Jordan Booker Staff Writer Music is something that many people dabble in, but it takes a special individual to go into music and be able to prosper over time. Junior Itez Mayo has moved into Merrillville and has made an undeniable impact on the culture not only in within the school, but in a variety of places throughout the United States with his highly acclaimed rap music. Mayo who is all in on music now, wasn't always this invested in music.
“When I first started music I was in it for fun.I was in the third grade doing it to past time and things, “Mayo said.” But it took off and people started to tell me they liked my songs and how I rapped. So from when I was just doing music for Fun as opposed to now where I take it extremely serious. Music is one of the main parts of my life.” Mayo, originally from Philadelphia, often recalls certain times and experiences from home in songs. For example, in the intro to Mayo’s first project “DTOB” There is a news report of an unfortunate event that had occured in Philadelphia. “Being from Philadelphia helps me make music because it is where most of my stories come from. Also when I was growing up in Philadelphia I never really got a chance to vent to anyone at any time. So I was holding everything thing in. So Philadelphia has no doubt shaped me into who I am and plays a huge role within my music,” Mayo said. Whenever someone starting out in a new field they will often look at others who have come before them as blueprints for their success. “ My biggest influences would have to include J.cole and Sean Combs. I say those two because J.cole is and was never afraid to address anything that he wanted to rap about. Sean combs was an influence to me because he could balance rapping and being a businessman which is something I would like to be involved in,” Mayo said. Mayo has released numerous songs and now multiple projects including “Different Type of Beast” and “Hiatus The Recuperation EP”. However, Mayo has [1] a hard time deciphering which of his songs is his personal favorite. “My favorite songs that I have released would have to be between ‘Different part 1’, ‘Different part 2’, and ‘Struggle’. I honestly did not want to release ‘Struggle’ but my friends pushed me to do it so I did and the people received it well. I chose the two different songs because with different part 1 was a redemption from my first song which wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. It also let me tell a nice story with the song. As well as receiving a better reaction with the public than what I thought of it. With different part 2 it means alot to me because I released it one ye[2] ar after part 1,” Mayo said. “This song to me represents how far I've come as a person and an artist. This song was also released on all platforms opposed to only soundcloud like the previous two. So it is difficult to only say one, but it would be between these three songs,” Mayo said. With tons of artists across the globe all waiting for their big break, Mayo finds a way to stay positive and keep belief in himself. “The people around me help me the most. They tell me I am supposed to be doing this and that I am great in what I'm doing. I feel as though if I have one person who believes in me to a million who do not, I can succeed. With me I honestly believe I am one song away from really breaking out and getting my name more well known,” Mayo said. When it comes to creating the music though, Mayo has a variety of time windows that he can work through. “With me it all depends. If my emotions are running high for various reasons then I can do about 3 to 5 songs in an hour without finding a beat,” Mayo said. But other times I can get writers block and I can't figure out what to say exactly. In this process it would take me about a few days for one song. Mayo also likes to be extremely organized when preparing to go into the studio. “A routine day in the studio for me would be going in with all of my lyrics and adlibs done and ready, “Mayo said.”Then I can go into the studio, pull up my beats, and let the engineer do his job and make sure my melodies, tempos, and everything is in tune and ready for me. From there I can just go in the booth and do my thing.” Mayo also has a number of individuals who help him with decisions in his career as well as simply being there for him when others are not. “There's many people that can fit into that category and I do not want to leave anyone out. So all of my friends and family, and more specific LB, Shard, and Speedy,” Mayo said. Out of these three specific people Mayo stated, Rishard Balcom, a senior at Merrillville High School referred to as “Shard”, has great things to say about Mayo. “When Itez is in the studio he is very focused and determined to make his music the best that he possibly can. Personally, he is one of the hardest working people that I have ever seen, “Balcom said.” What makes Itez stand out from the field is the way he carries himself along with he has a true purpose for his music, which is helping his family and others.” Growth is something that everyone experiences and it can usually be easily identified when it is or has occured.” “I have grown so that when I go out to events like a basketball game people come up to me to show their support so that is way I know i have grown. I also feel like I am just better at my craft overall from my lyrics to my flows and everything involved. For example I think my song Different part 2 shows a good example of my growth over the last year,” Mayo said. In relation to growth, Mayo is not only heard in Merrillville and his hometown of Philadelphia. “It makes me feel amazing to know that I am reaching places that I have not been to. It makes me feel as though I have what it takes to make it. It's also kind of crazy to know that people love me when they have not met me. It all means the world to me,” Mayo said. In relationship to being heard in multiple places Mayo can also be heard on various platforms including Soundcloud, Spinrilla, and Apple Music. While Mayo does do music for himself and because he enjoys it, he mainly does it for one significant other person in his life. “Honestly I started making music for my mother. Seeing her go through things really had an effect on me that I can't let go. So I do this for her, My mother,” Mayo said. Evidence to this statement can be supported by Mayo’s track called “Make it out” where Mayo promises to help his mom, friends, and to make it in the rap industry. has? This quote is too long -- break it into two quotes and use part of it as a transition Comments are closed.
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Student reflectionsPlease keep scrolling all the way down to see all the comments.
Senior Zhanvie Edmond
“My biggest fear is that this may happen again and make everyone’s situation even harder. E-learning is great and all, but it is very hard to stay motivated to get work done because of all the distractions being at home brings. What I miss the most is my whole senior year. Everyone looks forward to all the festivities of senior year and it sucks that I won’t be able to have those experiences. I’ve been keeping myself busy by trying my hardest to stay on top of school work, painting, and playing video games to get my mind off of bigger issues. And to the rest of the senior class, just keep pushing through. Yes, this is a very tough time, but life still goes on, so we have to stay strong.” Senior Aaliyah Perry
“My biggest fear during all of this that it will last way longer than we expect it to. When I first heard school was closed for the rest of the year, I didn’t think it was true. I just laughed it off and then started crying again because I realized the rest of my senior year was gone. I’ve been keeping myself busy by keeping in contact with my friends and doing lots of baking. I’ve been talking to friends via phone, Skype, and even google hangouts. As for baking, so far I’ve made churros and tons of cookies. I miss being able to just walk through the halls and see other people focused in class. I really like to see other people focused on certain tasks because it motivates me to do something too. E-learning has been weird. Sometimes I absolutely love it, other times I hate it. Sometimes, I just close my laptop and act like it’s summer… and then I remember that I still have grades to worry about and I can’t fail. Most of my work is pretty easy, but it’s really difficult with my technical classes because we can’t work the way we normally would. Seniors, this isn’t the end of us. We are going to make this year memorable!” Senior Tajah East
What I’ve been missing most about school is the nonstop exciting environment. I miss the constant laughter I would have with my teachers and classmates. I miss the atmosphere of learning , I miss walking the halls , I miss hearing the bells rings , and I miss the feeling of having somewhere to be. I absolutely hate that my fellow 2020 classmates have said our goodbye to MHS in this way. Yet there is always light in every situation. I can say the positive outlook I have is we now know what true leadership and teamwork looks like from our school. The staff has been doing their best to try to help with everything in this crazy time. And it’s greatly appreciated from us all. Even though we miss our regular lives this is a great time to re-evaluate ourselves, families , hobbies, and just explore new things that can emerge from this quarantine. I can say as a class we have missed out of stuff, but I can ensure we will have a story to tell. I love you class of 2020 and we will always be remembered. Senior Desiree Alleyne “My biggest fear right now is not being able to walk across the stage. I want to be with my class for one last time and wear my cap and gown to receive the diploma I worked so hard for. I want to experience something that a lot of people never get to experience. Rejoicing with the people I spent the last 13 years of school with about our accomplishment was something I always looked forward to. Playing in the Orchestra for graduation was something I also looked forward to all of my years high school.”
Senior Kenneth King
“I work to keep myself occupied. I also watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and do my work.” The MirrorThe Mirror is the student newspaper of Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place, Merrillville Ind. 46410. |