Meet Mystory

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mystory. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mystory, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hopes that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
As a creative who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), overcoming challenges related to my mental health is an ongoing process. One method that I continue to use is journaling. It’s important to get grounded and to find balance among the many intrusive thoughts that I have, and journaling has assisted me in settling my mind.

Journaling also helps me with my writing process as an artist. In many of my songs, I create based on how I feel or what life experience I am currently in. Reflecting when I journal translates to my music by providing me with intentionality, understanding, and vulnerability.

Additionally, therapy has helped me overcome challenges with mental health. I have been in therapy for about 6 years, and I still say that it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Speaking to my therapist provides me with guidance that has led to more insight of myself, and that is empowering.

Overall, I remain persistent by acknowledging where I am mentally, giving myself grace, and being receptive to growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a rapper with an emcee’s heart, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. This encompasses using music as a vehicle to self express and share my story, while also shedding light on oppressed communities and societal issues.

I began pursuing my music career while living in Georgia. I started because I was in search of an outlet to express my pain after my grandfather passed away. I realized I was listening to music for healing, but I couldn’t hear my exact story in the songs I would play. There’s a quote by Toni Morrison that states, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” This inspired me to create my own music and also curate space where I can be transparent with myself and my listeners.

One of the most exciting/ special parts of being a rapper is how it intersects with my abilities to teach and engage in my classroom. Rapping has provided me with craftiness and creativity while creating lesson plans and curating a safe space for my students. I frequently include Hip-Hop music, lyrics, videos, etc. in class to help with writing skills and to build more understanding of literary, socio-economic, historical, and psychological aspects of life. When I rap, I express my story. When I teach I learn my students’ stories while they gain some insight of mine as well. This helped me realize that in both rapping and teaching, there is an opportunity to connect and build community, and to me, that is liberating and special.

My first album, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the story of me going back home to my roots while navigating through life and its challenges. It is available on all streaming platforms, and I look forward to more people listening to it. My most recent single is called “On 10 (featuring Rachel Michelle)” and is also available on all streaming platforms.

In 2024, my supporters can expect more music and video releases from me. I am also looking forward to performing this upcoming year. I am definitely a music artist to keep looking out for, and I truly feel like my time to “blow up” on a grand scale is coming soon.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
It’s hard to limit myself to just three, so here are a few:

1. Authenticity- Throughout my journey, I have been reminded to be my true self. I began showing the most authentic version of myself physically by freely wearing my locs in photos, videos and performances. Now it is much easier to create posts and have fun with my social media presence within my brand, because I am walking in my truth. The most rewarding thing about this is that I am fulfilled. It is also amazing to see my supporters relate to me even more now.

2. Trusting in my passion/calling despite what other people may say- I know that I have a specific calling in life, and no matter what other people say or how they receive me, I trust that I am moving in alignment with the highest version of myself. It is something almost inexplicable, but I have a gift, and I will keep doing what I am passionate about no matter what.

3. Learning as much as I can about my craft- In order to be a creator or teacher of anything, one must be a student first. This doesn’t mean questioning myself or valuing other people’s opinions more than my own. It just means that there are so many things to continue learning and growing as a creative and a person. I have learned so much from when I started, and I am still learning about more ways to be the most well rounded artist that I can be.

4. Connection and Collaboration- I have always enjoyed connecting with others and opportunities to collaborate. Most of the artists, producers, engineers, and graphic designers that I have worked with still remain a significant part of my tribe. Additionally, it is heartwarming to share some similar experiences with other people who truly understand life as a creative.

My advice for others in relation to developing these skills is to trust yourself, and remember that things may take time to fall in place. The journey may have its challenges, but it’s important to give yourself grace and to rest when you are called. A quote that has resonated recently for me is, “Stillness is not stagnancy”. Overall, these qualities were essential in my journey, and they may also help you along yours.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is supporting my dreams of being a rapper. Having an incredible support system from my family, specifically my parents, makes all the difference in me remaining motivated. I am always reminded that this journey is bigger than me. It’s also about my community/my tribe. Seeing them come to my shows and push me to become the best version of myself is greatly appreciated.

My parents give me feedback and constructive remarks on my songs, visuals, and performance practices. Recently, my mom was at a studio session with me, and she helped me realize that I wasn’t giving as much energy on one of my verse recordings. I took her feedback, applied it, and the verse turned out better than what I imagined. She reminds me to be teachable.

Another recent moment is when my dad listened to an unreleased song in my Google Drive. He was thrilled to hear my progress. He told me that the track moves African people because of its rhythm, and I always see value in that. He also helps me with being intentional with word choice, especially because I am a role model to the younger generation.

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Image Credits
Photographers: Brikarri Williams Troy Sawyer Cover Artists: Kumar Ananya Dxnny Dolphin Richard Delacosta

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