Skip to Content
Podcast

RacketCast, Ep. 5: Meet MN’s Best New Music Act

Papa Mbye talks with Keith and Jay about his genreless journey, collaborating and experimenting with scene old-heads, and whether Sting would enjoy his music.

Papa Mbye

|Provided

In this edition of RacketCast, get to know Racket’s first-ever Picked to Click winner: Papa Mbye!

A terrific new album, Parcelles 16, helped vault the Senegal-born, Minneapolis-based musician to the top of the poll, and deservedly so. The music he makes—drawing from rap, electronic music, and indie rock—would have been unthinkable when the original P2C launched in 1991, and he’s only getting started. But now, as a Picked to Click winner, 25-year-old Mbye is already an indelible part of Minnesota music history.

Speaking of that history, Keith and Jay begin the episode with a "Remember Some Guys?" speed round of past Picked to Click winners, spanning back to when the best-new-band poll first appeared in City Pages. And, at the very end of the pod, enjoy the Parcelles track "SENEGAMBIA." (Or just watch the music video below—you're the boss.)

Subscribe to RacketCast wherever you get your podcasts—Spotify, Apple Music, Pocket Casts, etc. Wanna advertise on RacketCast? Email us at advertise@racketmn.com. Special thanks to local band Van Stee for supplying our podcast music!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Racket

Time to Give Thanks on This Week’s Open Thread, You Ingrates!

We're turning Racket over to you, the readers—a little earlier this week.

November 26, 2025

At A Queer Ritual, Bonds Are Built on Blood and Benefit Shows

With a two-day festival, the queer-focused heavy music series broadens the scope of its brutal catharsis.

November 26, 2025

Federal Agents, SPPD Create More Chaos in St. Paul

Plus Southside Pride's final edition, Tina Smith's Fight Club, and two cute properties on the market in today's Flyover news roundup.

On the Big Screen This Week: 2 of the Best New Movies of 2025

Pretty much all the movies you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

November 25, 2025

Plenty to Give Thanks for in Your Complete Concert Calendar: Nov. 25-Dec. 1

Pretty much all the music you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

November 25, 2025
See all posts