Rare Mystik Centers Life’s Purpose with New Single ‘What Baddies Like’

The latest single is out now.

Photography by Prime Pursuit

With her unique multicultural sound, Maryland up-and-coming alternative hip-hop artist Rare Mystik aka yunggodis – is setting the bar even higher. While her environment exposed her to hip-hop, ‘crank’ and GoGo music, Mystik has explored other genres of music and self-expression such as Alternative, Indie, Electronic, and Rock, as seen in projects like her 2023 self-titled album RARE MYSTIK, supported by tracks like, “Rethink,” “MY WORLD” and “Yea Aighttt” and 2021’s Meanie that encompassed “THE BID” (feat. Still Skinni), “HERE2HATE,” “MATRIXXX” (feat. NollyOffDaMolly) and more.

Her latest track, “What Baddies Like,” – is a vibrant late-summer anthem, all about embracing fun, confidence, and letting loose, with a playful nod to twerking culture and whose music video’s infectious energy and fun visuals perfectly capture Mystik’s energy, making it an instant hit with fans. Rare Mystik spoke with 1202 MAGAZINE on the release of “What Baddies Like,” her creative process/journey, how she’s making headway as a genre-defying artist, her goals, and what she has in store for the future.

Can you tell me when you began making music and what inspired you to do so?

The first ever rap I wrote was in 2016; I did my own remix of PTAF’s “Boss Ass B*tch,” inspired by Nicki Minaj’s remix of the song. Young Money (Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Drake) was my biggest inspiration; back in 2009-2010 days, I would listen to “No Ceilings,” “We Are Young Money,” “So Far Gone,” and really any Nicki project or feature I could find. I was about 11-12 years old, and I remember loving memorizing and reciting lyrics; it was fun, and I appreciated the craft from a young age. Eventually, I gained the courage to write my own rap at 18; I wouldn’t share it with anyone until years later.

Tell me about the creative process behind “What Baddies Like.”

When I first discovered the beat for “What Baddies Like,” my initial goal was to use my signature flow on a jerk beat and see how it sounds! I’d been avoiding jerk beats since last summer because I tend to shy away from trends, but my supporters kept suggesting that I try them. When the beat started playing, though, it took a completely different turn from my usual sound, and now we have a summer/fall twerk anthem!

Overall, what is your creative process when making music? What emotions do you feel, what experiences do you relive, and what obstacles and achievements have you experienced?

I never approach a mic without first making sure my energy is right. Even if I set the intention to record a song days in advance, I use each day or even each hour leading up to the session to re-listen to my music, remember who I am, and ultimately reignite the passion that allowed me to create my legendary discography in the first place. In other words, I build my confidence so that the next song is just as impactful as any previous song. While I’m recording, it feels like I’m filling the entire booth or room with my own unique energy. I laugh, I make jokes with myself, and I genuinely have a ball in my own world that I get to create and recreate with each session.

My biggest achievement so far is the success of “What Baddies Like,” which currently has 79,000 YouTube views at the time of this interview! I imagine it will have hit 100K views by the time it’s published, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. I have to be honest, though, that it’s just the beginning of many achievements to come. I pray this is the track that opens doors for me! Regardless, the doors will open.

My largest challenge throughout my journey has been balancing mom life with all the work and energy it takes to pursue a music career independently. Imagine being one person with ten different roles, and each role requires 20 different tasks to be completed each day. That’s what it feels like, but I’ve been slowly building my tribe and team to elevate along this journey with me. Starting with my lovely manager, Diamond, I’m interested to see who will join us next.

Photography by Prime Pursuit

Would you say being from Maryland influences how you make music, or do you like experimenting with all types of music?

Being from Maryland, not just Maryland, but Prince George’s County, Maryland, specifically definitely influences how I make my music. Our unique GoGo Culture, which we shared with and originated in Washington, D.C., inspires my overall sound. In P.G. and D.C., we want to hear music that cranks, aka music that makes you dance, like GoGo music. That’s the goal with the majority of my songs: to make you dance. You’ll also hear references to GoGo in my lyrics; you can hear the influence of GoGo bands in my adlibs. Even down to my delivery, sometimes, you may hear the influence of other PG rappers like Q Da Fool and Shabazz.

What do you think makes you unique compared to other artists?

Every artist, just like every human being, is unique. No one can replicate another being’s unique energy, experiences, or especially another’s purpose in this life. Compared to other artists, I pride myself on using rap as a means to fulfill my life’s purpose – which is ultimately to inspire the next generation to truly know themselves and value knowing and executing their purpose. The reason you hear me rap in my songs about myself and less about material things is that I am not motivated by the material. Other artists may pride themselves on what they have or what they do, but I’m all about knowing and teaching others to be proud of who they are. If you take away your name-brand clothes, your job, and your popularity, are you still valuable? Yes! And I hope the people who choose to support my music are those who know.

What can listeners expect from you in the future, and what are some of your goals?

Honestly, as an artist, I don’t even know what to expect because I create based on my present-day inspirations and experiences. I didn’t expect to create a track like “What Baddies Like.” I was actually just trying something different, and it worked out. Nonetheless, expect to hear more uplifting tracks that make you feel confident, powerful, and secure with yourself! That’s what my music is all about.