Mastamind
Encyclopedia
Mastamind is an American rapper from Detroit. A founding member of Natas
, he was formerly signed with Reel Life Productions
before forming his own label, Toxsic Records.
, who had released the album Boomin' Words from Hell
and multiple EPs on his Reel Life Productions
label. Esham liked the demo, and decided to form a group with Mastamind and a friend, T-N-T. The trio named the group Natas
, an acronym for "Nation Ahead of Time And Space".
In 1995, Mastamind released his debut solo EP, Lickkuidrano, which featured guest appearances by Esham and Dice
. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier wrote, "[Bitcheshate] is obviously the EP's centerpiece, as the other five tracks are all rather brief -- still, they're impressive tracks even if they are short." In 2000, Mastamind released his debut album, Themindzi, which received critical acclaim in the underground music
scene; Murder Dog magazine named Mastamind as 2000's "most slept on" rapper. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier wrote "Just being able to sit back and listen to Mastamind craft his own unique style with confidence is engaging enough to make this a worthwhile album." The album's release was followed by Mastamind's first national tour. In 2010 and 2011, Mastamind performed at the 11th and 12th annual Gathering of the Juggalos
.
. Allmusic writer Jason Birchmeier said that Mastamind's rapping "owes little to any conventional style".
Natas (group)
Natas is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan.-History:Esham met Mastamind as a student at Osborne High School, who gave him a three-song demo tape of his music, leading the two to form the group with Esham's longtime friend, T-N-T, deciding on the name Natas, an acronym for "Nation...
, he was formerly signed with Reel Life Productions
Reel Life Productions
Reel Life Productions, also known as Gothom Records, is an independent record label based in Detroit, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1988 by James H. Smith and his younger brother, rapper Esham...
before forming his own label, Toxsic Records.
Biography
While attending Osborne High School, Mastamind passed a three-song demo to fellow student, EshamEsham
Rashaam Attica Smith, better known by his stage name Esham , is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan known for his hallucinogenic style of hip hop which he refers to as "acid rap", which fuses rock-based beats and lyrics involving subjects such as death, drug use, evil, paranoia and...
, who had released the album Boomin' Words from Hell
Boomin' Words from Hell
Boomin' Words from Hell is the debut album of Esham A. Smith. It was first released in 1989, when Smith was 13 years old, and was reissued the following year.-Lyrical themes:...
and multiple EPs on his Reel Life Productions
Reel Life Productions
Reel Life Productions, also known as Gothom Records, is an independent record label based in Detroit, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1988 by James H. Smith and his younger brother, rapper Esham...
label. Esham liked the demo, and decided to form a group with Mastamind and a friend, T-N-T. The trio named the group Natas
Natas (group)
Natas is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan.-History:Esham met Mastamind as a student at Osborne High School, who gave him a three-song demo tape of his music, leading the two to form the group with Esham's longtime friend, T-N-T, deciding on the name Natas, an acronym for "Nation...
, an acronym for "Nation Ahead of Time And Space".
In 1995, Mastamind released his debut solo EP, Lickkuidrano, which featured guest appearances by Esham and Dice
Dice (rapper)
-Biography:Dice began his career in 1992, signing with World One Records, who released his debut album, The 40 Made Me Do It through Raw Dogg Records. After touring with Ultramagnetic MCs, Ice Cube and Da Lench Mob, Dice began his association with Reel Life Productions, although he did not sign a...
. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier wrote, "[Bitcheshate] is obviously the EP's centerpiece, as the other five tracks are all rather brief -- still, they're impressive tracks even if they are short." In 2000, Mastamind released his debut album, Themindzi, which received critical acclaim in the underground music
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
scene; Murder Dog magazine named Mastamind as 2000's "most slept on" rapper. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier wrote "Just being able to sit back and listen to Mastamind craft his own unique style with confidence is engaging enough to make this a worthwhile album." The album's release was followed by Mastamind's first national tour. In 2010 and 2011, Mastamind performed at the 11th and 12th annual Gathering of the Juggalos
Gathering of the Juggalos
The Gathering of the Juggalos is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse , and their label in 2000...
.
Style and influences
Mastamind is a proponent of the "acid rap" style originated by EshamEsham
Rashaam Attica Smith, better known by his stage name Esham , is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan known for his hallucinogenic style of hip hop which he refers to as "acid rap", which fuses rock-based beats and lyrics involving subjects such as death, drug use, evil, paranoia and...
. Allmusic writer Jason Birchmeier said that Mastamind's rapping "owes little to any conventional style".
Discography
- Themindzi (2000)
- Street Valu (2003)
- Hellrazer (2006)
- Toxsic Avenger (2009)
- Khemicalspill (2010)
- Lasttemptationofchrist (2010)
- Ntoxsication (2011)