Dijon “Mustard” McFarlane took center stage during the Super Bowl halftime show on February 9, 2025, as a hype man for Kendrick Lamar. Performing two of his biggest hits, “Not Like Us” and “tv off,” from the album GNX, Mustard connected with over 133 million viewers. Despite the monumental achievement, he found himself grappling with insecurities about his weight, reflecting a broader journey that has spanned years of ups and downs.
At the time of the performance, Mustard weighed 220 pounds, which was 15 pounds above his lowest recorded weight. He had previously struggled with significant obesity, tipping the scales at 340 pounds in 2018. The pressures of fame and fortune, accrued from collaborations with artists like YG and Big Sean, led to unhealthy eating habits that further complicated his relationship with food.
In his early career, Mustard indulged in late-night meals, often consuming large quantities of fried food and sugary drinks. His turning point came in 2019 with the tragic death of rapper Fredo Santana, who succumbed to health complications linked to substance abuse. “I had a full bottle of lean, and I poured it down the drain and never drank lean again,” Mustard recalls, marking a pivotal moment in his life.
Making conscious dietary changes contributed to a significant weight loss of 70 pounds. In the same year, Mustard sold half of his music catalog for a substantial sum, reportedly more money than he had ever seen. Yet, the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges, exacerbating his existing anxieties about health. “If I get COVID, I am going to die,” he thought, prompting him to take action.
Walking became a daily routine, gradually evolving into more intense workouts. He joined Peloton and committed to a structured exercise regimen. “I’ve had five different trainers. I’ve done every diet you can think of,” he shares, acknowledging the ongoing battle with his weight.
With newfound support from his camera operator, who is passionate about health, he discovered a meal that worked for him: grilled tilapia, spinach, and corn. This simple yet effective meal has become a staple in his diet. By his 30th birthday in 2021, he weighed 215 pounds and has since maintained a weight of around 225 pounds.
His relationship with fitness has also deepened through tennis, a sport he embraced after being introduced to it by U.K. singer Ella Mai. Playing nearly every day, he burns approximately 1,000 calories per session, further enhancing his physical and mental well-being. “I’m just an extremist,” Mustard says, displaying his competitive spirit.
This journey has proven to be transformative not just physically but mentally as well. Mustard reflects on past self-deceptions regarding his body image. “I would always tell people that I’m comfortable with my weight. But now I feel like I was just covering up that I didn’t think I could actually lose it.” His aspiration is to reach a weight between 190 to 200 pounds, which he believes would signify his healthiest self.
Beyond his personal fitness goals, Mustard is keeping busy with various projects, including a condiment collaboration with Heinz called Mustaaaaaard, which blends honey and chipotle mustard. He is also focused on his music career, having just completed an album with Ella Mai and currently working on new material. “The direction sounds good; I’m not rushing it,” he mentions, while still sending beats to Kendrick Lamar.
This multifaceted journey illustrates the complexities of personal growth in the face of fame and challenges. Mustard’s story resonates with many who struggle with similar issues, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-acceptance in the pursuit of health and happiness.
