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Conversations with Huey Mensah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Huey Mensah.

Hi Huey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from the 757—Newport News, Virginia. Growing up, I wasn’t the athletic kid, so I naturally gravitated toward the arts. It started with dance. Then, like a lot of kids inspired by greatness, I wanted to sing and dance like Michael Jackson. (I think we all had that phase.) Eventually, though, I discovered poetry, and that changed everything.

What started as poems slowly evolved into song lyrics. The moment my big brother took me to record in a home studio for the first time, I knew I had found what I was meant to do. From that day forward, music became more than a hobby—it became my purpose.

Since then, I’ve performed at open mics and showcases across different parts of the country, sharpening my craft and finding my voice with every stage I stepped on. That journey eventually brought me to Austin, Texas, where the creative energy is unlike anywhere I’ve experienced. Being surrounded by so many artists has pushed me to evolve, not just as a musician, but as a storyteller.

Today, I’m in a season of rediscovery. Becoming a father to twins changed my perspective on life, purpose, and the power of the words we speak. It’s made me more intentional about the music I create and the legacy I want to leave behind. That’s why I’m rebranding, refining my sound, and building something that feels authentic to who I am today.

Through my weekly episodic freestyles, I’m not chasing trends—I’m searching for my people. I want to connect with the audience that sees themselves in my stories, feels my passion, and grows alongside me. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make an honest living doing what I love while creating music that leaves a lasting impact.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. If it had, I probably wouldn’t appreciate the journey as much.

One of the biggest challenges has been building a vision that’s often bigger than the resources available at the moment. I’ve always had an endless imagination and a clear picture of what I want to create, but bringing those ideas to life takes time, collaboration, and investment. As an independent artist—and now a father of twins—I’ve learned how to be strategic, patient, and resourceful. Every project has to be intentional.

Another challenge has been expanding my creative network. Music has introduced me to incredible artists, but I’m interested in building relationships beyond music. I want to collaborate with filmmakers, dancers, photographers, fashion designers, makeup artists, podcasters, and other creatives who can help bring bigger ideas to life. Some of the most valuable opportunities don’t come from money—they come from genuine relationships and shared vision.

Those challenges have actually shaped who I am. They’ve taught me how to create with purpose, maximize every opportunity, and never let limitations become excuses. If anything, they’ve made me even more determined to build something that lasts.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a music and spoken word artist. Whether I’m rapping, performing poetry, or blending the two, I’m always chasing the same goal: creating something that speaks to the soul, challenges the mind, and moves the body. I care just as much about the message and the wordplay as I do the groove. I want people to leave with a feeling, but I also want them to leave with something to think about.

One thing that sets me apart is my commitment to individuality. From the way I dress to the way I structure songs, I’ve never been interested in blending in. I think we’re all too uniquely gifted to spend our lives trying to sound or look like someone else. My art is an extension of who I am, and I want every record and every performance to reflect that.

The people closest to me know me as someone who’s laid-back, funny, and always curious. I can joke around one minute and have a deep conversation about culture, history, or life the next. That balance naturally shows up in my music. I’m unapologetically Black in my perspective and my experiences, but I’m also multidimensional. Some songs make you think. Some make you dance. Some make you reflect. I never want listeners to feel like they can put me in a single box.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to my voice. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. I’d rather build a catalog that people revisit years from now because of what it made them feel than create something that only lives for a season.

And when it comes to performing, that’s home for me. The stage is where everything comes together. It’s where the words, the energy, and the connection become real. I don’t just perform songs—I invite people into my world, and for those moments, we experience it together.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and believe in your brand. Networking can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out, but you have to remember it’s a numbers game. The more you put yourself in rooms, introduce yourself, and genuinely connect with people, the greater your chances of finding your community.

It’s also important to understand that not every connection is meant to happen—and that’s okay. Some people already have their circles, and you have to respect that. Don’t take every “no” or missed opportunity personally. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep building.

One thing that has worked well for me is leading with service instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” Ask yourself, “How can I add value?” Whether that’s sharing someone’s work, volunteering your skills, making an introduction, or simply encouraging another creative, those genuine acts build trust. Strong relationships are built on reciprocity, not transactions.

I truly believe iron sharpens iron. Our creative community grows stronger when we support one another instead of competing over limited opportunities. Some of the best relationships I’ve built started with a conversation, a compliment, or simply showing up consistently. You never know which interaction could change the course of your career.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: OfficialWordzofMensah
  • Youtube: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wordzofmensah/1577606461

Group of people dancing and enjoying music in a dimly lit club with colorful lights.

Person with dark hair and beard, wearing a black and beige jacket, raising an arm with a camera, against a white background.

Smiling man with glasses and a beard stands in front of a colorful mural, wearing a white t-shirt with a graphic design.

Man wearing sunglasses and a varsity jacket, standing outdoors with a wooden fence and house in background.

Two men outdoors with a tree and fence, one pointing upward, the other giving a thumbs-up, under a blue sky.

Person singing into a microphone on stage with a sign reading 'Vaqueros Taquero' behind them.

Group of people dancing and enjoying music in a lively indoor setting.

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