When hip-hop culture and political advocacy intersect, few figures speak with as much authentic, firsthand weight as Bronx MC and activist Mysonne. Known throughout the industry as a lyricist’s lyricist and a stalwart voice for social justice, Mysonne has remained grounded in the roots of New York’s cultural and political landscape for decades.
His involvement in public life took a prominent step when he was appointed to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, specifically helping shape policies for the criminal legal system committee. Bringing a unique perspective on justice, reform, and public safety, Mysonne has used his platform to advocate for community empowerment and systemic change.
In the latest installment of #WORDSWITHSCOOP, I caught up with Mysonne on the red carpet to pull back the curtain on late-90s studio dynamics—specifically surrounding Mase’s iconic late-90s era and the competitive spirit alongside Shyne—as well as his take on Mayor Mamdani’s genuine connection to hip-hop culture.
Below is the official Q&A transcript from our conversation.
#WORDSWITHSCOOP: The Q&A
Before diving into his civic work with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Mysonne took a look back at his deep-rooted hip-hop legacy.
Taking us behind the scenes of one of Bad Boy’s most iconic late-’90s studio sessions, he opened up about the competitive energy and raw talent that fueled his work alongside Mase and Shyne.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson:
Mase, “From Scratch”… Mase… What was the studio like?
Mysonne:
Well… actually, we kind of like were in the studio at the same time, but we laid our verses at different times. So with the energy, we all hung out with each other all the time. You know what I’m saying? So Mase and Shyne… like when Shyne originally did his first verse, which he told people, it wasn’t what it—what it was. You know, he originally was talking about if he could start from scratch, he would sign to Bad Boy because he was mad with Puff. You know what I’m saying? So that started a whole rift. So he ended up changing that verse, but it was… it was… it was real hip-hop artists that were competitive, that wanted to be… wanted to be dope, wanted to be considered dope, that went into the studio with an agenda of just… spittin’ hot lyrics.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson:
Zohran Mamdani is a native New Yorker, and when you work with him on social justice stuff… I’m just fascinated by how much of a hip-hop head he actually is.
Mysonne:
I mean, I love it. Because when I first met him, that’s what—that’s what drew me in. That’s why I started supporting him, because he was authentic. He was really New York. He understood the culture. And when you hear him talk about hip-hop, it’s not just as somebody pandering. Like, he really loves the culture of hip-hop. So I was definitely surprised, but it was also why he got my support.
Culture, Competition & Authenticity
Mysonne’s insights serve as a stark reminder of what made late ’90s New York hip-hop electric: pure, unadulterated competition among MCs driven to prove their pen game in the booth. Furthermore, his work with Mayor Mamdani on grassroots issues and criminal justice reform highlights a crucial bridge between culture and community—showing that real leadership in New York requires an authentic connection to the streets and the art forms that define them.
Check out the full video release of Mysonne on #WORDSWITHSCOOP here.
