We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mafiyo Rapkind. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mafiyo below.

Mafiyo, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always wanted to be in the entertainment industry since i was an 8 year old little boy, watching shows like three’s company and The Jefferson’s made me want to make people feel the same way i felt when watching those classics. I would learn lines after watching re-runs of the shows and i would act as if i were a character from the show, i would imagine being funny at school or at family events, and making people laugh like my favorite characters made me laugh. I went to prison at the age of 18 and was sentenced to 10 years, while in prison i took up a few different trades, radiology , upholstery but was not moved by the work of these trades. One day, the prison faculty put together somewhat of a talent show for us inmates and the staff allowed us to practice and rehearse our lines , they also allowed me to be a part of putting together the line up and schedule. Being in prison as you can imagine was a tough crowd, people already had issues with one another and did not like each other due to prison politics, but for some reason this event brought us all together and there was respect shown for all of us who took to the stage, After the show was over, i received compliments and adulation from those that might not like me or even speak to me otherwise. I knew then that I would be in the Entertainment field for the rest of my life.

Mafiyo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I run two seperate media companies, one – Rapkind Ent. and the other is Youron Media Group. Both companies provide a variety of services, Rapkind Ent operates as a record label and and promotions company with hundreds of thousands of followers across all digital platforms. YMG (Youron Media Group) operates as a film and video production company. With YMG we have released two films to streaming platfors such as Tubi, Amazonn Prime Video, FAWESOME and others. With Rapkind Ent. we have released music from artists like Yoey Composes, Mike Sherm, Compton AV, Messy Marv, Show Banga, Big Celeb and others. Rapkind Ent also produced the longest running cable tv program in California producing 15 seasons of our flagship show Rapkind Television. We pride ourselves on originality and professionalism. I enjoy working with talented people to make bring the vision to life, not only working with them but learning from them as well.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives struggle to understand why a creative will continue to create even if there is no money involved, even if it costs us to create, we still do it. A true creative does not learn to create, a true creative is born with this fire in the pit of their belly and it remains with us for our entire life. A creative has something inside their soul that drives them to want to create something from nothing, to bring forth something that was born in the deepest part of their imagination, to bring that thought into the physical realm and to have people enjoy it as you did when it was just a thought in the furthest reaches of your mind. As a creative I am always thinking about a new project, a new song and a new way to arrange it, a new piece of original content which will affect the masses in a way that matters. I see almost everything as an inspiration to create something original and new.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

At this point in the world of creatives and the arts, in my opinion, the most helpful thing anyone can do for a creative is to share the creatives work, in the realm of social media this can change someone’s entire life. Simple exposure holds the keys to the kingdom and its always free to give. If you see someone doing something you like, LIKE IT! SHARE IT! talk to someone about it, you dont always have to post it on your main page, I get it, your page is your digital real estate but it’s easy to send something you like through messenger, inbox , share a link through text and other ways.
All we have which we control as creatives and those who support creatives is the power to share ones art and the art that you like. This is where the true power lives, support the creatives you like.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mafiyo100/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAFIYO/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mafiyoblacklight5282
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2nENOkwdlqm7CWwyGgRruF?si=1QrvoUy2R3Ca1WWItk56Dw

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mafiyo/284364695