What is the backstory to your name?
My name was originally “Mercilezz” or “Mercilezz Mike,” but it was my Mom who gave me MeRCY. She felt the name represents strength and beauty. Most importantly, the human nature of a Man. You either beg for ‘mercy’ or show ‘mercy’. Life likes to play in between. A tug a war between Heaven and hell.
How do you describe or build music for the next generation?
I try to carry on tradition. I’m from the Golden Era and how they set the trend, I wanna build off that foundation. I wanna bring substance to the game. I wanna provide more conceptual music and something that’ll challenge you emotionally and mentally. It was that essential essence that kept the game alive.
Who influenced your career the most?
It was my oldest brother, Guttaman, who introduced me to Hip Hop but it was Mobb Deep and Nas who influenced my career the most. It was something about the rawness and emotions they provided in their music. It helped influenced and inspired. It played the soundtrack to my life.
Do you produce your music?
I don’t necessarily produce my music but I’ve helped co-produced some. I work with a variety of producers which all help giving me a sound of versatility. My guy Gourmet Jorge help executive produce my projects by sequencing the songs. However, I do have a frequent producer, Solidified, who keeps most of my albums sounding cohesive.
Do you write the lyrics first or create/pick the music first?
I like to create music first but there’s been times where I write out of nowhere. No beat. No paper and pen. Just mindlessly writing and playing with words. I get a plethora of beats. It’s usually the ones that provoke the thoughts I choose first.
If you weren’t a recording artist what would you be doing?
I would be doing something with drawing or art. I’m still interested in creating my own anime or comic book. I’ve had a passion for it before my musical upbringing. I’ve been drawing since the age of 3 and got it from my Father. I would like to lead that legacy for him.
What are you going to do first when all COVID restrictions are lifted?
More family trips. Maybe go out the country. Nothing too crazy. I’m still gonna be keeping distance haha. I know I’ve been planning some type of musical performance for my latest album, Everything Under The Sun. Something like MTV Unplugged. Jorge and I have some dope dope ideas for it and the summer would compliment well.
Would you use or become a ghostwriter?
I’ll never use a ghostwriter but I’ve been a ghostwriter for some unknown artists. It’s been a tricky and fun task at the same time. I just find myself too creative to be in the need of a ghostwriter. My imagination and creative thinking is too vast. Nobody can tell my story better than I can.
Describe the perfect summer drink?
A scoop of lemon sorbet floats in a pool of Prosecco and vodka, and the cocktail is finished with a minty green garnish. Also, you can try the Shoulder Monkey for my whiskey sippers. That’s that smoky flavor made with Scotch.
What's your next move and where can people connect with you at?
Whether, it’s me working on new music, a new album, a collaborative project, etc. My next move will be my best move. You can search or tap in MusicByMercy which is connected to all my social medias.
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