Shelia Goss: How old are you?
Urban Mystic: I just turned 21.

Shelia: Happy Belated Birthday.
Urban Mystic: Thanks.

Shelia: How long have you been singing?
Urban Mystic: I’ve been singing all of my life. I started at the age of 5 when I joined the church choir. In fact, I’m still singing in the church choir. I cut my first record at the age of 13. God is blessing me.

Shelia: You come from Gospel roots. How does your family feel about you singing R & B?
Urban Mystic: Nobody has anything negative to say about it. They are all behind me. My mom said, as long as I keep God first in my life it doesn’t matter what I do.

Shelia: In what ways has your life changed since embarking on a full-time music career?
Urban Mystic: It’s had major changes. Places I used to go I can’t go anymore. I can’t do the things I used to do. I’m hardly home because I’m on the road touring. I had to get used to being away from home so much. I can’t go to the store or mall by myself. I have to have a homeboy with me. But it’s a positive change.

Shelia: You’ve opened up for Angie Stone who I think is a very talented singer. Are you still on tour?
Urban Mystic: I go back out on tour in February. Besides Angie Stone, I’ve played with Anthony Hamilton, Lyfe, Tyrese. It’s been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot.

Shelia: How did it feel to perform for a live audience?
Urban Mystic: I had to get used to it. I grew up singing in the church choir. You get the best training and singing in the Church. Sister Johnson sitting in the front pew won’t mind telling if you didn’t sound good. I learned a whole lot. When I’m on stage, I get in my zone do my thing.

Shelia: Does it bother you to be compared to Ki-Ci of Jodeci or Anthony Hamilton?
Urban Mystic: It really doesn’t. I’m only 21 and I’ve been taught to expect my elders—meaning they’ve been doing it longer than me. Growing up, I looked up to those guys. It makes me feel good to be compared to someone I look up to.

Shelia: If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
Urban Mystic: I would be on the job somewhere doing computer work or cutting grass. But honestly, I can’t really say. God has given me this talent. .

Shelia: Who all did you collaborate with on your new album Ghetto Revelations: II?
Urban Mystic: Trick Daddy out of Miami, Pitbull out of Miami, went to Texas and got my man Paul Wall…etc….What we tried to do on this album was step it up a bit.

Shelia: When will the album be coming out?
Urban Mystic: January 24th.

Shelia: What do you want the listener to walk away with after listening to Ghetto Revelations: II ?
Urban Mystic: I not only want to be known as the talented young man that can sing, but I want people to say this guy really knows what he wants to do. I had a lot of creative control. I want them to say this cat can rap, sing, produce. I want them to feel good after listening to the album.

Shelia: Any special plans for Christmas?
Urban Mystic: I’ll be throwing a big Christmas party in Ft. Lauderdale, spending time with family and my son and relaxing. Getting ready for the New Year.

Shelia: What are some of your goals for 2006?
Urban Mystic: My goal is definitely to promote this album. Make it to be one of the hottest albums in 2006. I’m shooting for #1. In 2006, I want to just get my grind on, stack my paper and make sure my family is straight.

Shelia: Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers?
Urban Mystic: Check out my album. I have a website: Myspace/urbanmysticmusic.com. Let everybody know I’ll be on there talking to my fans.

Ghetto Revelations: II will be in stores January 2006.