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Khary Kimani Turner writes: "Minneapolis is looking for a general, and Rob “Young General” Watson, 27, is ready to assume the position. But first, it’s important to know where he’s coming from. The Midwest town known for its multicultural composition contends with its fair share of misperceptions. As is often the case with Midwest metropolises, the widely accepted myth is that Minneapolis is little more than the home of Prince, the site of the most horrific bridge collapse in recent U.S. history, and a haven for jungle fever. Little could be further from the truth. The reality is that Minneapolis is, as DJ Quik might say, just like Compton…Detroit…or Chicago. Like those cities, it’s got hoods, and the urban angst that is connected, part and parcel, to it. An underclass consisting of black, Latino and Asian youth is mired in gang activity and violent living that, on the north end alone, claimed the lives of seven youth during the first quarter of 2007. Bridges in those hoods, the kinds that link intelligent young people to opportunities, collapsed a long time ago. Minneapolis hip-hop takes root here, in these hoods, as well as in the multicultural, well-to-do sections of town. And there is hunger, for opportunity and respect, on both sides. The talent pool is primarily underground, and Young General knows it well. Given his city’s musical legacy, it should come as no surprise that Young General is hell-bent on eschewing gimmickry so that he can be judged on his talent. Even with his albums done, he still spends an average of four days a week in the studio. Always writing, always recording, always preparing. When the battle for Minneapolis goes national, Young General will be in the middle of the fray, giving fans another taste of how the Midwest rocks. - Khary Kimani Turner