DJ Mustard: No Gimmicks, Just Music—Inside His Biggest Year Yet with BigBoyTV

DJ Mustard sat down with BigBoyTV to discuss his role in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, the meteoric rise of “Not Like Us,” and his recently released deeply personal album, Faith of a Mustard Seed. The conversation covered everything from his production process to his newfound dedication to health and fitness.

From the Studio to the Super Bowl

Mustard was a key part of Kendrick Lamar’s historic Super Bowl halftime show, joining a lineup that included SZA and Samuel L. Jackson. Rehearsing in secrecy for a week, he described the surreal energy backstage and how he shared a pre-show moment with Jackson while watching the game.

“I definitely got nervous. I started sweating on the sideline once it was time for me to go,” Mustard admitted, recalling the anticipation before stepping onto one of the biggest stages in entertainment.

One of the most unexpected moments of the performance was when Kendrick subtly referenced his diss track “Not Like Us” during the show. Mustard, who had no idea that would happen, said he caught it live just like everyone else. “I looked at my manager like, ‘You heard that?’” he said, laughing.

The Rise of “Not Like Us”

Mustard revealed that he never anticipated Not Like Us becoming a cultural phenomenon. He had been sending Kendrick five beats a day, not knowing which, if any, would be used. When Kendrick dropped the song, it took over clubs, sporting events, and playlists worldwide.

“I remember making the beat on April 6,” he recalled. “Usually I send beats in batches, but I sent this one and got a heart emoji back. Then the next day, I was back to five more beats.”

When Kendrick performed the track live at the Pop Out concert, Mustard saw its impact firsthand. “It was like a wave. Nobody was sitting down, no one went to the bar or the bathroom. It was electric.”

Faith of a Mustard Seed: A Deeply Personal Album

Mustard’s upcoming album, Faith of a Mustard Seed, is shaping up to be his most introspective work yet. He credits the album title to the late Nipsey Hussle, who suggested it during their last studio session together.

“This album is different,” Mustard explained. “My sister’s on the intro, my mom’s voice is on the skits, and I even rap on the outro for the first time.”

The project has been five years in the making and features an impressive lineup, including Future, Vince Staples, Schoolboy Q, Ella Mai, and Charlie Wilson. Mustard described it as a carefully crafted album with emotional depth, a departure from the club anthems he’s known for.

Hard Work, No Gimmicks

Throughout the interview, Mustard emphasized the importance of persistence and authenticity in music. He revealed that even when Kendrick wasn’t actively recording, he continued to send beats daily, believing that when the time was right, everything would align.

“Good music is good music. You don’t need to do gimmicks,” he said. “Just keep working, and when it’s your time, it’s your time.”

Mustard also shared his philosophy on collaboration, saying he has no ego when it comes to working with artists. He’s willing to chase people down to get a song completed, joking that nobody ever listens to a hit song and wonders how many times the producer had to call the artist.

A Commitment to Health & Balance

Outside of music, Mustard has been focused on health and wellness. He plays tennis daily and works out regularly, aiming to be in the best shape of his life by 35. He reflected on how COVID forced him to reassess his priorities, leading him to cut out distractions and focus on his well-being.

“Health is wealth,” he said. “All the money in the world doesn’t matter if you’re not here to enjoy it.”

Social Media & The Fake Side of Fame

Mustard also spoke about the impact of social media, calling it a “fake place” where narratives are created without context. While he uses it for promotion, he avoids letting negativity affect him. “People swear they know you just from being online,” he said. “They’ll create whole stories with zero truth. I just focus on my work.”

Looking Ahead

With the success of Not Like Us and the release of Faith of a Mustard Seed, Mustard is in a prime position to continue shaping the sound of hip-hop. His journey from club DJ to one of the genre’s most influential producers is a testament to his work ethic, faith, and belief in the power of music.

“I believe anything is possible at this moment,” he said. And with the trajectory he’s on, it’s hard to argue with him.