2018–2019: Early beginnings

Mendes started his career as a musician during his late teens, at the age of 17, his initial goal was to diversify his genres, not only to focus on rap. He acknowledges his mother as a huge support, along with his family behind his music career and considers artists like XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD, Drake, Eminem, Post Malone, Ski Mask the Slump God and Michael Jackson as his role models. Mendes also recalls in an interview, of how he started his career with only ₹8,000 (equivalent to ₹11,000 or US$130 in 2023) and barely could afford technical instruments. He had to depend on his mother as he needed more money to kickstart his music journey with proper equipments, he then performed for her to which she was convinced.^[8][9]

Mendes first began pursuing music as a hobby in 11th grade. He mentions that breaking into the rap game wasn't easy, often waiting outside clubs while holding a USB of his tracks in order to get recognized by bigger artists. Furthermore, he states that few people supported local artists who produced original music from Goa, and he had to grind his way to gain recognition.^[10]

2019–present: Rise to success

Mendes's breakthrough came from his single track release, "White Tee" in 2019. The idea behind the track was a hook, "White Tee, Bish get off”, he always had in mind, to which he added the beats and tunes. The music video was mainly shot in Fatorda and other locations, participated by many of his followers. Mendes further stated in an interview that, "White Tee" signifies a mindset, for example if you're wearing something white, you ought to not get dirty. Similarly it means you don't need people's negativity affecting your perspective.

In October 2019, Mendes had plans on releasing the music video, "Save Me", which saw no light later. The origin of his stage name, "Tsumyoki" came, when he woke up on a regular day and looked himself in the mirror, it has a Japanese influence. Initially in the beginning of his career, Mendes was abashed about the stage name, it was only after gaining popularity he felt comfortable. He has also stated that he is immensely influenced by the American culture and is working on bringing out Indian culture as well in his music.

At age 18, Mendes started performing at clubs and has also judged several college events. One of his first two gigs was with DJ Skeletron. Mendes and the latter collaborated in the single track "Go Hard" which was released on 4 August 2019, following the success of "Go Hard", 'Showbar', a gastropub in Candolim offered him his first show.

In November 2020, Mendes produced "Ketta" (transl. an action of ditching or avoiding someone), a single track by Carisio Azavedo mononymously known as Bongisio, a Merces based music artist which was mastered and recorded by 2jaym. Prior to his entry in the music field, he had no Goan rappers as an influence as there were no prominent artists back then. He has collaborated with music artists, producers and influencers like JD, 2Jaym, Elttwo, ZaDaRapper and ZB Memes.^[11]

On 4 September 2021, Mendes released his 15-minute maiden EP, "Way Too Messy", it included five tracks with themes of cancel culture, ambition and self discovery. The inspiration behind it was when he and Daniel Sequeira professionally known as Kidd Mange, were invited to the Gully Gang camp, wherein they were involved in making music. That's when they decided to make the EP which the Gully Gang team loved and finished three songs in two days and the remaining two were added later.^[12]

Mendes has also produced and performed in "Goa Rap Cypher" which featured nine local artists, wherein they voiced out on crises like the "Mollem situation", Goa is facing.^{[13][14][15][16][17]}

Albums

EPs

Singles and collaborations