DJ Mustard's transformative weight loss journey highlights a broader wellness shift in hip hop, emphasizing health consciousness in the industry.
In the rhythm-driven world of hip hop, appearances can be deceiving. Beyond the glamorous facade, many artists wrestle with challenges not visible to the public eye. Enter DJ Mustard, one of the industry’s most influential producers, renowned for crafting beats that define a generation. Today, his journey transcends music notes, echoing a profound tale of health, transformation, and self-awareness.
Best known for his production in tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Mustard has recently shared a significant personal milestone with Men’s Health: shedding an astonishing 120 pounds to reclaim not only his body but his entire lifestyle. The metamorphosis wasn’t merely a physical overhaul but a symbolic break from past demons and unhealthy habits.
Mustard, once skeptical of standing under the spotlight due to his self-consciousness, especially during Kendrick Lamar’s high-profile 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, credits a new lifestyle for his resurgence. Although he weighed 220 pounds at that juncture, down from his peak of 340 pounds, the anxiety lingered. It is this vulnerability that connects him more deeply with his devoted audience.
The turning point for Mustard was the tragic death of Fredo Santana in 2019, a friend who succumbed to the complications of substance abuse. For Mustard, this event marked a pivotal moment; it was a stark reminder of mortality and the costs of neglecting one’s health. As a homage to his friend and a commitment to himself, Mustard embarked on what would become his most significant project yet: a complete lifestyle makeover.
Previous attempts to lose weight were not unfamiliar to the Los Angeles native. Over the years, he experimented with countless diets, trainers, and regimens but found them unsustainable. The constant advice from his doctor to address his “fatty liver” condition through weight loss acted as a relentless alarm bell. “I got tired of hearing that,” Mustard confessed, echoing a frustration many feel when faced with daunting health challenges.
Mustard’s journey began with simple, actionable changes. He started by walking, a step that soon evolved into running sessions. Guided by his “super into health” camera guy, he also delved into better nutrition, finding ways to incorporate healthier meals into his routine. By 2021, he hit a milestone weighing 215 pounds, a testament to his dedication and resilience.
However, the true secret to his sustained lifestyle change came from an unexpected source — tennis. Introduced to the sport while collaborating with singer Ella Mai, Mustard embraced it as an outlet for his competitive spirit. “I’m just an extremist,” he explained, highlighting a trait that propels him to excel in all his endeavors. Whether it’s producing music or dominating the court, Mustard is committed to being the best version of himself.
Moving forward, Mustard isn’t just focused on maintaining his fitness journey — he’s amplifying it. Beyond his health goals, he continues to push creative boundaries, working on his own album and providing beats to fellow artists like Kendrick Lamar. In doing so, Mustard embodies a shift within the hip hop community towards prioritizing wellness, setting a precedent for artists worldwide.
Mustard’s story is not just that of a producer losing weight; it’s an inspirational narrative of transformation and perseverance, inspiring countless fans within the hip hop sphere and beyond. This evolution within such a visible figure poses significant questions to the entire industry about its approach to health and the well-being of its artists. In the end, Mustard’s tale isn’t merely about music or weight loss; it’s about reclaiming agency over one’s life and embracing the potential for change.
