Mindful Hip-Hop: JusTme Teaches Kids Mindfulness Through Rap

How Hip-Hop Artist JusTme Teaches Mindfulness to Kids Through Music

From YMCA Greeter to Mindful Rapper

Three years ago, California rapper Tim Scott Jr. (now known as JusTme) was working as a front desk greeter at a YMCA when mindfulness changed his life. During a job training session, educator J.G. Larochette (founder of the Mindful Life Project) introduced him to mindfulness over coffee. This sparked Scott’s transformation into JusTme, a hip-hop artist dedicated to teaching mindfulness to children.

Today, JusTme runs his own venture, JusTmindfulness, and a kid-friendly YouTube channel featuring mindfulness raps like:

• “D.F.Y.L. (Don’t Flip Yo’ Lid)”
• “Ain’t Worried”
• “Mindful Life Style”

The Science Behind “Don’t Flip Yo’ Lid”

One of JusTme’s most popular songs, “Don’t Flip Yo’ Lid”, breaks down how stress triggers our fight-or-flight response. The lyrics explain:

• How negative talk and stressful situations raise cortisol levels
• Why certain brain networks “go offline” when we’re upset
• The importance of deep breathing to regain control

Mindfulness Meets Hip-Hop: A Powerful Teaching Tool

JusTme’s music blends neuroscience, emotional regulation, and catchy beats to help kids:

1. Recognize stress triggers (“That feelin’ in my stomach got me feelin’ wrong”)
2. Pause before reacting (“Deep breaths so you don’t make a mistake”)
3. Stay calm under pressure (“Tryna stay cooler than ice cube”)

Why Mindfulness Matters for Kids

Research shows mindfulness helps children:

• Reduce anxiety and stress
• Improve focus and emotional regulation
• Build resilience in tough situations

JusTme’s approach makes these concepts accessible and engaging through hip-hop—a genre rooted in storytelling and emotional expression.

Listen & Learn: JusTme’s Message in Action

Here’s an excerpt from “Don’t Flip Yo’ Lid”:

“People messin’ wit me on a constant. / I don’t want be bothered wit the nonsense. / How the brain works. Gotta know the deal. / Don’t wanna lose it. Gotta find a way to keep it chill...”

For more on JusTme’s journey, check out the October 2016 issue of Mindful magazine.

Final Thoughts

JusTme proves hip-hop and mindfulness are a perfect match. By turning brain science into beats, he helps kids navigate emotions, stress, and daily challenges—one rhyme at a time.