Mr. Wattson – From the Booth to the Lens and Back Again Mr. Wattson’s journey into music began in the most grassroots way possible—writing rhymes on the bus, during class, and on lunch breaks as a high school sophomore. What started as a creative escape quickly evolved into a true passion. While studying at a small private university in Babson Park, Florida, Wattson began recording and producing his own music using GarageBand, laying the foundation for what would become a relentless pursuit of artistry. Determined to sharpen his skills, Wattson made weekly trips to Orlando to battle rap and freestyle at local events, earning respect and recognition in the underground scene. After graduating, he moved to Atlanta—ground zero for modern day hip-hop culture—where he spent nearly seven years performing nightly at open mics, hustling to make connections, and chasing his dream. But the grind came at a cost. Financial instability and the pressures of the lifestyle, and lack of opportunities, eventually left him homeless, living out of his car. In the midst of the struggle, a friend handed him a camera—and everything changed. Wattson redirected his creative energy into photography, using it as a new way to get close to the music world. He built an impressive portfolio capturing artists, A&Rs, label execs, and industry legends. His creative eye even led to a major milestone: co-designing a pop-up museum celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in Atlanta, in collaboration with Dallas Austin and Jermaine Dupri. Still, music was always the endgame. Now, after years of grinding behind the scenes, Wattson returns with renewed purpose and a sharper vision—with DIY!, the next chapter in a story that’s only just beginning.