Michael "First Degree The D.E." Colen is a Sacramento area rapper, math teacher, and community leader. His record label, Fahrenheit Records, has independently released over 80 albums, and has sold over 100,000 units. Michael Colen has been professionally releasing music since 1992 and has a cult following around the world. Michael Colen's music is known for its comedic realness and high-quality musical sound.

Michael attended Kennedy and Christian Brothers High Schools, Hampton University in Virginia, and graduated from CSU Sacramento with a degree in communications. Mr. Colen received his Master's Degree in global teaching strategies from National University, and was awarded Teacher Of The Year in 2015. Michael Colen has appeared in The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento's News & Review, N.P.R., CBS 13 News and more.