With a lethal pop, hip hop and R&B fusion, Mykel "Miss Mykie" Gray has been tearing up Houston's underground music scene for years. The young luminary has shared the stage with Tyrese, Sean Paul and Slim Thug and worked with stars like Rick Ross and Snoop Dogg. A graduate of Howard University, her funky and vibrant personality earned her a spot on BET as one of 106 & Park's newest hosts.
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What was the moment like for you when you were announced as one of the new hosts of 106 & Park?
Miss. Mykie: “I was excited and felt very blessed as well as nervous. I was ready to begin this process and put in work!”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): Did you feel like there was a lot of pressure especially giving the reputation of the show?
Miss. Mykie: “I didn’t feel like there was any pressure, I decided I was going to be myself. I was nervous because it was a new thing for me, but then again I realized I get to be myself. I love it because I get to be me, which is one of the reasons why I was selected.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What was one of your favorite things about the show watching as a viewer?
Miss. Mykie: “I loved all of the artists that came to the show and be vulnerable with the audience. It always looked a fun place to be, and I always wanted to visit, and never thought that I would be hosting the show now.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): How is it working with not one, not two, but three other hosts?
Miss. Mykie: “It’s amazing, we have a great time. I feel like BET really knew what they were doing with this one, and we all get along. We’re like family now, and thankful that we all get along genuinely and hang out when we’re not filming, I’m very thankful.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): How is it to have a platform for your fans to reach you now?
Miss. Mykie: “Before coming to 106 & Park, I had my own thing going, and that’s how they reached out to me. I had a great time, a lot of followers, and over one million views on YouTube. Me and my team really put in our grind, I still can’t believe that we put on our own fifteen city tour, and while none of this is really new to me, it’s still a great platform to have. Overall this is making me a better entertainer and I’m thankful for that.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What’s the status of your studio album and what can your fans expect?
Miss. Mykie: “I know my fans are waiting, and I realized that I stopped musically abruptly once I got this job. It was crazy because music is such a huge passion of mine, and there have been so many supporters that have been there since the beginning and they expect more. Right now, I’m just trying to be the best host that I can possibly be, and every now and then I put out little remixes every now and then to show that I’m still working in the lab. I’m not going to be putting any records or anything on iTunes, I don’t feel like that is appropriate with the position that I have right now.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What was the advice that you received going in?
Miss. Mykie: “Not really, everyone just let us be ourselves. I did have my team in my ear just reminding me that this is a huge blessing and that it’s time to work. There was no pressure, and I don’t think we needed a prep talk because we are all talented in our own ways.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): Do you miss what you were doing before, or do you feel like this is more of your passion?
Miss. Mykie: “I was a school teacher while pursuing music at the same time…being a school teacher was my bread and butter and music was my passion. I miss doing music, but this is definitely way better than grinding out doing music. This was a blessing, and definitely something that I did not expect at all."
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What’s your message to young independent females who want to have a career like you?
Miss. Mykie: “To believe in yourself, there were a couple of times when I had my doubts, but when I spoke life into my career, I noticed a huge change. I also would say don’t think you have to go out and be provocative to be successful to get noticed. I’m a strong supporter of education and strongly encourage that, and realize that it is going to take a lot of hard work. Success doesn’t come easy, I sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears. Don’t get discouraged, keep the faith, keep the grind, and keep your dignity as a woman or a young man.”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): What was one of your biggest star struck moments so far?
Miss. Mykie: “In my bones, Queen Latifa…She is such a huge motivation to women. She has this presence about her, and she owned the room, and when she walked in…I felt it in my bones. She gave me a hug and it went on to be a great show, even though I was still a little nervous (laughs)."
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): Are you seeing anyone special?
Miss. Mykie: “Of course! I am not going to say any names. I will like to keep it a little secret for now, if you see me out and I’m with a mister, than it is what it is (laughs).”
Examiner (Anthony Bowles): Lastly, what are your goals as we’re getting into 2013?
Miss. Mykie: “I want to be a better Mykie! I have a lot of growing to do; I still have a lot to learn, and becoming more whole as a woman. We are going to take 106 & Park to the next level this year and make it the best show on TV!”
Continue to watch Miss Mykie on Bet’s 106 & Park every Monday – Friday, 6 – 8 pm (ET/PT) on BET as she counts down the hottest videos in the game right now!
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