music, “It gets me hyped up to try and learn new tricks to perfect my career.” The “everywhere” sport itself is an esc ape for Chapo, “The thing I love about skating is when I’m stressing out or I’ve got a lot on my mind I go and skateboard, it usually clears my mind.”
Chapo has been a part of the Native Threads family for nearly a year and a half. We are proud to have a professional, upcoming skateboarder as a part of our family!
JR Redwater
Stand-up Comedian, Motivational SpeakerComing from a poor, alcoholic family wasn’t a happy life for JR, and because it was a dysfunctional family he knew he had to dream big. Growing up on an Indian Reservation in Indian Country was definitely a test of JR’s will to conquer centuries of systematic oppression and genocide.
The experience of sexual and physical abuse as a child was a difficult obstacle for JR to overcome in order to try to live a “normal” life.
At the age of 10, JR got his Indian name in a naming ceremony, “Wanbli-Ohitika,” which means Brave Eagle – his Native American culture plays an important role in his life. He sang and danced traditional on the powwow trail, making sure to honor his name – which he got from dancing as a boy during a cultural presentation. Kids mocked him as he danced, but JR decided to dance for those that appreciated his culture, and be proud of his heritage. This courage would be an attribute to his life long journey.
After graduating high school, JR joined the US Navy. “Going to see the world and get the heck out of South Dakota!” It seemed like a good solution for the kid who liked adventure – it would be, to this day, one of his best decisions.
After boot camp JR was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS INDEPENDENCE, after a year in Japan his new orders were to meet his new ship off the coast of California, the USS CARL VINSON, CVN-70, a nuclear aircraft carrier. Three WestPac cruises to the Persian Gulf and four years later, JR would move back to South Dakota only to live a life as a dysfunctional alcoholic.
Realizing he was going nowhere fast, he jumped the Greyhound Bus to California to embark on his long dream…
Quickly learning that alcohol was not the only drug, he became involved in a whirlwind of chaos, but luckily enrolled in the United States Truck Driving School, and became a long haul truck driver.
A year and a half later, JR was stopped in Huntington Beach, California while driving under the influence of alcohol, twice, in two months. Losing his Class A license was just the beginning of the end – JR vowed to quit drinking and started to attend meetings at Alcoholic Anonymous. For the first time since he started his drinking career, he was sober. JR’s sobriety lasted a mere nine months. A brief visit back to South Dakota would prove to be his first relapse in recovery – JR received his third DUI a year. The judge sentenced him to 60 days in the county jail, accompanied by large fines and probation.
Immediately after serving his Felony DUI jail sentence, JR committed his self to alcohol rehab, even after the court only recommended continued A.A. meetings.
After returning to Southern California, JR got a job as a hydraulic mechanic, and realized that this job was a dead end. He had nowhere else to turn, so he began his career as a professional stand-up comedian. The rest is history.
Today, JR is following his dream. He is drug and alcohol free, and now resides in Southern California. His life experiences at such a young age allow him to share his knowledge with those who dare to dream, he mentors high school students and young adults. JR is now a devoted Christian.
He is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and comedian. Touring with Pow-wow Comedy Jam, and Lone Wolf Comedy Tour to Iraq to perform for the troops, and most notably, being featured in the Showtime Comedy Special, “Goin’ Native, American Indian Comedy Slam, No Reservations!” that debuted on Showtime Cable Network in November 2009.
His comedy has always been an outlet for his anger. It has always been the way he has always tried to heal people’s pain. It is a way of life for him. Brave Eagle will live up to his name, in the face of adversity, helping his people and relatives around the world!
The “Reservation Sensation” is truly living the Native American dream! This rising star surely is shattering stereotypes of the modern day Indian, and is happy to call himself, a leader for all to follow!
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