Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mickey Factz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mickey , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As the Dean of Students at the very first school for lyricism, I can not express what it means to be in a space to uplift, curate and encourage emcee’s to be better writers, conveyers of language and overall more personable human beings. The opportunity to expand this curriculum into higher levels of academia is the main goal as we proceed into the 50th year of Hip Hop.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Mickey Factz, I was born in The Bronx, New York and have been a fully functional and successful Hip Ho[p artist over the past 15 years.

I got into the industry by being an innovative entity with my company that I co-founded, GFCnewyork. We had multiple workers with us that had knowledge of the music industry as well as ties. That allowed me to be the flagship artist for this company to break into the industry.

I am now currently the Founder, CEO and Dean of Students at Pendulum Ink, the very first ever school for lyricism.

The services we currently provide is an 8 month course track that includes writing, delivery, application of technique, mental health specialist on staff, school spirit clothing, battle rap lessons, content creation classes and finally business classes for all students who are enrolled.

The only problem we currently have is students are trying to be better emcee’s. The solution is just us teaching them. That gets solved in about 8 months. We don’t have to separate ourselves from anyone because we are currently the only school for lyricism within Hip Hop.

The one thing I’m most proud of is the fact that by creating this school, we now have the opportunity to change the dynamic of what Hip Hop is and what it is going to be. This actual culture shifting work that we are doing here at my school.

The one thing I want people to walk away with after reading this is saying, wow maybe I can learn how to write better lyrics as an emcee, songwriter and/or poet. We provide a safe space for all people to join in and be apart of a fascinating community that is growing day by day.

We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.

I met my Co-Founder, Chilla Jones in 2011. I had saw him on YouTube battling another emcee. I was sent his work via a former co-worker of mine and we watched it and I said this guy is an incredible emcee. Over the course of 11 years, Chilla and I became good friends. We’ve collaborated on music several times, there have been times when I had to battle and Chilla would pull up and be on the same card as me. We have created techniques together and have assisted each other on advice throughout our lives. I recall having the initial call about starting this school with him and I remember specifically telling him, “I can’t do this without you bro. You are currently the only person I can trust with this curriculum and business model.” His exact words were, “I’m in.”

It didn’t take much convincing from him and for that I am eternally grateful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting is always a very scary thing to do. Especially when we are accustomed to a sense of normalcy within our work life. This new business venture is me actually pivoting into the education space. I am not professionally trained to be a teacher. However, my experience in the mentor space as well as my ability to interact and give back have lead me to be a fine professor for my students at my school. I saw that there was an opening to have a space where people could go to express themselves through a myriad of writing techniques and mental health spaces. I finally also saw that there was an age limit on how long someone can last in the music industry before a fan either moves on, or the scene changes into a completely different space. For me it was essential to create a completely different industry that did not exist to allow me to pivot properly into. Very crucial decision making on my behalf to go to that next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pendulumink.com
• Instagram: @mickey.factz
• Facebook: facebook.com/officialmickeyfactz
• Linkedin: Mickey Factz/Mark A Williams Jr
• Twitter: Twitter.com/mickeyfactz
• Youtube: mickey factz