Meet Randy Mason | Husband, dad, artist, educator, pastor.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Randy Mason and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Randy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When it comes to work life balance I try to work from the inside out. Beginning with the inner work. Faith and spiritually first, followed by mental, emotional and physical self-care. Then I look outward, to love and nurture relationships with those closest to me – my wife, children, family and friends. Finally, I reach out even further via my vocation and ministry. Sometimes, I get it all mixed up and that’s usually when I end up burning out and consequently hurting myself and others. It is a constant discipline to prioritize well. Work life balance is about priorities. It’s also about recognizing the interconnectedness of it all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I just want the world to know that I exist. That I live and love and that I write lyrics about it. More importantly- through my art, I’d like for us to become increasingly aware of the creator, in and around us- to discover power, beauty, value, purpose and peace.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You’ve got to visit Empanology as soon as you land in the city. The best specialty empanadas on the planet. Afterwards you gotta check out a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. My dad used to take me to the old stadium when I was a kid. The new one is cool too.. what else? The Universal Hip Hop museum has got quite an experience prepared for you- and chances are you’ll bump into a Hip Hop legend just chilling in the cut when you’re there. The trails at Van Cortland park are a must also. After all of that you’ll need to catch the b boys and b girls getting down outside of the boogie down grind at one of the behind the groove parties.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shout out goes to God always. For whom I am eternally grateful. After which I must shout out the many heroes in my life. Mom and dad. My siblings. My wife and kids. Grandma. Grandad, Papa, Tio, titi! The fam! The Bronx. Spanish Harlem. The Nuyorican Poets Cafe open mic, The End of The Weak open mic. Bizzie Bizerk, Akil Dasan. Gbo the pro. Dj eclipse. Homeboy Sandman. So many! I can go on and on. Lots of friends and artists, teachers, preachers, mentors. Gospel music, Hip Hop music, salsa music. Thrive Collective. Elements church. Pastor E. My story is literally the fruit of someone else’s faith, someone else’s prayer. The support, love, encouragement, affirmation, hope and opportunity that others so generously and perpetually provide, is the fuel that has kept me and keeps me going. Shout out to our Patreon community. Shout out to my assistant Kira! Shout out to you for publishing this. Shout out to you for reading this!

Website: Www.Randymason.org

Instagram: @randymasonmusic

Linkedin: Randy Mason

Twitter: @iamrandymason

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/iamrandymason

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgXVjbmfILzsZeQGPyZo2Ww