Harry Mack – The Freestyle Rap GOAT and the Flow State
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 30
- 7 min read
Updated: May 1
Introducing Slobodan Nesovic, an experienced psychologist whose journey from the tumultuous landscapes of Serbia to the bustling streets of San Francisco has shaped his profound understanding of human nature.
Have you heard Harry Mack improvise free-style raps off the top of the dome? If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a YouTube rabbit hole, chances are you’ve stumbled across Harry Mack. With nothing but a beat, a camera, and the unpredictable suggestions of strangers, Mack has transformed freestyle rap into a global phenomenon, one jaw-dropping verse at a time. But what makes his performances so captivating? Is it just raw talent, or is there something deeper at play? Something that borders on the supernatural.
Let’s explore the science behind Harry Mack’s artistry and discover why his ability to enter flow states not only sets him apart in hip-hop but also offers lessons for anyone striving for peak performance on stage, on the field, or in everyday life.
Flow states and the joy of freestyle
Harry Mack’s rise to internet stardom is a testament to the power of spontaneous creativity. During the isolating days of COVID-19, when the world was desperate for connection and joy, Mack’s Omegle Bars series became a beacon of light. Each Friday, he’d drop a new Omegle video. The videos were about connecting with strangers and transforming their random word suggestions into intricate, mind-bending raps, live, unfiltered, and utterly mesmerizing.
The reactions say it all. As Mack weaves his words into rapid-fire rhymes, viewers witness jaws dropping, eyes widening, and laughter erupting. It’s as if, for a brief moment, everyone is swept up into a shared trance- a testament to the sheer delight of witnessing creativity in its purest form.
The path to flawless performance
As a performance coach, I’ve worked with athletes and musicians who have reached the pinnacle of their crafts. There’s a common thread that runs through all of them: mastery isn’t just about talent. It’s about relentless dedication, years of practice, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones.
Harry Mack embodies this principle. He didn’t just wake up one day with the ability to freestyle at lightning speed. He started rapping at age 12 and has spent decades honing his skills, internalizing the fundamentals until they became second nature. What sets him apart is his focus on mental and emotional refinement, not just technical proficiency. The result? Performances that seem almost otherworldly in their creativity.
When Mack raps, he effortlessly weaves together complex rhymes, intricate wordplay, and lightning-fast improvisation. It’s a level of proficiency that only comes from thousands of hours of deliberate practice- proof that greatness is built, not born.
Understanding flow states: The science behind the magic
So, what’s really happening when Harry Mack enters “the zone”? Psychologists call it a flow state- a term coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. ₁ Flow describes a mental state where your skills and the challenge at hand are perfectly matched, leading to total absorption in the task. Time seems to slow down (or speed up), self-consciousness fades away, and you’re operating at your absolute best.
Research shows that flow isn’t just a buzzword. ₂ ₃ It’s a critical ingredient in achieving outstanding performance, whether you’re a musician, athlete, or chess grandmaster. When you’re in flow, your brain’s inner critic quiets down, allowing creativity and intuition to take the wheel. For elite performers, this is where the magic happens.
Harry Mack’s ability to enter flow is especially remarkable because he does it on command, often in high-pressure, unpredictable situations. When strangers throw out words like “quasar,” “kaleidoscope,” or “benevolence,” he doesn’t miss a beat. Instead, he incorporates them seamlessly into his rhymes, creating something new and astonishing in real time.
Flow states and peak performance
The concept of flow isn’t limited to music. In fact, it’s been studied extensively in the world of sports. Elite athletes like Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals, Novak Djoković at Wimbledon, or Simone Biles on the gymnastics floor often describe moments where everything “just clicks.” They aren’t thinking about the mechanics of their movements; they’re simply doing, fully immersed in the moment.
Flow states help athletes:
React faster and more intuitively
Block out distractions (like a roaring crowd or the pressure of competition)
Make split-second decisions with confidence
Experience greater enjoyment and satisfaction in their performance
The same principles apply to Harry Mack’s freestyle sessions. He’s not consciously planning every rhyme; he’s responding in real time, trusting his training and intuition. This is why his performances feel so alive and unpredictable. It’s also why viewers can’t look away. There’s an electric sense that anything could happen next.
The joyful impact of Harry’s talent
Since I began following Harry Mack in 2018, I’ve been struck by his ability to evoke profound positive emotions in his audience. Each time I watch his seamless flow and poetic improvisation, I experience a significant shift in perspective, feeling uplifted by the presence of such talent and a genuinely kind spirit. Fans echo this sentiment across platforms, with comments on his videos often reading, “This got me through my toughest days,” or “Harry’s flow is pure therapy.” During the pandemic, his livestreams became a source of connection and hope for many, proving that his performances do more than entertain. They appear to have therapeutic effects; they heal and inspire.
What’s remarkable is that Mack’s gift goes beyond technical skill. It’s about connection. He takes random words- often silly, sometimes challenging- and spins them into stories, jokes, and moments of genuine human interaction. Whether he’s rapping about “pineapples,” “quantum physics,” or “Harry’s GOAT freestyle journey,” he brings people together in laughter and awe. As one fan put it, “His performances have become a source of connection and hope for many, proving that the joy he provides is more than entertainment- It’s real and deeply felt.”
Why flow matters for everyone
You don’t have to be a rapper or an athlete to benefit from flow states. Whether you’re working on a big project, playing an instrument, or even just having a great conversation, finding your flow can help you:
Boost creativity and problem-solving skills
Increase productivity and satisfaction
Reduce stress and anxiety
Build confidence in your abilities
The key is to find activities that challenge you just enough to keep you engaged but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. Practice, patience, and a willingness to push your boundaries are essential. After you master the skills, the flow state will come to you when you least expect it. You can also learn how to enter the flow state by learning a few tricks. I recommend Scott Ford’s book Welcome to the Zone ₄ to find out more about one way of entering the flow state. Also, a significant part of my approach to psychology, which I call psychoEnalysis, is focused on helping people learn how to access the flow states. ₅
Creating a shared experience of awe
Harry’s impact extends beyond individual reactions to create a collective sense of wonder. Whether it’s a teenager on Omegle giggling in disbelief or a crowd at Venice Beach erupting in cheers during Guerrilla Bars, the energy exchange between Harry and his audience is palpable. This shared emotional high fosters a sense of unity, reminding us of the power of human connection. His ability to bring people together through spontaneous creativity offers a refreshing counterpoint to the challenges of modern life, making each performance a small but meaningful contribution to a brighter world.
A force for good through flow
Harry Mack’s freestyle rap is a conduit for positivity and inspiration. By consistently entering flow states, he achieves personal mastery and uplifts countless others, fostering joy and connection in a time when it’s often needed most. His work serves as a reminder of the potential within each of us to create, connect, and contribute to a better world through our unique talents. So next time you’re searching for inspiration, whether chasing a personal best, tackling a challenging project, or just looking to brighten your day, remember Harry Mack. Find your flow, embrace the challenge, master fundamentals, and let your creativity shine. Who knows? Entering flow states is very healing, and we can learn from the masters how to use this gift that we all have hidden within.
Slobodan Nesovic, CA licensed Clinical Psychologist
Slobodan Nesovic, PsyD, is a seasoned California-licensed clinical psychologist with a deep-rooted passion for psycho-spiritual development spanning over two decades. Inspired by spiritual experiences in the Arizona desert during his late teens, Slobodan embarked on a journey of self-discovery, delving into the works of Plato, Lao Tzu, Jung, and Nikola Tesla.
With over 17 years of experience, Slobodan integrates a unique approach to therapy—PsychoEnalysis—blending energy psychology, psychodynamic methods, and spirituality. As a psychologist and a Complete Meditation (CM) teacher, he empowers clients to navigate their journey to healing and self-discovery, leveraging his holistic understanding of human nature.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Slobodan is a dedicated father, quantum medicine enthusiast, and admirer of Nikola Tesla's work. A basketball lover, he even shared the court with future NBA player Marko Jaric. For a transformative experience tailored to mind and spirit, connect with Slobodan for a free 20-minute phone consultation at +1 747 327 6333 or click here.
References:
[1] Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Flow: The classic work on how to achieve happiness. Harper Perennial.
[3] Biasutti, M. (2017). Flow and optimal experience. In R. A. R. MacIntyre, T. J. (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Music Performance (pp. 1–18). Oxford University Press.
[4] Ford, S. (2013). Welcome to the Zone: Peak Performance Redefined. Outskirts Press.
