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:

Recognize stress triggers (“That feelin’ in my stomach got me feelin’ wrong”)
Pause before reacting (“Deep breaths so you don’t make a mistake”)
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.

Articles tagged "hip-hop-mindfulness"

Articles tagged "hip-hop-mindfulness"

Mindful Hip-Hop: JusTme Teaches Kids Mindfulness Through Rap