Released from prison in January 2010 after serving six years, Mystikal has been taking his time returning to the spotlight. Now, the New Orleans, Louisiana rapper will release his comeback mixtape in June or July, with a studio album to follow shortly after.

“The mixtape. I’ve gotta do it one step at a time. The first step is to let ‘em know that I am home. I’ma drop this mixtape,” he told KPRS’ Brooklyn Martino. “I really didn’t drop anything when I first came home. I put a couple little singles out just to let ‘em know I’m here, but now, I’m finna drop the mixtape. Since I’ve been performing for a year and people know I’m home, I’ll get a big buzz with the mixtape and after that, here come the album.”

The gravel-voiced MC is pleased with how fans have welcomed him home. “It’s been humbling, first of all, just to come home after six years. And when I left six years ago, the hands were in the air,” he continued. “Kind of left abruptly in a disarray. So to come home six years later and the hands still in the air, that’s pretty awesome.

He also hinted at a Tech N9ne collaboration. “I think so,” he said of a potential duet. “Once again, it’s an art form. Tech N9ne, he is definitely a true artist. He’s one of the pioneers of what he do. It’s unique, it’s eclectic. He’s in his own lane.”

And though he’s still signed to Jive Records, he’s unsure if his next album will be released on the label. “It’s yet to be seen,” he added. “We’ll see. But whatever’s gonna come out of it, it’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be powerful.”

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