"I know what it feels like to know that it's time to share with others on another level, and not have the proper connections, know-how or resources to be able to do it," says Kristoff Krane in a press release. "Carnage opened that door for me when he vouched for me back in the day with Eyedea, which then blossomed into a very close friendship and a new world of possibilities/opportunities for myself. Because of the opportunities others have presented me with I was able to grow the connections I needed to receive the support from my community needed in order to do what I love for a living."

The press release announces Survival of the Fittest, a June 13 showcase spotlighting young local hip-hop talent from the Jets Gang Music and Lse7en collectives. Both collectives grew out of Youthlink's Kulture Klub Collaborative, which gives young artists studio resources and mentorship. Young artists Batman Da Kyd, Lt. Sunnie, Peoplez, and Scola Se7en will perform at the Nicollet for a suggested donation of $10. Krane and Carnage will be on hand, as will the Icy Styles breakdancing crew.

"As a hip-hop artist who is always listening to what's happening on the scene, I wondered why I had never heard of them before Kristoff introduced me to them," says Carnage about these young artists in the press release. "After being blown away by their skills upon meeting them, I vowed to myself that I would do something to help them reach a Minnesota hip-hop scene that could benefit from being exposed to a fresh, young urban perspective that is positive!"

Krane and the four performers to be featured on Friday released a single associated with the showcase, "Survival of the Fittest." Sample these artists' skills for yourself below, then catch them live at the Nicollet.