Freestyle rapper, producer, and drummer Harry Mack is still going strong, and millions of viewers continue to be utterly amazed at his mind-blowing talent. If you don't already know him, he's the guy who solicits random words from audience members and creates some of the best spontaneous rap lyrics of all time. His genius-level skill has not only attracted billions of views across social media, but has also attracted the interest of neuroscientists who have created reaction videos to help us all understand how Harry Mack accomplishes his seemingly impossible, brilliant performances.
Dr. Anna Nordvig, a board-certified neurologist who runs the YouTube channel "Neurogal MD," which focuses on neuroscience, brain health, and the connections between music and the brain, discusses Mack's work in this reaction video. In it, she addresses how freestylers like Harry Mack and other improvisational artists can spontaneously generate artistic content. She shares research in which neuroscientists have scanned the brains of freestyle rappers while they're improvising. They found that the major key to improvisation of the sort Mack does is the dissociation between two major regions of the brain that typically work in tandem, the medial prefrontal cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Researchers found that when artists are improvising, there was more activity in their medial prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for motivation of thought and action, and less activity in their dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that plays a supervisory or self-monitoring role. In typical brains, these two regions work hand in hand, as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex consciously supervises behavior. When rappers are in a creative state of flow, however, these two sections of the brain interact differently, as the judgmental region shuts down, allowing for the free flow of ideas from the medial prefrontal cortex, without conscious control.
Dr. Nordvig explains: "This may explain why creative people feel as though their creative inspiration comes from an entity outside themselves." The flow state that's achieved is a kind of mental vibe where a person is absorbed by something completely beyond the point of distraction. Here, time slows down, senses are heightened, and you become one with whatever task you're doing. As Dr. Nordvig describes it, "Action and awareness synch to create effortless momentum. In a state of flow, your body and mind will know exactly what needs to be done without having to think about it. The thoughts and feelings that cloud our minds such as stress, worry, and self-doubt take a backseat."
Dr. Nordvig gives some tips about how to tap into that flow and turn off your inner critic, through practicing play, freewriting and journaling, and engaging in positive self-talk and imagery. Harry Mack has stated in an interview that he, in fact, uses positive self-talk as a tool to get into a flow state before he performs. He states:
The only mindset that's going to serve you when you grab the mic to rhyme is "I'm the greatest MC on the planet." That's the only mindset that's going to, even if it's your first rap or your second rap ever, and you're definitely not, you know, even if you're not even dope, why would you be in any other mindset? When you touch that mic, it's like you're the greatest on the planet and that's the only mindset that in my opinion is going to allow you to put your best foot forward.
Of course, Harry Mack has also practiced his craft intensely for years. He's ridiculously talented, yes, but he's also been rapping since the age of 12, so in addition to the positive self-hype, he's also put in the time and effort it takes to truly master one's craft. And boy has he. You have to go watch him and see for yourself! If you've never seen him before, you're in for a real treat! And, as a bonus, not only is he otherworldly-talented, he's also the nicest guy who is always full of love and positivity. He's truly a gem!
Originally from Portland, Oregon, the former jazz drummer now lives in Los Angeles. He performs his improvisational rapping from his home studio, via social media platforms like Omegle, and shares his videos via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. He also performs in public, solo and alongside famous musicians like Kendrick Lamar, and hosts the Flow State Podcast, where he discusses music with guests and answers audience questions about music, life, and more.
His YouTube channel bio states that "His unique approach to hip-hop revolves around the spirit of rhythmic improv. Blending the excitement of instrumental jazz improvisation with the impactful messages of hip-hop lyricism, Harry constantly strives to push the boundaries of his own abilities, while reaching for new approaches to rap expression."
Learn more about Harry Mack on his website.
Previously:
• Watch: Freestyle rapper turns random words from strangers into incredible performance
• Neuroscience of the human brain while freestyle rapping
• Wandering beatmaker recruits random strangers for street freestyle
