Expressing points of view may sound very typical for any emcee, but what about an emcee that tries to make an appeal and expression without using curse words? Where most people think this is impossible, Michael ‘MIC’ Schulz makes it look easy. The ethnically mixed emcee—Mexican, Apache Indian, and German— knows how to maintain a high creativity level without conforming to labels. MIC proves that he is more than a stereotype by bringing the positive side of life to the forefront. This is exactly what is needed in today’s bleak society. Although MIC (Music I Created) comes from a very spiritual family, he did not always look at the sunnier side of life. The streets consume stray souls and make it difficult for one to get away from the negative effects. The Bay Area, California native explains, “I isolated myself and it got me into the mentality to think it’s cool to hang around gangsters.” MIC began to see that people around him were losing a lot of years in there life.He began to step away from self destruction, but life, again, attempted to tear MIC apart. He dealt with the death of his mother at the age of 20. It was at this moment a spark ignited showing MIC (Music I Created) he had other alternatives that would prevent him from cutting off anymore of his years. “I realized life is short. You only have a certain time to do the best you can do with it.” Four years older and wiser, MIC speaks his words to life. MIC decided to turn his dream as an emcee into a reality by working on his first EP; after all, he has studied the music industry for the past nine years. He definitely takes his talent above contemporary mainstream radio play. Being inspired by the likes of KRS-1, TuPac, Bone Thugs and Harmony, and The D.O.C., MIC brings the art of storytelling and relevant life subject matter to his lyrics. “I took what I wanted from the music, and learned how to complement a beat and use words for power,” MIC reflects on how music inspired him. He creates the music to conform to his own personal views and beliefs. At first glance, one would never think MIC is a lyricist. His knowledge, talent, and skills show he can definitely outshine more than today’s modern day beat. “What people are missin’ in music today is that they rely more on the beat. Back when rap first started, it was about the emcee,” MIC says believing he is on the same page as classic lyricists. “You give me a really good beat; I’m definitely going to give a really good rap to it.” Taking a detour from self-destruction has proven to be one of the most positive moves in MIC’s life. He is ready to bring the music he created to the world’s ears; and is determined to be around for years to come. “As long as I keep raising the bar, the longevity is going to be there.” MIC is no Christian rapper, but he makes one thing clear: Positive thinking will always rule.