No stranger to Australia, Mystro (aka Mysdiggi) recently released his concept album, ‘Diggi Down Under’. In Australia promoting its release, I caught up with him on a sunny Saturday afternoon to get a first hand account of the past, present and future of Mysdiggi, direct from the man with the gift of gab himself.

For those who may not be too familiar with Mystro and his music, let me provide you some details. Mystro started off around about 1999, releasing an independent single on Deal Real Records. At the time, his style was punch line rap and light hearted by nature, and it was a style that was different to what was out there at that point. He studied rhyme patterns and hip-hop extensively, using the knowledge he gained to shape and mould his evolving style.

Over the past 8 years – with no album out – Mystro has toured extensively by working with agencies (as many independent artists tend to). When it comes to tips for aspiring artists, the strongest point Mystro put across was to “be original, be yourself”. It’s the key to his success, and is advice he practices himself. It has enabled him to maintain his presence both locally and internationally within hip-hop without having an album out.

Maintaining his originality, Mystro has done drum and bass tracks, reggae, and even a bit of grime. In 1996, after a brief hiatus from listening to hip-hop and rapping, he fell back in love with the music that’s always been a big part of his life. Back then, when the UK hip-hop sound was described more as jungle than boom bap, and during a period of illness where Mystro was kept within the confines of his home, he spent a large amount of his time, writing, freestyling and developing his style. It’s been progressing from there ever since. Inspired by underground hip-hop and life itself, Mystro writes constantly, because just being alive gives him enough material and inspiration to pick up the pen and put something together. It’s therapeutic.

Moving back to the present, however. Since his first release on an indie label, Mystro’s featured with Black Twang, Rodney A, put out an EP on Lowlife Records called ‘Music Mystro’, then adding bonus tracks that turned the EP into an LP. Hooking up with DJ Shortee Blitz in 2004, and through a mixture of good timing and a great opportunity, Mysdiggi took a chance and came over to Australia with no DJ or hypeman and successfully toured here for 3 weeks.

During his first tour of Australia he recorded with a few local acts and came back one year later for an extended visit, staying on for 3 months. He spent his time here touring and working in Granville with underprivileged kids. He also flew to New Zealand where he met P Money, judged the Australia vs New Zealand MC Battle, and blazed the stage at the after party. The journey helped Mystro form ties with other up and coming Australian rappers and producers, such as Mr Zux, FAME and Dazahstah, who all submitted beats to the album.

Mystro’s album ‘Diggi Down Under’ is available now through Grindin/MRA.