Mastamind facts for kids

Gary Reed, known by his stage name Mastamind, is an American rapper. He was born on December 28, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan. Mastamind is famous for his unique style in hip hop music, especially a type called horrorcore. He is one of the founding members of the group Natas. He used to work with Reel Life Productions and later started his own music company, Toxsic Records.

Early Life and Music Journey

While attending Osborn High School, Mastamind met another student named Esham. Esham was already a rapper who had released music through his own company, Reel Life Productions. Mastamind gave Esham a demo tape with three of his songs.

Esham really liked Mastamind's music. He decided to form a music group with Mastamind and their friend, T-N-T. They named their group Natas. This name is an acronym, which means each letter stands for a word: "Nation Ahead of Time And Space."

Solo Career and Albums

In 1995, Mastamind released his first solo music project, an EP called Lickkuidrano. An EP is shorter than a full album. This EP featured other rappers like Esham and Dice. A music reviewer named Jason Birchmeier noted that one song, "Bitcheshate," was the main highlight.

In 2000, Mastamind released his first full album, Themindzi. This album was very popular in the underground music scene. Murder Dog magazine even called Mastamind the "most slept on" rapper of 2000. This means they thought he was very talented but not as famous as he should be. After his album came out, Mastamind went on his first national tour, performing across the country.

Mastamind has also performed at the annual Gathering of the Juggalos in 2010 and 2011. He planned to release a new album called Mastapeice in 2012 through his company, Toxsic Records. In 2013, he re-released his Lickkuidrano EP as a longer album, adding new songs and remixes. He also re-released a collection of his best songs called The Collection Plate. In 2014, he wrote a verse for a song called "Whats Right" with other Detroit artists, Bizarre and Jeremiah Ferguson.

Mastamind's Music Style

Mastamind's rapping style is unique. Music writer Jason Birchmeier from AllMusic said that Mastamind's way of rapping "owes little to any conventional style." This means his music doesn't sound like typical rap and he has created his own sound.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Themindzi (2000)
• Street Valu (2003)
• Hellrazer (2006)
• Toxsic Avenger (2009)
• Ntoxsication (2011)
• The Mastapiece (2012)
• Lickkuiddrano (Re-Issue) (2013)
• The Ultimate Price (2015)
• Uranium (2016)
• House of Frankenstein Teddy Bass (2017)
• The Ultimate Warrior (Double LP) (2021)

Extended Plays

• Lickkuiddrano (1995)
• The Orthus with Skitzo of Merk (2011)
• The Ultimate Price (2013)
• House of Frankenstein - Black Sunrise with Teddy Bass (2018)
• Sleep Tight Sweet Dreamz (2019)

Mixtapes

• Khemicalspill (2010)
• Last+emptationOfChris+ (2010)
• Mastercard (2010)
• Doublehead Everythang (2012)
• The Orthus Reloaded with Skitzo of Merk (2012)
• Devil Eyed Dog with Skitzo of Merk (2014)