Mark Ronson and rapper Mystikal are collaborating on a new song, “Feel Right.” The unexpected collaboration is for Ronson’s upcoming album, Uptown Special which is set for release on January 27.
During Ronson’s SNL performance with Bruno Mars, Mystikal made guest appearance. As it now turns out, the performance of “Feel Right” actually features Mystikal. The reason why this collaboration comes as a surprise stems from Mystikal’s status as a registered sex offender, along with additional incidents where he ran into trouble with the law.
In 2002, Mystikal claimed that his assistant/hairstylist stole $80,000 worth of checks. Reports said Mystikal allegedly made his assistant have oral and physical sex with him and two of his bodyguards. Following this incident, Michael “Mystikal” Tyler was sentenced to six years in state prison for videotaping a forced sexual encounter. All three men were originally charged with aggravated rape and extortion (which carries a mandatory life sentence), but were ultimately charged with sexual battery after taking a plea bargain.
After this first charge, Mystikal was charged in connection with other crimes. In 2005, he was federally charged with two misdemeanors for failing to file tax returns in the 1990s. He was sentenced to one year, but was allowed to serve this year concurrently with his six-year sentence. He was released in 2010 and officially registered as a sex offender. A final charge occurred in 2012, when a dispute with his domestic partner resulted in a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery.
In relation to “Feel Right”, Mystikal’s performance was very James Brown-esque. Mars joined his back-up singers to dance and harmonized behind Mystikal’s rap-yelling style. In a statement about the collaboration, SPIN said, “’Feel Good’ is a fun little track, carried along by Mystikal’s gruffly shouted lyrics and a clanging, old-school beat stuffed with horns.”
Mystikal joined in dancing in time with Mars and his backup singers during pauses in his rapping. In addition to his appearance on SNL, Ronson released an official lyric video for “Feel Right.” The lyrics cover a wide range of topics, including having a fun night and some references to getting out of prison. Mystikal’s performance along with Bruno Mars and Ronson can be viewed below. Additionally, the full story behind Mystikal’s charges in connection with his assistance can be found here.
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