Rhymes of the Heart: How Music and Yoga Changed My Life – An Interview with MC Yogi

Could embracing a life of both creativity and spirituality lead to true fulfillment?

For MC Yogi, the answer is an emphatic yes. From a turbulent childhood that saw him navigating rebellion and being placed in a group home, MC Yogi’s path was anything but conventional. But when yoga entered his life at 17, it sparked a profound transformation. He immersed himself in the teachings of mystics and saints, eventually finding a deep connection with his guru, Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji. Over the years, MC Yogi has blended his passions for yoga, music, and personal expression, creating a unique path that inspires others to live authentically and embrace their own spiritual journey.

In this conversation, MC Yogi reflects on how his spiritual awakening was intertwined with his love for music and creativity. He shares insights into his journey of overcoming rebellion, blending yoga with music, and discovering his true calling as a teacher and artist. Through his story, readers will gain wisdom on how to harmonize inner peace with outer expression and learn the importance of following one’s passions. Continue reading or listen in by subscribing for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or YouTube to dive deeper into MC Yogi’s transformative journey and find inspiration for your own path to spiritual growth.

Can you share the story of your spiritual awakening or journey into consciousness? I know you had a very unique upbringing. Was faith a part of that?

MC Yogi: I grew up Roman Catholic. My grandmother, who was also my catechism teacher, was deeply devout. When I stayed with her, we would say the rosary every night. Both sides of my family were very involved in the church, so spirituality was always in the background.

But even with that foundation, I went through a turbulent time. I was considered a juvenile delinquent. I got into a lot of trouble, was expelled from several schools, and eventually ended up living in a group home for troubled teens for two and a half years.

Things began to shift when I was 17. My dad had started practicing yoga, and something about his energy changed—it became peaceful, radiant, blissful. I thought he might be doing drugs, honestly. But when I asked him, he said, “No, it’s yoga.” He actually told me not to come to class—he didn’t think I’d like it. But I was curious, and I could feel something different in him, so I went anyway.

What was that first class like for you?

MC Yogi: It was intense—one of the most physically challenging experiences of my life. It was Ashtanga Vinyasa, Mysore style, which means there was no instructor leading the room. You just follow a set sequence on your own. It was about an hour and a half to two hours of nonstop movement. I had never sweated that much or trembled like that before.

But when I finally lay down in Shavasana, the final resting pose, I felt this wave of bliss wash over me—something I’d never felt before. I was hooked. From that point on, I wanted to live in that space for the rest of my life.

That moment sparked a deep transformation. I shaved my head, immersed myself in spiritual literature, studied with teachers, traveled through India, stayed in ashrams, and sat with saints and mystics. Eventually, I discovered my guru—Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj-ji, who was also the teacher of Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and Jai Uttal.

How did music begin to weave into your spiritual path?

MC Yogi: Music has always been with me. As a kid, I went through a lot, and my headphones were my escape. Back then, it was a Walkman. I’d put on my headphones and disappear into another world. My brother was really musical too, so it was a constant presence in our lives.

I actually started as a visual artist. I was a cartoonist and graphic designer, and I thought I’d grow up to be a comic book illustrator. Music wasn’t the plan—it just unfolded. Looking back, I truly feel it was all orchestrated by my guru’s grace.

Was hip-hop a big influence growing up?

MC Yogi: Definitely. I had a very eclectic taste—rock, reggae, R&B—but hip-hop was emerging right as I was coming of age. It was a big part of the culture around me. I was painting graffiti, breakdancing, freestyling, and emceeing. My friends and I had little crews, and yeah, I got arrested a few times for tagging trains. That world was just part of my environment growing up.

When did the fusion of music and yoga happen for you?

MC Yogi: It just happened—like two waves crashing together in perfect sync. My devotion to yoga had become so intense, like a fever, and music had always been there in the background. Because I had grown up writing rhymes, I naturally started using them to process the teachings I was receiving.

I’d take what I was learning—mythology, philosophy, wisdom from my teachers—and weave it into rhymes. It became a way to remember and internalize the teachings. Eventually, those rhymes became a way for me to share and pass on that wisdom to others, just like it was passed on to me.

Let’s say we’re sitting next to each other on a plane and I ask, “What do you do?” How would you respond?

MC Yogi: Funny enough, I actually met someone like that on my flight here—a man named Mark Morgan. He’d hosted a spiritual radio show for decades and had spent a lot of time with Ram Dass. We ended up next to each other on a five-hour flight and talked the whole time. It felt like a podcast. I never told him what I do—we were just vibing and swapping stories. Later, I invited him to come to the event, and when he realized who I was, he was completely shocked.

So, if I had to describe what I do, I’d say I’m a music producer, designer, filmmaker, amateur photographer, and collage artist. I’ve been teaching yoga for over 25 years. It’s an eclectic mix of all the things I love—a creative fusion of inner and outer expression.

Talk to me about your recent music projects. If someone goes on Spotify, what should they expect to hear?

MC Yogi: There’s a range of styles—ambient electronic music for meditation, old-school hip-hop with poetry and philosophy, and upbeat dance tracks rooted in yogic themes. I love blending storytelling and spirituality through sound.

One of my favorite things is performing at big festivals. I’ve played to large audiences all over the world, and when everyone is dancing and celebrating together, there’s this powerful, ecstatic feeling of unity and oneness. It’s transcendent.

And honestly, I experience that same connection when I’m completely still—silent, inward, detached from the outer world. For me, both ends of that spectrum—silence and sound—are doorways into consciousness. That’s part of why I love India so much. Amid all the noise and movement, there’s this profound inner quiet.

There’s definitely not much outer silence in India—with all the horns and bells—but yes, divine chaos!

MC Yogi: Divine chaos, for sure. I remember being in Vrindavan once when a monkey jumped on my head and stole my glasses. I had to offer a juice box to a local vendor to get it back. That’s India for you—mischief and mayhem wrapped in beauty.

In the yoga tradition, we call it lila—the divine play. It’s the Beloved masquerading as everything, teaching us through each moment. I learned so many humbling lessons there—experiences that realigned me and reminded me how small I am in the grand scheme of things.

I had a similar monkey moment once while filming a documentary in India. One jumped on my leg and started biting me!

MC Yogi: Hopefully, no blood?

Thankfully, I had jeans on—so I was protected!

MC Yogi: That’s good family jeans, then! Monkeys can be intense in certain areas—you actually need a stick to walk around sometimes. They’re more fearless than dogs!

So true. Now, what have you appreciated most about your experience at the Yoga Expo?

MC Yogi: The energy here is incredible—really mellow and heart-centered. I was just telling a friend how laid-back and warm it feels. I’ve met so many beautiful people, connected with amazing vendors, teachers, and old friends I hadn’t seen in years.

This is my first time attending, and I’ve been to a lot of festivals and conferences—but this one has a really special vibe. I’d absolutely encourage people to check it out. There’s something genuine and grounded about the whole atmosphere.

It really does have a beautiful energy. One final question for you—what would you say to someone trying to bring together seemingly different passions, like you’ve done with yoga and music? Sometimes it can feel like those interests are too disconnected to merge.

MC Yogi: Trust that your passions are guiding you for a reason. What may feel dissonant at first might just need time and space to harmonize. For me, music and yoga didn’t come together overnight—it was a natural unfolding.

Don’t be afraid to explore. Follow your curiosity. Let your inner worlds cross-pollinate. Eventually, they’ll begin to inform and enrich each other. And in that unique blend, your authentic voice emerges. That’s where your magic lives.

I really believe that the gifts we’re given are clues—they form the map of our lives. The things we naturally love, the things that don’t require force or effort, those are divine indicators. When something brings you joy, even if you’d do it without getting paid, that’s usually a good sign you’re on the right path.

Look for the constellation of those gifts, the natural passions you’re drawn to. Then, weave them together like threads in a fabric—like wrapping yourself in a warm, meaningful blanket. You don’t need to market it, pitch it, or prove anything. Just let it nourish you. Over time, you’ll ripen, mature, and grow into your expression.

That’s such a powerful metaphor.

MC Yogi: I think when we’re starting out, it’s important to protect what we love—like planting a young tree. Build a little fence around it. Tend to it with care and attention. In time, it blossoms. It feeds you, and eventually, it can feed others, too. What starts as a tiny seed can become a whole orchard.

And we don’t always have to understand the whole plan. The path isn’t always linear—it’s more like a spiral. Life moves in rhythms, not straight lines. Just notice what you love and follow it. Let your life become a tapestry of the things that matter to you.

Beautifully said. Where can people follow you and stay connected with your work?

MC Yogi: I just released a new app I’m really excited about—it’s a meditation and yoga app available on MCYogi.com. It’s got guided meditations, my entire music catalog, lyrics, audio conversations, yoga classes, rest practices, even support for sleep. And we’re adding more every month. It’s become the home for everything I’m creating—my main creative vehicle right now. Also, follow my work on Instagram at @MCYogi. I appreciate the support.

Thank you so much for your time and this inspiring conversation.

MC Yogi: Thank you, brother. I appreciate you.