It’s probably little surprise to those who know him that Marcellis Mosby has started to make a name for himself in the local music scene.
The hip-hop artist grew up in Randallstown where both of his parents were heavily into music— his mom often blasting the latest Merengue sounds from their home and his dad cared for the family by owning six night clubs and working as a club promoter.
“My dad bought huge acts to Baltimore. NWA, Queen Latifah, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LL Cool J,” said Mosby, who goes by the moniker, “Real Cellis.” “Seeing all of that definitely helped to mold me in terms of music.”
Mosby started out in Baltimore. “I’ve done every hole in the wall in the city,” he said. “But, over the years, I’ve done shows just about everywhere and I’ve performed with BJ The Chicago Kid, Dom Kennedy, Yellowman, Ab-soul, Raekwon, Devin the Due, Rico Nasty, Toni Romit and I have a show coming up with Lil’ Debbie in College Park on September 1,” Mosby said.
Quickly becoming one of the prominent voices among millennials in hip-hop, Mosby has written and recorded such standout songs like “Love for the Summer,” “Beautiful,” and his latest single, “2 Seater.”
He says he routinely turns to music for inspiration, strength and a safe haven.
“I do write all my own music and help produce other people’s work but I don’t produce my own music,” he said, noting that he currently works with producers Delta 9 and Hitman Hunta. “Both are super-talented individuals and they’ve each had a helping hand in allowing me to grow and learn even more about myself as an artist.”
At the risk of sounding vain, Mosby says he isn’t sure if he looks up to anyone in the music business except perhaps himself.
“I’ve just come so far and put effort not only into my music but also into my life and, ultimately, I want to be that person that people look up to at the end of the day,” he said. “I just want to be an all around great man that provides for himself and the people around him. That’s what I pray for every single day, for growth as a man, to help my community, to provide.”
Mosby continued: “I’m not going to say I don’t look up to anyone in the industry, but at this point in my life I like to focus on the man I am and the man I’m continuously becoming.”
Still, Mosby readily acknowledges that he has got quite a ways to go in his career and in life.
“But, just being able to interact with [music industry] people, have a friendly working relationship with them reminds me that I’m on the right path. It’s pretty dope, no shade but I don’t see many other artist doing the shows I’m doing or pulling the numbers,” he said. “These local guys need to step their game up and have higher standards for themselves.”
The intrepid artist says he envisions more shows, music, bigger features and bigger stages for himself. He believes the future holds success for him both in and outside of music.
“I don’t slow down, I don’t stop and I have so many plans that are coming into fruition even as we speak,” Mosby said. “I have high expectations for myself and the people around me. I will be leaving my mark on this world,” said.
Fans can follow Mosby on Instagram @therealcellis.