Musselz

Donyae Barton a.k.a. Musselz, a Chicago native, has been rapping since the fifth grade but says music has been in his soul since early childhood. “I remember dancing in front of my family for money and singing songs that I didn’t even understand the lyrics to.” Now at 21, Musselz is inspired by lyrically charged artists such as fellow Chicagoan Lupe Fiasco because of his combination of morality and creativity. “[Lupe Fiasco] takes his beliefs into account with his artistry,” says Musselz, “he doesn’t use profanity, doesn’t [promote] drinking or smoking… degrade women or promote violence, not only because of self-awareness, but because he honors his beliefs.” A lyrical powerhouse himself, Musselz honors his beliefs and hopes to promote change with his music as well. “I would hope that twenty years from now people will say ‘[he] changed things for the better’... I would like to be remembered for bringing joy to everyone I encounter.” Besides rapping, he sees making himself and others laugh as a pastime. A quote that he lives by is, “laughter is a remedy from Heaven when your ailment is despair.” By listening to Musselz’s music, you can’t help but be empowered. His love for bringing joy and consciousness to others is evident in his music. His fluid, thought-provoking lines and rhythmic variations boast a strong musical gift. “If I were not a musician I would not be alive. I believe you are supposed to do what you are called to do, anything else is in vain.” Donyae was called into the Christian lifestyle at age 19. He was startled by a dream of death and knew then that it was time for a change. His favorite scripture is John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” He says this is his favorite because of the amount of hope it gives. Though most “seasoned saints” would say that he is just a babe in Christ, by listening to his music, you would believe that he has been walking with God for a long time. “I see myself as a humble servant and a friend of God,” he says, “I may not pray as much as I should or minister to as many people as I can, but I hope to improve and believe many will be touched by my testimony and my music.” He says his relationship with God is constantly growing and he is grateful for God’s undying mercy. When asked what his mission statement was, he replied, “I was called for greatness by the voice of the Lord/ to pierce the heart of Satan with the universal sword/ to be the first of my kind and the last to say I quit/ and understand that the light doesn't come from the candlestick/so I'll be the wick and let the the Lord's light kindle/ and when wind blows from the window I will tend to/ making sure that I put hot tracks out/ and be a spark to the dark world until I burn my wax out.”