Mississippi soul isn't just a sound. It's a feeling that gets right under your skin, and if you've spent any time listening to the modern blues circuit, you know that Castro Coleman—better known to the world as Mr. Sipp—is the undisputed heavyweight champion of that vibe. Honestly, there's something about the way he handles a guitar that feels like he’s preaching a sermon and starting a party at the exact same time.
When Castro Coleman Played Yourself hit the airwaves back in 2020, it wasn't just another track on a playlist. It was a statement. This song basically defined a new era for him, marking his territory as the "Mississippi Blues Child" while leaning heavy into those smooth, R&B-infused Southern soul rhythms that make you want to nod your head and point a finger at anyone who ever did you wrong.
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The Story Behind the Music
Castro Coleman didn't just stumble into the blues. He lived it, but he started in the church. For over two decades, he was a powerhouse in the gospel world. We’re talking about a guy who played on over 50 national recordings and worked with legends like the Williams Brothers. He was comfortable. He was successful.
Then 2012 happened.
Within a single week, he decided to enter a blues competition, wrote four songs, and the rest is history. "Played Yourself" is the culmination of that transition. It’s a song about betrayal, sure, but it’s mostly about the consequences of one's own actions. The phrase "played yourself" became a cultural meme thanks to folks like DJ Khaled, but Castro took that concept and gave it a Delta backbone.
The song resonates because it’s relatable. Ever had someone think they were pulling a fast one on you, only for their little scheme to blow up in their face? That’s the heart of the track.
Why the Track Stood Out
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of "cookie-cutter" blues records. You've heard them—three chords, a sad story, and a generic solo.
This is different.
- The Groove: It’s got this mid-tempo, "walking" bassline that feels like a late-night drive through McComb.
- The Vocals: Castro’s voice has this grit that only comes from years of gospel shouting, but he keeps it controlled and soulful here.
- The Message: It’s a "grown folks" song. It’s about accountability.
In the track, he isn't just singing; he's telling a story about someone who thought they were the smartest person in the room. They tried to manipulate the situation, and instead, they ended up lonely and looking foolish. It’s a classic Southern Soul theme, but Coleman’s guitar work—which is always sharp enough to cut glass—elevates it.
Castro Coleman: More Than Just a Musician
If you think he’s just a guy with a guitar, you’re missing half the story. The man is a literal chameleon. One minute he’s winning the International Blues Challenge (which he did in 2014), and the next he’s on a movie set.
Did you know he played Les Buie in the James Brown biopic Get On Up? Or that he portrayed a young B.B. King in the CMT series Sun Records? That’s not a coincidence. He has that "it" factor. When you watch him perform "Played Yourself" live, he’s not just playing notes; he’s acting out the frustration and the ultimate "I told you so" energy of the lyrics.
The production on the single, released via Malaco Records, is clean but keeps that raw Mississippi edge. Malaco has been the home of Southern Soul for decades, and they knew exactly what they had with this release. It bridge the gap between the old-school blues crowd and the younger Southern Soul fans who want something they can dance to at a trail ride or a backyard BBQ.
What Most People Miss About the Lyrics
A lot of listeners focus on the "burn" of the title. They think it's just a diss track. But if you listen closely, there’s a layer of disappointment there. Coleman sings from the perspective of someone who actually cared, which makes the "play" even more tragic.
He’s basically saying, "I gave you the world, and you chose to be shady."
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It’s a masterclass in songwriting. He uses very few words to paint a massive picture of a relationship falling apart due to ego.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Musicians
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of Castro Coleman or even try to capture a bit of that "Played Yourself" magic in your own playing, here is what you need to do:
- Listen to the Discography: Don't stop at the single. Check out the full album The Soul Side of Sipp. It gives "Played Yourself" a lot of context.
- Study the "Gospel-to-Blues" Pipeline: If you’re a guitar player, notice how Castro uses gospel "licks" in a blues context. It’s about the phrasing—hitting those notes just a millisecond behind the beat to create tension.
- Catch a Live Show: Mr. Sipp is famous for his "outlandish" and upbeat shows. He doesn’t just stand behind a mic. He moves, he engages, and he makes sure you feel the music in your chest.
- Support Local Blues: Castro is a product of the Mississippi Blues Trail. If you want more music like this, you’ve got to support the venues and labels like Malaco that keep this specific genre alive.
The reality is that Castro Coleman Played Yourself isn't just a song—it's a lesson in human nature wrapped in a killer blues riff. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Mississippi Blues Child or you just discovered him through a random playlist, there's no denying the man has a gift for finding the truth in the groove.
To truly appreciate the artistry, go back and listen to his 2024 Grammy-winning work with the Count Basie Orchestra on Basie Swings the Blues. It shows the range of a man who can go from a gritty solo single to a massive big-band arrangement without losing an ounce of his Mississippi soul.
Start by adding the "Played Yourself" remix to your "Grown and Sexy" playlist. It’s the perfect introduction to why Castro Coleman is currently one of the most respected names in the business. Once you hear that first guitar sting, you'll understand why nobody plays the blues quite like the man from McComb.
Next Steps:
- Explore the Malaco Records catalog to find similar Southern Soul artists like Vick Allen or LJ Echols.
- Watch the Sun Records series to see Coleman's portrayal of B.B. King for a look at his acting range.
- Follow Mr. Sipp on social media for his 2026 tour dates, as his live performances often feature extended, improvised versions of "Played Yourself."