Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon.
As a first generation Mexican-American Navarro (formerly known as Scheme) understood early on that he had the weight of the world on his back. He could have easily succumb to temptation, taken the easy way out and blamed circumstance, but he didn’t.
Instead the now 28-year-old translated his experiences into a gospel of pure heart. He projects the angst and conflict he’s felt over the years and put it onto wax with a level of urgency that any lyricist young or old can relate to. And what can be seen as didactic is in fact a style that is sorely missing from rap, a guiding light that offers life lessons in places where there are none.
Navarro split time between Chicago’s Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods, two areas with a strong Latino presence. He saw two sides: the senseless gang violence, and the love of culture and family. In his music he combines both worlds, a hard edge with a big heart. The type of lyricist who can paint lyrical cinemas and then lace them with honest experiences.
On songs like “Picture Perfect” you can hear his influences and how the struggle helped shape his perspective, an upbringing that would have crushed a lesser man: [LISTEN]
Navarro keeps his heritage close to heart, and has embraced his roots wholeheartedly, making it an essential part of his creative identity. He’s been known to weave in and out of Spanish, ensuring that he speaks to both sides of his heritage. That allegiance comes through in his rhymes and he’s created a unique fanbase because of it.
Navarro currently works with students at Little Village Lawndale High School (a predominately Hispanic neighborhood on Chicago’s southwest side) and is a proud ambassador of both his born culture and the one he’s adopted here in the U.S. His students are recipients of his perspective and have in turn embraced him as a leader and mentor.
His latest song “If You Want to Believe” was penned with them in mind, and it’s successful because the message is delivered through a medium they can relate to. It speaks of hope and perseverance, and encourages them to get out and make a positive impact. A song that embodies Navarro perfectly: [LISTEN]
