Bdot Croc Energizes Lynx Fans and Inspires Youth

From Hip-Hop Stages to Courtside Hosting

North Minneapolis native Brynne Crockett, widely recognized as hip-hop artist BdotCroc, is now electrifying crowds as the in-arena host for the Minnesota Lynx home games. This latest role adds another vibrant dimension to her already dynamic career, which includes calling basketball games for North High and extensive work with community youth.

A Voice for the Next Generation

During a recent Kids Day matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, BdotCroc, 35, commanded the energy of the arena, describing the atmosphere as akin to “Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe.” Her responsibilities involve igniting fan enthusiasm, conducting engaging game-day activities, and distributing team merchandise.

Following victories, BdotCroc also has the opportunity to interview a Lynx player. After a win on Kids Day, she spoke with guard Courtney Williams, who expressed her gratitude to the fans, saying, “Man, shout out to y’all, man, we love y’all, let’s keep it gooooiiiiinnng.” The sentiment was met with a powerful surge of cheers from the crowd.

Post-game, BdotCroc connects with fans, particularly the younger generation. “It’s amazing … young people are my biggest inspiration,” she shared. This sentiment aligns with her academic background, holding a self-designed double major in youth studies and communication from the University of Minnesota.

“The kids are excited to see me and inspired by me, you know? And that always inspires me more, because that’s the goal is for them to see themselves when they see me,” BdotCroc explained, emphasizing the cyclical nature of inspiration. Her journey offers a tangible example for young people, illustrating diverse paths to success beyond traditional aspirations.

She highlighted how students have told her she inspires them, particularly those who might not reach the WNBA. “I know some young girls wanted to play in the WNBA. And maybe they feel like if they don’t make it there, they’re like, ‘Oh, well, if I don’t make it in the WNBA, I could still work for the WNBA in a certain way,’” BdotCroc noted.

Musical Roots and Influences

BdotCroc’s journey in hip-hop began with her uncle, rapper Kelly Crocket, also known as Kel-C. He mentored her and her cousins from a young age, teaching them the fundamentals of rapping. “We all just kind of used to rap in the basement … mimic him. He would rap with us,” she recalled, describing their early days of freestyle and honing their individual styles.

Kel-C recognized her unique talent, reportedly telling her cousins, “You know, the boys are good, but Brynne is the monster. Like, she’s the one they’re gonna have to watch out for.”

Later, BdotCroc lived in a home where music icon Prince had previously resided. While initially skeptical of her mother’s stories about Prince practicing in the basement, she later witnessed the impact of his legacy firsthand. Following his death, fans gathered at the house, leaving roses and drawing media attention, which solidified her belief in the home’s special history.

“Prince, you know, his spirit, or the energy of him and all of his band mates that did so much work and practice down there has something to do with that, for sure,” BdotCroc mused, attributing her found voice to the creative energy of the space.

A Lasting Impact in the Community

In high school, BdotCroc was a student of Anna Beal at North High. Beal remembered her as a student with a naturally warm and engaging personality. “She just has a really good disposition in life. And think, when you teach high school, you can see that already formed in a student,” Beal commented, noting that Brynne‘s current demeanor mirrors the kindness and curiosity she displayed years ago.

Beal was particularly touched when BdotCroc used her former classroom at North High to film a music video. “That was really special to me, that that is where she recorded it,” Beal said, appreciating Crockett‘s continued connection to her community and her role as a mentor.

Beal views Brynne Crockett as a true asset to the area, praising her commitment to inspiring the next generation.