Introduction
Rhys Thomas Sylvester (born 2 March 1992), known professionally as Mist (stylised as MIST) is a British rapper and songwriter from Birmingham. After being released from prison in 2015, he began pursuing a career in music, releasing a number of freestyles throughout the year before releasing his single So High with fredoHis second EP, Diamond in the Dirt, was released in February 2018 and peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
Early life
Mist was born Rhys Thomas Sylvester on March 2, 1992 in Erdington, a suburb of Birmingham, England to parents of Caribbean descent who lived in a predominately Asian community. His father was a guitarist, and at one point appeared on Top of the Pops. At a young age he began taking an interest in rap music, and would listen to Busta Rhymes, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and Puff Daddy as a child. After his older brother moved out of the house, Sylvester moved into his bedroom and began experimenting with his music equipment, making beats and writing some of his own rhymes to go with them.
Career
After his release from prison in 2015, Mist began pursuing a career in music, releasing his first freestyles to YouTube, through a channel called P110, in June of the same year. His debut EP, M I S to the T, was released in September 2016. It broke into the UK charts, peaking at number 75. Shortly after, Mist was signed to Warner Bros. Records and given his own imprint, Sickmade Ent. Throughout 2016 and 2017, he released a number of singles through the label, including Madness, Hot Property and Marijuana featuring Chip.
In February 2018, Mist released his second EP, Diamond in the Dirt, featuring collaborations with Mostack, Nines, and Not3s. The EP peaked at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 6 weeks.
Legal issues
In March 2012, Sylvester was fined £80 for possession of marijuana and sentenced to probation. In 2014, he was involved in a police chase on the M6 after he was caught driving without a licence and was sentenced to 14 months in prison on 1 October after admitting dangerous driving and using a vehicle while uninsured.
Discography
Extended plays
- M I S to the T (2016)
- Diamond in the Dirt (2018)