Bars, Belonging, and Being a Dad: Mafi D Talks Music and His Career Trajectory
Seattle rapper and artist Mafi D recently joined host Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, on Almost The Weekend! for the first in-person edition of Artist Corner. Growing up in Seattle’s Central District, Mafi offered insights into his decade-long career, detailing the profound impact of his community-focused work and the collaborative energy behind his music.
As Mafi’s manager, Cuddy brought up the rapper’s engagement with youth, pointing to when the two visited Panther Lake Elementary and created an anthem with the students. Mafi described his two-day visit at Panther Lake as one of his most transformative experiences as an artist and a community member. "When we did the school… I felt so wholesome," he said.
Directly after the school visit, Mafi shared that the emotional weight of the moment became clear. "I pulled over the whip and shed a couple tears 'cause I would have never thought that I would be…the type of person to go in them schools and do that,” he said.
Curtis Delgardo II (left) poses with Mafi D (right) in the Black Media Matters Studio last week. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
Mafi also highlighted his song "IMA6INE,” emphasizing the collaborative atmosphere during its creation that he saw as key to its success.
"Everybody that listens to 'IMA6INE,' it don't matter what time, it don't matter what background... it's the same reaction,” he said, citing the track’s universal impact, in his eyes.
With his career spanning close to a decade, Mafi is looking ahead and ensuring that his grind as an artist remains sustainable.
"A lot of my partners who I was running with, they dead or they locked up,” he said, crediting his commitment to music and his kids with his valuable perspective and artistic success.
Observing the fallouts of many of his peers, Mafi explained that he is focused on breaking negative cycles and embracing life to the fullest. "I'm living. I'm jumping out of planes. I'm ready to live life on the edge of my seat," he said.
Mafi D signs the wall in the Black Media Matters Studio last week. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
The ten-year mark has brought a singular focus to his aspirations: to make it to the Grammy’s. This drive is fueled by his ultimate motivation to inspire his children. "How can I tell them to follow their dreams if I quit or if I give up or if I don't take it to the fullest extent where it can go?” he said.
Currently, Mafi is co-organizing a toy drive, an effort to “give back to my neighborhood that I used to take from." He also plugged his long list of upcoming projects, including collaborations with singer Ellis Prescott, Kansas City artist 2 Times, and artist Todd Corleone.
Mafi left the Black Media Matters Studio with a simple but powerful message, inspired by Nipsey Hussle.
"The only difference between…me and them is just that I didn't quit. Don't quit,” he said.
Keep up with Mafi’s output on Instagram and check out his latest tracks on all music streaming platforms.
Catch Almost The Weekend! Thursdays at 9 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.
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