Interview: Mac Corleone discusses “I Deserve To Be Here”, battle with illness, the state of rap in Mississippi & more

When all else fails and the odds are stacked against you is the time when you tend to find out the most about yourself. It’s in these tough times that you have to make a decision on what will define your character. Some succumb to the challenges life can place in front of you while other’s stand tall and preserve. The latter is the case for rising Mississippi rapper Mac Corleone.

As shows and opportunities increased in 2014, Mac’s career appeared to be trending upward. That is until an unforeseen road block was placed in his way on September 11th of that year. A feeling of weakness slowly fell upon the Louisville native, taking a turn for the worse on this day. In the midst of attempting to use the restroom Mac Corleone found himself on the floor, completely unable to move. It would later be determined sarcoidosis was the cause of the Mac’s pain. The inflammatory disease had left the artist, born Rion Young, in the hospital and facing the biggest challenge of his life.

Mac Corleone would use his faith in God and persistent mindset to gradually rehabilitate both his health and his dreams of musical triumph. “I was building a buzz and making money, but I was foolish so I believe the Lord was sitting me down to get my head straight”, said Mac Corleone when asked about the situation. It is definitely apparent that he took heed to the lesson and became a wiser person. These days, Mac possesses a savvy business persona and an ability to brand. This evident by his influential Respect My Grind movement/clothing line which has people nationwide draped in the gear. Aside from the businesses though he still manages to give back to the needy with his role as a part of the Growth and Development organization.

With so many different outlets and endeavors it is all leading up to July 4th as Mac looks to make a statement. Described as the best work he has put together, “I Deserve To Be Here” is much more than an album. It is a true mark of progression and recovery that has been years in the making. It’s a sign that you too can overcome anything in your way if you work hard and stay focused.

We were able to speak with Mac Corleone in regards to the album, his battle with sarcoidosis, the state of music in Mississippi as a whole and much more. It was a good conversation and one in which I learned more about an artist and man I already knew. What I came to find out is that beyond his penchant for conducting business and talent for music, Mac has a true humbleness about him. Throughout the interview he made it a point to shine light on other’s who are doing there thing throughout the state of Mississippi and that is something I admire. Mac Corleone has the skill and will of a star, hopefully it can be as evident to you as it is to me after listening to the interview below.

https://soundcloud.com/1stdayfresh/1stdayfreshcom-interviews-mac-corleone-1