MulaManDam on Resilience Through Rhythm

His newest single, “T’D UP,” is out now.

Photography by Khufu Najee

Emerging from the underground music scene, Long Island native MulaManDam (Mula) brings a fresh perspective with his latest single, “T’D UP.” The rapper, songwriter, and producer integrates bass-heavy, drill-inspired beats with melodic instrumentals. He is known for his gritty, high-energy music, cementing him as an unequivocal voice in New York City’s rising music scene.

A trailblazer to his sound and the future of it, Mula’s ‘self-starter’ approach to releasing music saw him release the EPs Lost in Luxury and McFly prior to signing with IIIXL. The New York indie label launched by SoundCloud and renowned A&R Sickamore is helping create waves with previous hit singles like “Knuck&Buck,” “YELLOW SRT,” and “About Face.”

His latest release, “T’D UP,” introduces Mula’s genre-defying sound and lays the groundwork for his debut album, Ghetto & Blues. His dynamic of distorted 808s, smooth grooves, and raw emotion brings soul to street rap. At just under three minutes, the track presents a more intimate side of Mula, one that embodies the comeback of authentic storytelling and true musicality in rap. Its playful yet engaging lyrics reflect his personal experiences and the joys and hardships of life in urban environments.

MulaManDam spoke with 1202 MAGAZINE on “T’D UP,” how he’s paving his own path in music, and what’s next for the rising star.

When did you start making music, and what inspired you to do so?

I started making music in 2007 when I was 10 years old and was inspired by my dad –– he was a producer and rapper in the 90s. So, I started making beats on my own. I grew up listening to a lot of Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Kanye, Biggie, and Michael Jackson. I was always musical –– I taught myself how to play the piano, the guitar (which I play upside down since I’m left-handed), and the clarinet.

Can you share the story and inspiration behind your latest single, "T'D UP"? 

I was in the studio one day, and I didn't really have anything to record, but I was with this girl for the first time, and I wanted to impress her. So, I went through the beats I had, and I found the beat (the producer) Patient Music sent me. Then, I got in the booth and freestyled ‘T'D UP.’ She sang R&B, and I wanted to show her that I could get in that bag, too. 

What was the creative process like making "T'D UP?” What are some emotions you feel, obstacles and achievements you experienced, and how do they connect to your overall artistic direction?

I was just making a song—it was random and spontaneous. It was really just me showing off to a girl, but since that was the inspiration, it led to something different than I usually do. It’s not a vulnerable song, but I’m not an overly sensual artist, so it challenged me.

How has your journey as a producer and artist shaped your approach to music-making?

I feel like I can express my music better because I produce and am an artist as well. Sometimes, you’re limited by what the producer hears and what their style is. I feel like you become a real artist when you’re able to make every aspect of the song. In 2007, when I started making music, it was mainly producing, so creating an entire world of sound was always my process. 

Growing up and performing in Long Island and New York City, what elements of the culture in NYC would you say are reflected most strongly in your music?

The element of perseverance, you know? Being able to overcome obstacles, whether that be your environment or the hood, in general. I feel like New Yorkers have this survivor mentality. I think being from Long Island, you naturally have a chip on your shoulder and a point to prove. You felt like an outcast and looked over by people in the city, and that strived me to be greater. You have to prove yourself since you’re not from one of the boroughs and you are not really from New York City. Long Island has a lot of talent; it’s slept on, and because of that, there’s an urge to show people.

With over thirteen bodies of work, how do you keep challenging yourself creatively to evolve your sound?

The more experiences and life that I have, the more wisdom I gain, and I translate that into my music. I’m constantly evolving as a person, so as long as I keep growing and challenging myself, my music will grow with me –– there’s always room for improvement!

How would you describe your self-defined genre, "Ghetto & Blues," and what message do you hope listeners take away from it? 

Ghetto & Blues is a perfect blend of love and hate, classy and street, old but new, ghetto and blues—just things that are polar opposites. I want listeners to be proud of every aspect of their lives, even the tough times, knowing that life is beautiful no matter what you’re going through. I was really inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, Miles Davis, and Thelonius Monk. Their world was full of grit and struggle, but their music was soulful and refined. 

What do you think makes you stand out/have a unique sound in New York’s underground scene?

Definitely, my friends and collaborators like GG Tef and Turbeazy. I feel like we’re a unique group from Long Island, and I am very true to our circumstances. We’ve all been childhood friends since elementary, so we were able to grow together, and that helped us cultivate our sound. Other people might get their sound from the radio or what’s popular, but I get my sound from my friends and people around me. We are a collective of rappers, producers, designers, photographers, and all types of creatives; I refer to us as ‘The Mob,’ which stands for 'My Only Brothers.’ I have that tattooed on my face. 

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future? If so, how do you choose them; what do you look for in the artist/producer you want to work with?

I mean, I’d love to work with Kanye, Erykah Badu, or Andre 3000, but honestly, I would love to work with anybody who loves music the same way I do. When you genuinely have a passion for music, you can hear it; you can feel it. We’re not just making music for money or fame, and that’s something I look out for in other artists.

What can your fans look forward to in terms of new projects, and what are some of your goals?

Well, you can expect Ghetto & Blues to drop in the spring. This project is the ultimate collection of songs that describe who I am as a person and the things I’ve been through. It’s my first body of work, being a signed artist, so it feels different this time.