Host Jason Mudd talked with songwriter and hip hop/rap artist Don Michael Jr. about his road to success. Like many people, becoming great means making mistakes and learning by doing. The fact is that there is no replacement for experience. Something that really attracted me to Don Michael was his positive mindset, which is hugely helpful for anyone who is trying to create and make an impact. The world is full of critics and any amount of positive thought can do wonders with how a person views things that happen to them. Like yoga has taught me, everything and everyone is good and bad. It's just how you look at it.

Introduced to the music industry by his father, Don Michael showed an interest in creation around age 7 by figuring out how to essentially sample tracks and mix using his Fisher-Price turntable. His parents recognized his talent and encouraged him from the beginning. At 11 after asking for a keyboard for Christmas, his dad took the cue and went ahead and gifted him with a professional Yamaha unit. He began composing and playing, eventually leading him to the songwriting world.

DMJ has seen his fare share of hiccups on this road, but as of late is experiencing a new level of recognition. He isn't what you'd expect for an up and coming rapper, as he's been on the scene for his entire life- all 42 years of it. Check out our talk and download his latest album titled 'This Is Not Music'.

Follow Don Michael on TickTok and Instagram @Don_MichaelJR. Check out his website DonMichaelMusic.com.