Mystikal

Mystikal Gets 81 Days In Jail For Probation Violation

17 Apr 2012 14:46:17 EDT

Cash Money CEO Birdman confirms to MTV News that the label will continue to support the New Orleans rapper.
By Nadeska Alexis

Mystikal inked a new deal with Cash Money Records in December to release his upcoming sixth studio album, Original, but the New Orleans rapper will have to delay work on his LP due to legal troubles. Mystikal, born Michael Tyler, has been sentenced to three months in jail for probation violation.

On Monday, Louisiana State District Judge Tony Marabella handed down the three-month sentence for the 41-year-old rapper, who was arrested in February and charged with a misdemeanor for domestic abuse battery. The arrest was in violation of his five-year probation, stemming from sexual battery and extortion charges that landed him in a Louisiana prison from 2004 to 2010.

A spokesperson for Cash Money CEO Birdman issued a statement to MTV News, confirming the label will continue to support Mystikal's career, emphasizing that the arrest will not affect their relationship. Birdman's rep added that Mystikal will turn himself in on May 14 to being the sentence, but he will only serve 81 days, since Marabella is crediting him for the nine days he spent behind bars after the February arrest.

During a March visit to "RapFix Live," Mystikal revealed a few details about his anticipated album, including an upcoming collaboration with Cash Money labelmates Drake and Busta Ryhmes. "I'm telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait, Sway, believe that," Mystikal told MTV News' Sway Calloway. "Busta [Rhymes] was one of the first artists I worked with when I first came home. Busta came out there, came all the way to Baton Rouge. I'm talking about we got it in."

In mid-March, Mystikal dropped the video for his album's lead single, "Original," which featured appearances from Lil Wayne and Birdman and gave fans a glimpse of the luxurious YMCMB lifestyle. Original will be Mystikal's first album since 2001's Tarantula.

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Drake Collaboration Is 'Coming,' Mystikal Promises

16 Mar 2012 16:43:54 EDT

'I'm telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait,' Mystikal says of his upcoming Original on 'RapFix Live.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

It's been 11 years since Mystikal's last album, but when his 2012 album Original finally does drop, the energetic bounce master promises that he will deliver in a big way.

"I'm telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait, Sway, believe that," Mystikal told MTV News' Sway Calloway on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."

The truth is, even if it wasn't "worth the wait," would a rapper really say otherwise? Mystikal acknowledged that his boasts may seem cliché, but that "those who know who I am know that I mean that."

Mystikal was released from prison in 2010 after a six-year bid and has been balancing music with his family life. He now has four children; two 12-year-olds, a 1-year-old and a 2-month-old. Now that his home life is in order, Mystikal is fully focused on the music. "I try to record every day, every day, just get it in," he said.

Last week he debuted the video for the LP's first single, "Original." Flanked by Birdman and Lil Wayne, the Tarantula delivers a spirited performance standing atop a piano in a lavish mansion. "Back to the top from the jailhouse," he spits triumphantly.

On Original, fans can expect even more collaborations from Cash Money/Young Money artists. "Busta [Rhymes] was one of the first artists I worked with when I first came home," he said. "Busta came out there, came all the way to Baton Rouge. I'm talking about we got it in."

What about Drake? "No, that's coming," Mystikal promised.

What do you think of Mystikal's video for "Original"? Tell us in the comments!

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Mystikal Says Mannie Fresh/ Birdman Rift Doesn't Affect Him

15 Mar 2012 14:25:33 EDT

While working on Original for Cash Money, Mystikal tells 'RapFix Live,' 'What I do with Mannie is what I do with Mannie.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

New Orleans has a rich hip-hop tradition, anchored mostly by Cash Money Records and Master P's No limit label, which saw its heyday in the late '90s and early '00s. Mystikal is one of the few MCs who can claim a connection to both crews, but now that he is signed with Birdman what will become of his relationship with former Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh?

It's no secret that the Cash Money CEO isn't keen on working with his former Big Tymers groupmate, as he told XXLMag.com, but after his release from prison, Mystikal hit the studio with Fresh. "I did some hot tracks with him, when I first came home, like some mixtape kinda stuff. We just ain't ever released it yet," Mystikal said on Wednesday's "RapFix Live."

"Me and Mannie, we have about five under our belt right now, so I'm just tryin'a keep it movin'," he continued. "I got what I need from KLC, the Beats by the Pound stuff. Lord, it's gonna be an awesome album," he said of his upcoming Original LP.

In 2010, a viral video of Mystikal freestyling to a number of Fresh beats while the two sat in the producer's car racked up thousands of views. "The amount of hits on that is nuts, because we were just sitting in the car vibing," Fresh told MTV News of the video while at Bonnaroo last June. "I was just going through beats, and he was rapping on it, and I'm trying to convince him [that] I think that would be his mixtape."

A few of their collaborations — like "Move Something" and "Uh Oh" — have already made their way online. As far as the rift between the #1 Stunna and Fresh, Mystikal says that has nothing to do with him. He also maintains that he is able to separate his business from the personal. "What I do with Mannie is what I do with Mannie, what I do with my company is with the company," he said.

What do you think of Mystikal and Mannie Fresh's chemistry on record? Tell us in the comments!

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Mystikal 'Couldn't Avoid' Lil Wayne In Prison

14 Mar 2012 19:17:36 EDT

'That was painful, man. To look at TV, like, I wasn't on there,' Cash Money signee tells 'RapFix Live' of his six years in prison.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

A six-year prison sentence is no doubt derailing, but keeping a cool head has gotten Mystikal back on track, with a new record deal and album coming out on Cash Money Records.

"For six years, I was looking up. The only people that were under me were people that were deceased — that's kind of how you feel," the fiery New Orleans MC told "RapFix Live" host Sway Calloway on the show Wednesday (March 14). "To come home and be with the #1 rap label? Come on."

Mystikal describes the experience as humbling. His "Original" music video, featuring Lil Wayne and Birdman, has already clocked in more than 6 million views on WorldStarHipHop.

In 2004, the former No Limit Records star went to prison on charges of sexual battery, extortion and failing to file tax returns. He was released in 2010, and though he has been working on music ever since, his biggest news came in December when he officially announced his signing to Cash Money.

Going from behind bars to spitting bars alongside Lil Wayne is quite a feat. "The hardest part was making the transition from everything that I was doing to everything that I was able to do," the Tarantula said of his adjustment from rap star to inmate. "I kinda disconnected from the hip-hop scene, 'cause that was painful, man. To look at TV, like, I wasn't on there."

One of the rappers he would constantly see on the television: Weezy, of course. "That was one you couldn't avoid, that whole camp and Drake and Nicki," he said. "And the whole time, working it out like, 'That's where I'm going anyway.' "

Are you looking forward to Mystikal's upcoming Cash Money debut album? Tell us in the comments!

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Mystikal, Jean Grae To Stop By 'RapFix Live'

13 Mar 2012 18:38:32 EDT

The two rappers will join host Sway Calloway on Wednesday in remembering the late Notorious B.I.G.
By Nadeska Alexis

Mystikal was one of the standout talents on No Limit Records in the mid- to late-'90s, and big hits like "Danger (Been So Long)" later helped the rapper to keep his hometown New Orleans on the map. And Wednesday at 4 p.m., the Tarantula will stop by "RapFix Live" to reveal details on his latest projects, include his upcoming sixth album, Original.

Mystikal dropped his debut Mind of Mystikal in 1995 and followed up with two albums on No Limit Records (1997's Unpredictable and 1998's Ghetto Fabulous), before releasing his double-platinum fourth LP Let's Get Ready via Jive in 2000. The album boasted the Neptunes-produced hit "Shake Ya Ass," in addition to "Danger." Mystikal also continued to clock in notable features on tracks like Ludacris' "Move Bitch."

The 41-year-old rapper, who influenced a young Lil Wayne at the height of his career, was released from prison in January 2010 after a six-year incarceration stretch, and now he's getting back to the music. His December deal with Cash Money Records consummated the union with the new single "Original" featuring both Lil Wayne and Birdman. The video for "Original" debuted this week, but it's only the beginning for Mystikal, who's been holed up in the studio with producer Mannie Fresh, recording a fresh batch of hits.

South African rapper Jean Grae will also join Mystikal on "RapFix Live" this week, as she preps her upcoming seventh album Cake or Death, due out later this year.

Both rap veterans will be able to share their memories of Notorious B.I.G., who passed away 15 years ago. On this week's episode, host Sway Calloway will continue MTV News' monthlong celebration of the late rapper, during a special segment with Junior M.A.F.I.A. rapper Lil Cease and DJ Clark Kent. Both artists, close friends of B.I.G., will weigh in on their five favorite songs from his legendary Life After Death album, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary on March 25.

Tune into "RapFix Live" at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and tweet your questions for Mystikal and Jean Grae @MTVRapFix, using the hashtag #RapFixLive.

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Lil Wayne's Success 'Gratifying' For Mystikal

28 Sep 2011 16:46:34 EDT

'Wayne was a student in my dojo before,' Mystikal tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by James "FLX" Smith

Celebrity Favorites: Mystikal
Since Mystikal's been gone, a lot has changed on hip-hop's playing field. In 2004, when Mystikal was locked up on sexual battery and extortion charges, Jay-Z was fresh off his "retirement," Kanye West was just beginning his rookie year in rap and Lil Wayne was getting set to drop the first album in his now-famed Tha Carter series.

Now, Kanye and Jay are the Throne and both enjoy veteran rap status, and Lil Wayne is sitting on top of the world. Mystikal recalls his fellow New Orleans rapper's come-up and can't help but feel a bit responsible for the growth.

"Wayne was a student in my dojo before. I was a sensei before. I had big inspiration on him," Mystikal said of the younger Weezy. "It's gratifying to see him reach the heights that he reached with his hustle. So I'm proud of him."

Mystikal, who turned 41 last week, has a catalog of rap classics. Songs like "Shake Ya Ass" and "Danger" helped shine hip-hop's light on his native New Orleans and the artists who hail from the Louisiana city. Still, the Tarantula isn't content with his past hits. He has recently been in the studio with producer Mannie Fresh, cooking up a new batch of material.

So how will this new Mystikal fit into hip-hop's current landscape?

"Just another option, just give them another option," Mystikal told Mixtape Daily of what he hopes to offer to rap fans. "All the marquee artists are who they are; I don't have to say no names. [The fans] just ready for more options, they ready for some other big cards to play. Trust me!"

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Mystikal, Mannie Fresh Working On 'Monsters'

26 Sep 2011 19:47:08 EDT

Former No Limit MC says, 'My star is still out there in the stratosphere.'
By Rob Markman, with reporting by James "FLX" Smith

Mystikal has more to celebrate these days. Not only is the New Orleans rapper expecting the birth of a baby boy, the Tarantula has new music on the way and just turned 41 years old. It hasn't always been smooth sailing for Mystikal, who was released from prison in January 2010 after a six-year incarceration stemming from charges of sexual battery, extortion and failing to file tax returns. But Thursday, Mystikal was all smiles as he performed at his own birthday bash at the Sha-La club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"I'm in the process of rebranding everything," he told MTV News. "My star is still out there in the stratosphere; I just gotta get the spiderwebs off of it and shine it back up. That's it — simple as that."

Part of that process is getting back in the studio. Though he hasn't released an album since 2001, last year Mystikal hooked up with former Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh, and the two have been slowly cooking up new material.

"We been working. Last couple of weeks, we been coming with some monsters in that studio," Mystikal said before describing his plan for 2011: "I still gotta give them that vintage me, because that's what I am, but I found a way to kinda bring it up to speed and still be contemporary."

Not that Mystikal is ignoring his legacy in the slightest. The former No Limit star performed a string of hits Thursday. "That wasn't really a whole bunch of new material, that was vintage Mystikal," he said. "It just reminds them of a moment in time when things were alright. Everybody remember that moment when "Here I Go" or "Shake it Fast" or "Make 'Em Say Uhh" — they remember that."

Are you excited to hear new music from Mystikal? Tell us in the comments!

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Mannie Fresh Urges Mystikal To Put Out Free Tracks

17 Jun 2011 14:45:57 EDT

'Your fans miss you,' producer tells his 'Uh Oh' collaborator, in Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ade Mangum

Behind the Beats: Mannie Fresh

Fans haven't heard much from Mystikal since his release from prison in 2010 after serving six years on sexual battery and extortion charges. There was, of course, his feature on Lloyd's "Set Me Free," and a leaked song called "Uh Oh," featuring Jazelle and produced by Mannie Fresh. The slow, seductive "Uh Oh" was proved that despite being locked up, the New Orleans rapper hadn't lost his touch on the mic. And Fresh and Mystikal clearly have good chemistry. In fact, a 2010 viral clip of the former No Limit MC freestyling while the former Cash Money producer plays beats has racked up over half a million hits on YouTube.

MTV News recently caught up with Fresh at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and talked to the producer about his work with Mystikal.

"The amount of hits on that is nuts, because we were just sitting in the car vibing," Fresh said of the viral video. "I was just going through beats, and he was rapping on it, and I'm trying to convince him [that] I think that would be his mixtape."

As the two continue to work together, Fresh is urging Mystikal to continue to put out free music and worry about selling an album later. Mannie thinks the rapper should build off of all the positive comments that the viral clip received and give the people what they want.

"I think we should go through the songs that everybody liked, put that out as free music then do the album," he said. "I am pushing for that."

Ultimately, Mannie is just looking out for the base that Mystikal has built starting with his 1996 debut album, Mind of Mystikal. "Every song that he picked, I'm like, ''Hey, just put it out there,' " Fresh recalled. "Your fans miss you."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Mystikal Says He's Recruited Lil Wayne, Pharrell For New LP

07 Jul 2010 20:51:55 EDT

'I kissed the floor and hugged the mic and held it so gently to me,' the Cajun MC says of first post-prison recording session.
By Shaheem Reid

Mystikal is back home in Louisiana and the energetic MC says he's more excited than ever.

"Finally. Six years, that ain't no walk in the park," Mystikal told us over the weekend. "I had a lot of time to do a lot of growing, reflecting and thinking and stuff like that," he said, talking about the six-year sentence he served on a sexual battery and extortion charge.

But since his release from prison at the top of the year, Mystikal has wasted no time getting his career back on track. He added to his busy schedule over the Fourth of July weekend with a performance at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. "To participate in an event like this is awesome," he said.

Mystikal also recently jumped on Lloyd's "Set Me Free," performed for his hometown at the Zulu Ball and in front of millions at the "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors," dedicated this year to the Dirty South. And he says he's recorded an album's worth of material. "Everything is lined up for me, it's amazing. I didn't throw pity parties for myself [while in prison]. I knew I was too blessed to be stressed and I knew I was gonna get through it. I'm still on Jive. I still have an obligation to fulfill with them guys," he said of his record label. "We gonna do it in a major way."

One of the collaborators on Mystikal's upcoming LP is Pharrell Williams, who with partner Chad Hugo scored the Cajun veteran's hit "Shake Ya Ass" a decade ago — in the process elevating the Virginia duo's career to legendary heights.

"I just talked to him the other day," Mystikal said of Pharell. "He says he got an armored-tank beat for me. I can't wait to hear what that sounds like."

Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes have already recorded features and the Nola MC is also going to get in the lab with Mannie Fresh. Mys says once he fully launches his comeback, "a lot of rappers are gonna have to go back to the drawing board."

"It wasn't no big writing sanctuary, but I was able to put some stuff together," he said about his time away. "I feel like I'm doing more writing now than I did there. Y'all about to be real proud."

As for his versatile flow, Mystikal insisted he didn't have to worry about finding it again. "I ain't never lose it," he smiled. "I was rapping in that place. I was doing benefit concerts for American Cancer Society and MDA [Muscular Dystrophy Association]."

Once released, the Southern MC behind hits such as "Danger" and "The Man Right Chea" said he was humbled.

"I kissed the floor and hugged the mic and held it so gently to me," he recalled of getting in the studio for the first time in more than half a decade. "That was with KLC from Beats by the Pound who was on No Limit with me. He was the guy I learned how to record demos with way back when I was just starting in this game. It was a wonderful feeling."

Who else would you like to hear Mystikal collaborate with? Tell us in the comments.

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Lloyd Drops 'Set Me Free' Video, Featuring Mystikal

17 May 2010 12:23:37 EDT

Clip is Mystikal's first video appearance in nearly a decade.
By Shaheem Reid

One of Interscope Records' newest signings, former Murder Inc. singer Lloyd, debuted the video for his new single "Set Me Free" over the weekend. The video features the first time we see the song's costar, Mystikal, in a new video in close to a decade — the MC was released from prison earlier this year after serving a six-year bid for sexual battery and extortion.

The two shot scenes throughout their hometown of New Orleans, including the Calliope projects (officially known as the B.W. Cooper Apartments), which has spawned several rap luminaries including Master P, C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker.

"The stars are aligning in 2010. It's a year of new beginnings ... him being released from prison, me getting free from The Inc.," Lloyd said to MTV News via e-mail. " 'Set Me Free' is so much more than a song to us; it's our reality. Like Mystikal says, 'I'm back on the beach, muscle up, bitch!' "

The video is mostly performance in the streets, with plenty of people in the neighborhood coming out to support the duo. We also see them rapping and singing supported by a band.

"The track has that 'second line'/brass band sound that you can only get back home in New Orleans," Lloyd, who now lives in Atlanta, explained. "I never made a song that repped for my birth city, and when I wrote the record I had only one person in mind. I wanted to make it authentic, so I went back home during Marti Gras. Me and Mystikal got in the studio, and we knocked it out. The energy was crazy! And as you can see, he hasn't lost a step. Wild Wayne of Q93 [in] New Orleans and Greg Street of V103 [in] Atlanta help bring the collaboration together. It was a blessing to work with a legend that I've admired for years."

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