The Biography Mr. Mack aka Mr. 865 Since 1998, he has released a handful of mixtapes and independent albums, selling them from home and out of the trunk of his car. “If you’ve got CDs, you’ve got money. Keep hustling and grinding, and somebody is gonna want it”. For the most part of eight years, underground and do-it-yourself distribution has been the principal way of getting local hip-hop and rap music on the streets. Commercial hip-hop outlets in Knoxville Tn did not exist until late 2002. Fast forward to 2006….. “Where You From” topped Knoxville Tn’s HOT 104.5 FM rotation for five weeks in June & July 2006. Two months later the remix featuring Yo Gotti, AllStar, and D-Cooley also reached top levels of rotation. During the BOOM in Knoxville, stations in Chattanooga and Johnson City also began to chant “865”. Getting local and regional recognition in a market that did not embrace his style was a David vs. Goliath kind of street fight. David (aka Mr. Mack) won, and attracted attention from Atlantic, Epic, and universal Republic records. But the “localized” theme of the hook got in the way of a national record deal. All companies asked if the “865” could be changed to become more international. Rather than destroy East Tennessee’s new local anthem, he chose to stay true to his roots, hit the studio, and develop something new. Something to show the “White Collars” in NYC what “country slang” is all about. Enter stage left….. “So Fly”. With its twangy bass guitar lick, nostalgic throwback vibe, and a couple of high pitched kids chanting the hook, Universal Republic decided they didn’t want to miss this lick. In September 2007 Mr. Mack signed his first single “So Fly” with Universal. “This does not and will not end the days of Street Hustling your product” Now, more than ever, Mr. Mack has been forming alliances in different parts of the country. While most have been profitable and beneficial, Mr. Mack knows when he has a hit or a miss. ““My Thang” feat. Sam was a direct hit before it hit Tennessee airwaves.” says Mack. He immediately took the finished product to the Knoxville radio station, and it hasn’t stopped spinning yet! With a label like Boiler Room ent. and partners like Sam, the saga of a man who started his career in the trunk of his car will continue. AND he will always have CD’s in the trunk of his car!!