THAT’S A RAP

July 31, 2022

A quick conversation with local hip hop artist Mark Dwyer.

interview by Nantucket Magazine

photo by Kit Noble

What’s your favorite Nantucket-related lyric that you’ve ever written?


If you don’t have one, could you write one? “A mixing pot of different people makes this place a gem; pretty women, unique scenery, then count me in. Cobblestone paths, history’s preserved past all about tradition new and fast, we rather pass.

Where do you get your drive to continue producing new music?


It’s an innate desire and purpose of mine to create; music happens to be one of my vices of expression. I don’t do it for gain or fame; I do it because I feel it’s something my soul was meant to do. Music is timeless; it’s something I can leave behind after I’m gone.


What’s one song—not one of your own—that should be in everyone’s summer playlist?


“One Love” by Bob Marley—great sound, great lyrics bringing in a chill vibe, which works during great weather at the beach or cookout.


How has Nantucket helped you pursue your life in music?


Nantucket helps me remain focused and free from most distractions that a busy lifestyle would bring as far as creating. It’s not easy not being in a huge market, for sure, but it’s allowing me the freedom to develop my skills. I just try my best to keep getting better in all the fundamental skills so when the outside world hears my music, they are hopefully blown away by the talent level.


If you could change anything about the island, what would it be?


I wish it was more like the summertime year-round. I wish we had a true representation of how diverse Nantucket is now.


What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?


How far I’ve come from to be here right now in the position I’m in, doing what I love to do. Growing up where I’m from, a destination like this, being the person I am, isn’t likely. It’s a blessing to be able to create your own legacy by being relentless and learning how to do the tasks you need to do to build a brand by yourself. Most people knew me as an athlete growing up, but I was also a musician too. I just hid it when I came to America at first because sports worked. 

What words of advice do you live by?


“A brick a day,” which basically means doing little things daily and consistently with focused attention and effort will slowly create the foundation needed to attain that goal.

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