Mystikal
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- For the member of the hip hop music group Goldie Lookin' Chain, see Mystikal (UK rapper).
Michael Tyler, also known as Mystikal, Michael L. Taylor/Michael Tyler/Tyler (born September 22, 1970) is an American rapper who grew up in the 12th Ward housing projects, New Orleans, Louisiana. He is one of the artists on Master P's New Orleans-based No Limit label to achieve both critical and commercial success.
Michael Tyler went to Cohen High School. Later he would go on to be in the Army and fight in Operation Desert Storm.
His debut album was Mystikal, released on the indie label Big Boy Records in 1995 (see 1995 in music). He signed to Jive Records to release Mind of Mystikal in 1996 (see 1996 in music). The album sold well, and he signed to Master P's No Limit Records for Unpredictable (see 1997 in music). The album sold well, and garnered him critical praise, though his real breakthrough was 2000's Let's Get Ready (see 2000 in music), led by the hit "Shake Ya Ass," and the only slightly-less-successful single "Danger (Been So Long)," which featured rising pop star Nivea. His hard hitting style served to differentiate himself from the rest of the No Limit roster.
One of his most recent releases was the 2001 album Tarantula, which contained the single, "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against The Wall)". Though it presented Mystikal's typical and unique flow style, the song also saw a blending of jazz and swing elements with hip-hop, similar in style to Us3 and possibly a first in gangsta rap. He was also featured on "Move Bitch" by Ludacris.
On January 16, 2004 Mystikal was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty on several sex-related charges [1], specifically "1002186 SEXUAL BATTERY OF INFIRM" and "702127 EXTORTION." His parole hearing was recently heard, but he was denied.
He is currently incarcerated at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, which is just outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His D.O.C. number is 00469659.
In August 2005, Mystikal was charged with two counts of failing to file tax returns for 1998 and 1999; if convicted, he could serve up to a year in prison on each count.
In January 2006, Mystikal was linked with a move to Tha Row Records.
On the music album, This Is My Demo by British rapper, Sway DaSafo, there is a reference to Mystikal's imprisonment.
Discography
- Mystikal (1995)
- Mind of Mystikal (1996) (Gold)
- Unpredictable (1997) (Platinum)
- Ghetto Fabulous (1998) (Platinum)
- Let's Get Ready (2000) US #1 (2x Platinum)
- Tarantula (2001) (Gold)
- Prince of the South...The Hits (compilation) (2004)