Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends” concert on Juneteenth was a global cultural phenomenon. It brought together young Black men in Los Angeles from all areas and neighborhoods with a vibe of togetherness, swag and great energy as well as revitalized the local music scene.
Also, the concert featured Lamar’s premiere performance of his smash hit “They Not Like Us” with none other than Mustard on the Beat. Through his involvement with the Pop Out, Mustard showed his love for his alma mater by making a generous contribution to the Dorsey High School Recording Arts Workshop, which has been developed in his honor. Mustard also recognized his alma mater on the trailer for his new album, “Faith of a Mustard Seed,” as well as in the video for the single “Pray for Me.”
His donation, which was furnished through the promoter of the Pop Out, (pgLang and Free Lunch,) will be used to purchase equipment and resources for the Dorsey Recording Arts Workshop, which was launched this summer.
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“We are overjoyed to receive this generous donation from Mustard. This program will be beneficial to the lives of many young people in our community,” said Dorsey Principal Orlando Johnson. Mustard also recently sponsored a backpack giveaway in the Baldwin Village area and distributed school supplies to young people in the community.
The world has witnessed Mustard’s outstanding production skills over the last fifteen years, writing producing and performing with top names in Rap and R&B. He has also produced more than 30 singles that have reached platinum certification, including 11 singles that sold over 5 million copies. In addition, Mustard is an excellent DJ and in his live performances, he adds flavor to the featured artist with great fills and ad libs.
Mustard has also produced four studio albums as a performing artist. His latest album “Faith of a Mustard Seed” features 14 tracks which are a true testament to his outstanding production and beat making skills. The song “Ghetto,” featuring Young Thug and Lil Durk, is a smooth mellow depiction of the beauty of Black urban culture in LA. The video shows incredible images of neighborhood dice games, low riding, BBQ’s at the park, the Slauson Swap Meet, Sole Folks in Leimert Park, Dulan’s Restaurant on Crenshaw, male and female relationships and fellas just hangin’ out in the true spirit of Black Los Angeles. It features the Divas of Compton dance troupe.
The song “Parking Lot” with Travis Scott is a smooth syncopated banger with a great vocal arrangement. “Pressured Up” has a monster G-Funk feel with expressive verses, a great hook and complex background vocals. “Truth Is” is a melodic groove with Roddy Rich showcasing his unique harmonic vocal style, and “That’s Mine” is a mellow track with Ty Dolla Sign and Future featuring the legendary Charlie Wilson. Ella Mai, who Mustard won a Grammy with in 2019 for the song “Boo’ed Up,” puts a beautiful serenade to “911”, and “Worth A Heartbreak” is a club track featuring Blxst.
The climax of the album is the song “Pray for Me” where Mustard ventures into rapping for the first time and expresses spirituality and introspection. He gives honor to God as he reflects on his life and shares appreciation and prayers for those who gave him a foundation and those who are close to him. The listener can feel his genuineness and his authenticity.
As an instructor at Dorsey High School for 34 years, I recall that Dijon McFarlane “Mustard” was genuine, respectful and honest as a student. He was a down to earth person who had a lot of common sense. He gave insightful perspectives in class discussions and was a great DJ at all of the school functions.
The Dorsey community is truly proud of Mustard and happy to partner with him to bring music education to our students. Senior Denzel Dawson stated, “I am so happy that Mustard is giving back to our school and helping us to build our Recording Arts Workshop. I would like to pursue a career in the music industry and Mustard is a great inspiration to myself as well as my peers.”
