The legendary rapper Michael Lawrence Tyler is better known by his stage name Mystikal. His sister Michelle Tyler was murdered in September 1994, and her tragic death became a major influence on Mystikal’s music thereafter. He has released five studio albums to date, including 2000’s 2x platinum No.1 smash, Let’s Get Ready.

Raised in New Orleans, Tyler joined the US Army as a combat engineer straight out of High School. But he was always an aspiring rapper, and after being discharged he opened for Run-DMC and Doug E. Fresh at an outdoor concert at the Treme Community Center in New Orleans. The house producer for Big Boy Records, Leroy “Precise” Edwards, was in the audience and he was so impressed by Tyler’s performance that he granted him a record contract. Mystikal’s self-titled debut album was released in 1994 and it was one of Big Boy’s most successful albums. In 1995 Mystikal signed to Jive Records and rereleased his debut album as Mind of Mystikal soon after. The following year he signed with No Limit and released his second studio album, Unpredictable, in 1997.

After collaborating with Mariah Carey on her Rainbow album, Mystikal released his third album, Ghetto Fabulous. He left No Limit and his fourth album, Let’s Get Ready, came out on the Jive Records label in 2000. It debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, selling 330,663 copies in its first week, and went on to be certified double platinum. His most recent album was 2001’s acclaimed Tarantula. It earned him Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Male Rap Solo Performance 2003. He also went on to star in the action crime thriller 13 Dead Men. After being in trouble with the law and serving time in prison, Mystikal strove to make amends and turn his life around. He still makes music and performs in front of sell-out crowds.

Mystikal regularly connects with his legions of followers and fans through Instagram, and Twitter, posting pictures and videos about his life around music and recording. He is also available for that personalised rap message via RapHotline.com, and has a dedicated YouTube channel, MystikalVEVO.