MRCL Lost His Father, Home & Car, Then Found Himself in the Studio with SZA and Frank Ocean

Author: Ourselves
Published: Thu 27 Mar 2025
Episode Link: https://ourselves.podbean.com/e/mrcl-lost-his-home-car-father-then-found-himself-in-the-studio-with-sza-and-frank-ocean/

What do you do when you lose everything — your father, your home, and your car — all in one month? If you’re MRCL, you turn that pain into purpose… and make some of the most powerful music of your life.

In this episode, MRCL shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind his journey from sleeping in his car to producing with TDE and working alongside legends like Terrace Martin, DJ Quik, and more. He talks about the moment that changed everything — when SZA casually said, “Should I call Frank Ocean?” — and ended up in the studio with both of them as Frank serenaded the room on piano.

But that’s just the beginning. We get into the come-up, the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, the band he built off Instagram DMs, the hustle of being a full-time creative and a father, and how spiritual alignment shaped his debut project Mantras. This is one of the most inspiring stories we've ever heard — and proof that when your back’s against the wall, greatness is still possible.

If you're chasing purpose, passion, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone… this one’s for you.

00:00 Intro

02:50 Balancing Creativity and Business

04:26 Early Musical Influences

06:06 Entrepreneurial Spirit

08:27 Meeting West Coast legend Terrace Martin

10:35 Internship Experiences

13:14 Transition to Videography

26:56 Breakthrough in Television

35:46 Personal Struggles and Triumphs

41:33 Creating a Legacy

44:29 Reflections on Parenthood

45:48 Skee TV and Early Career

50:04 Discovering New Opportunities

51:41 Spiritual Awakening

55:00 Creating Mantras

01:00:26 First TDE Session with SZA

01:01:17 Frank Ocean serenading them with the piano

01:03:48 Building Relationships in the Industry

01:13:16 Working with Aftermath

01:14:21 Overcoming Creative Blocks

01:23:04 Advice for Aspiring Artists

01:30:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections