*subtle war protest*
Mic Phenom is best known for being a dope freestyler and most recently as being one of the front runners in Grindtime’s Northwest division.
Thanks to the Seattle resident for taking the time to answer a few questions for We Out Here Magazine.
Tell us about your upcoming project. Who have you been working with and what can people expect from it?
I’ve been working hard on my mixtape called “The Therapy”. It’s basically an album over other peoples beats. I’ve got a few original tracks on it. Production from my favorite producer Trox. Also Rising Son and DJ Nphared on production. As far as features go I’ve got Dice, who is by far my favorite artist in the NW and if you haven’t heard her you’re slackin’. Check out her Foundation Mixtape and her 518 Mixtape with Outrageous, AND her new video “Things I Couldn’t Say”. Sorry I had to plug her in there. Also Neema,who’s on the first leaked track from the Mixtape. We went and killed the “Look At Me Now” beat by Chris Brown. Pretty much murdered it. There’s also my boys Dutch and Extra of M.O.E Cartel. A new group in Washington who’s making A LOT of noise. You gotta check out the Cartel Season mixtape. Lace Cadence and I’m hoping that Illmaculate and Ness Lee are going to bless it too..damn that was a lot, lol.
What are some goals you have for yourself this year? Music business and otherwise.
In 2011 I’m hoping to show everyone that I’m more than just a battle rapper. The Mixtape is going to show that, and then “The Crow” EP with BoomBox Massacre, a dope NW producer. I’m working for a deal. I’m worth it, lol.
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar lately. He’s a breath of fresh for west coast emcees. I like Yelawolf, XV, Elzhi, Marv Won and Ness Lee. A lot of R&B has been getting spins too. Carlitta Durand, Dice, and JusMoni. Those are constant people on my play list.
You see Macklemore at the game?
Yes! Macklemore deserves every bit of success he gets. He’s a dope artist and an even better person. He’s always been humble and has always been cool to me as long as I’ve known him.
How important do you think being able to freestyle is in today’s battle leagues?
I think freestyling isn’t appreciated as much as it used to be. The fans are so used to seeing written battled that when someone freestyles, they don’t understand how creative someone has to be to pull it off flawlessly. I came up freestyling. Its starting to become a forgotten art.
Any thoughts on the upcoming Illmaculate vs 9dm battle?
I just think its gonna be a lot of bloodshed in this battle I’m glad I get to be there for it. I’m battling the same day against the homie Volatile.
Any predictions Illmac and 9DM battle?
I don’t know… this one is honestly a toss to me.
How about on your battle vs. Volatile?
I think I should do pretty good…I’m not really prepared cause there’s not a lot of footage of Volatile to work with.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I just wanna thank the city of Seattle for being patient with me while I got myself together and I’m not gonna disappoint. And shout out to all my family and friends back in hawaii and my hometown of Battle Creek,Michigan. And thanks for the interview bro. We gotta work soon…
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