Phil Fokus sits down with Freddy B to talk Manchester’s underground scene, sound system roots, and the evolution of MC culture. From Boomtown vibes to drum and bass energy, they explore the power of community, collaboration, and creative freedom in keeping the scene alive. Freddy drops insights on music production, self-sufficiency, and the future of MCing - all with that raw Manchester spirit. 🔥 Highlights: Manchester’s unique community vibe and sound system roots How Boomtown changed the game Balancing creativity, collaboration, and survival in today’s scene Freddy B on music as unity, therapy, and expression A glimpse into his upcoming projects and collabs 🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus🎤 Freddy B: @freddyb_mc For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Phil Fokus links up with the mystical Mark System (aka MC System) for a deep dive into the roots of drum & bass and the art of the mic. The two go way back, and they unpack those early days - pirate radio sessions, sweaty club nights, and the moments that shaped their sound and friendship. Mark opens up about his come-up as an MC, the mentors who guided him, and how the craft evolved from small rooms to big stages. They get into the finer points too - echo tricks, mic control, crowd energy and so much more. From there, the convo flips into Mark’s journey from spitting bars to producing tunes and DJing, his time with Sun And Bass, and what it means to stay true to your roots while still pushing forward. Expect talk about failure, growth, and why authenticity still cuts through in a scene that never stops moving. For anyone who came up on pirate stations, warehouse vibes, or the golden era of DnB MCing, this one’s full of nostalgia, honesty, and proper insight from a man who continues to live & breathe music.    Additional notes: The festival mentioned at 1:14:48 is Rise Festival The Loxy and Ink track mentioned at 1:17:11 is Manifested Visions Links: 🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus Connect with Mark System: Instagram: marksystemuk Soundcloud: marksystem

Phil Fokus dives into the epic reunion of Grime heavyweights Dizzee Rascal and Wiley. We’re talking about two icons back on stage together, the vibes they brought, and why it mattered so much for MC culture. Phil unpacks the history of the scene, how both artists have evolved, and gives props to DJ Mak 10 for making it all happen. Expect stories, context, and a real look at the magic between Dizzee and Wiley.

Phil Fokus and Kaisan T dive deep into the art of MCing, sparked by the buzz around the recent Shell Season Cypher. They break down what makes a cypher tick—the energy, the performance, and the persona that brings it all to life.   Kaisan takes us from his roots in Ledbury through his first encounters with grime, sharing the sounds and clashes that shaped his style—from pirate radio to Lord of the Mics. Along the way, he reflects on the thrill of collaboration, the struggles of self-critique, and the shifting landscape for MCs in today’s music industry.   This episode is packed with stories, influences, and future visions, giving listeners a front-row seat to the evolution of grime, dance music, and Kaisan’s own artistic journey. 🎧 Listen & Follow Kaisan T: Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3uNaJHQBsOUqCOU9pXjW7O?si=salcv5Z7QtSYj_sooX0LTw Instagram: instagram.com/kaisant_ YouTube: youtube.com/@kaisant908   🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Phil Fokus explores the concept of creativity, emphasizing that all humans possess the ability to create. He debunks the myth of 'natural creativity' and discusses the importance of showing up and engaging with the creative process.   Phil encourages listeners to give themselves permission to create, highlighting that creativity can be a light and enjoyable experience rather than a form of torture! He invites everyone to explore their creative potential without the constraints of societal norms.   🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus   For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

What is a freestyle? Phil Fokus delves into the magical art of freestyling, contrasting it with the writing process. He explores the essence of freestyling, its spontaneity, and the excitement it brings to both the artist and the audience. Phil discusses the different settings where freestyling occurs, including radio and live performances, and emphasizes the spiritual connection that can be felt during the process. He also addresses the modern misuse of the term 'freestyle' and clarifies what constitutes a true freestyle versus pre-written lyrics.   🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

This episode is all about the unwritten rules of MCing—you know, the stuff every MC should know but not everyone talks about. Phil Fokus is laying it all out, no sugar-coating, just real talk. He’s calling out the cardinal sins:🎤 Talking over vocals? Nah, that’s a vibe killer.🎤 Biting someone else’s lyrics? That’ll get you side-eyed real quick.🎤 Asking for the mic mid-set? Straight red card. Phil breaks it down with stories, laughs, and some hot takes on what separates the pros from the amateurs. He also introduces his new project, Fokus Presents Flowcase. Stick around ‘til the end and jump into the convo—Phil wants to hear your dream MC cypher. Who’s in your ultimate lineup?   🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.  

Illmatika joins Mic Minded People to share his journey from jungle MC to the DnB Soul Brother. He talks about pirate radio roots, authenticity in music, and returning to the scene with fresh purpose. We explore the evolution of the drum and bass landscape, the power of collaboration, and the need for more support for vocalists. Plus, a spotlight on Vocal Eyes - the event giving MCs the stage they deserve. This podcast is all for the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation -hosted by Phil Fokus. 🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram:🎤 Illmatika — @illmatika🎙️ Mic Minded People — @micmindedpeople🎧 Phil Fokus — @mcfokus🔥 Vocal Eyes — @vocal_eyes1

Birmingham based artist Ellis Esco is carving out his lane in the underground scene and beyond. With a unique sound blending smooth conscious lyricism with a raw delivery over a broad style of experimental beats, his is a voice you can't ignore.   From a young hip hop enthusiast to a rising star in the drum and bass scene - Ellis discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced by Birmingham's hip hop culture, and the influence of his family on his music. Ellis reflects on his experiences, the significance of storytelling in his lyrics, and his desire to be part of the next generation of MCs. The conversation also touches on the differences between being an artist and an MC, the impact of age and experience on creativity, and the future of his music career.   Phil Fokus and Ellis explore the intricacies of MCing in the drum and bass scene, discussing the challenges and excitement of transitioning from hip hop to drum and bass. They delve into the evolution of MCs, the importance of collaboration, and the personal growth that comes with performing.   Ellis shares pivotal moments in his career, including his collaboration with Sattel, and reflects on the versatility required in music. The discussion culminates in a fun segment where they create an ultimate cypher of their favorite MCs, showcasing the rich tapestry of influences in their musical journeys.   Watch: You Tube (@micmindedpeople) Connect: Instagram @micmindedpeople @mcfokus @ellis_esco

With decades of experience and the ability to appeal to crowds, promoters and DJs from across the musical spectrum, it was a real pleasure to hear AD's story.   AD shares his journey through the vibrant world of raving culture, from the early days at iconic venues like Roller Express to the evolution of jungle music and the pivotal role of MCs. He reflects on the significance of pirate radio, the influence of record shops, and the artistry behind cutting dub plates. The discussion highlights the changing landscape of the rave scene and the personal experiences that shaped MC AD's career as a prominent voice in the drum and bass community.   In this episode, MC AD shares his journey through the evolving landscape of jungle and D&B, with plenty of fascinating stories, laughs and insights. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and the unique energy that MCs bring to live performances.   The discussion also touches on the influence of grime on UK music culture and the significance of voice projection and authenticity in MCing. MC AD reflects on the need for unity within the music scene and the value of supporting one another as artists.   Listen: Spotify and Apple Podcasts  Watch: You Tube (@micmindedpeople) Connect: Instagram (@micmindedpeople @mcfokus)  

Are you ready for this one! Phil Fokus chats with Verbz, a talented artist known for his work with High Focus Records. They discuss the creative process behind making albums, the significance of the Brighton hip-hop scene, and the therapeutic nature of songwriting. Verbz shares insights into his journey as an artist, his recording experiences, and the importance of collaboration in music. The conversation highlights the evolution of Verbz' sound and his reflections on personal growth through music. In this conversation, Verbz shares his journey from freestyling in parks to becoming a recognized figure in UK hip hop and drum and bass. He discusses the distinctions between UK hip hop and UK rap, the influence of grime, and his evolving role as an MC in the drum and bass scene. Verbz emphasizes the importance of vocalists in the genre and reflects on the changing perceptions of MCs in the music industry. In this engaging conversation, Verbz shares his experiences in the music industry, discussing memorable gigs, the importance of authenticity, and the creative process behind his work. He reflects on the pressures of making music a career and the significance of staying true to oneself. He also talks about dream collaborations and his upcoming projects, culminating in a powerful acapella performance that showcases his lyrical talent.   Connect on Instagram: @mcfokus @micmindedpeople @verbzyygram   Watch on You Tube  

This is the original back-handed compliment - "I like your MCing 'cause you know when to shut up". It's time to get to the bottom of it... In this episode, Phil Fokus delves into the nuanced world of MCing, particularly within the drum and bass scene. He explores the often backhanded compliment of 'knowing when to shut up' and its implications for MCs, discussing the evolution of their roles from mere hype men to recognized artists. The conversation highlights the distinction between host MCs and lyrical MCs, emphasizing the need to appreciate the artistry and contributions of MCs in the music scene. Phil also reflects on the future of MCing in 2025, advocating for a broader understanding of the MC's role in music culture.   Connect on Instagram: @micmindedpeople @mcfokus Email the show Watch the You Tube channel  

In this episode, Phil Fokus shares his excitement for the upcoming Coalesce Festival, discussing his weekend plans and the challenges of producing weekly podcast episodes. He reflects on the joy of performing live, the importance of community in music, and introduces the concept of the MC cipher, inviting listeners to engage with the podcast by sharing their own choices. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, insights into the music industry, and a celebration of the culture surrounding MCing. Phil  explores various themes surrounding the evolution of music, particularly focusing on the impact of artists like Juice WRLD and the importance of self-belief in the creative process. He delves into the legacy of the Saxon Sound System and highlights the vibrant MC culture in Manchester. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collaboration in music and the necessity of personal space for creativity. Phil also reflects on the flexibility required in creative endeavours and the importance of following one's intuition.   Connect on Instagram: @micmindedpeople @mcfokus Email: hello@micmindedpeople.com Watch on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@MicMindedPeople    

Peas is a lively Drum & Bass MC and host from Hertfordshire, known for his high-energy performances, quick lyrical flow, and strong connection with the crowd. With sharp bars and a natural stage presence, he’s become a go-to for promoters and labels across the D&B scene.   Phil Fokus delves into Peas' musical journey, exploring his early influences, transition into the drum and bass scene, and the evolution of his performance style. They discuss the differences between live performances and radio shows, the importance of networking, and the impact of various MCs on Peas' development as an artist.   The conversation highlights the organic nature of building a career in music and the significance of being inspired by others while maintaining one's unique voice.   They discuss the evolution of Bars Club, a community initiative aimed at fostering connections among MCs, and the upcoming Bars Club Live event, which promises to spotlight MCs in a collaborative environment. Peas shares insights into his writing process and the importance of rhythm and flow in crafting lyrics, while also reflecting on the nostalgia and emotional connection to drum and bass music.   Watch on You Tube Channel: @micmindedpeople Follow on Instagram: @micmindedpeople @mcfokus @peasraps @barsclubdnb Contact: hello@micmindedpeople.com

Phil Fokus shares his honest experience of being a newbie in the podcast game, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine connection with the audience. He introduces the concept of a cypher, explaining its roots in hip hop culture and its significance in MCing. Phil then reveals his ultimate MC cypher, selecting five influential artists that represent his vision of the perfect cypher. He invites listeners to engage and share their own ultimate cypher selections, fostering a community around the podcast.   Get in touch Email: hello@micmindedpeople.com Instagram: @micmindedpeople Watch on You Tube  

In the second part of this episode Phil Fokus continues his conversation with Mantmast, a seasoned MC in the drum and bass scene. They delve into Mantmast's approach to lyric writing, the cultural references in his bars, and the role of MCs in the drum and bass genre.   The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of music, the influence of hip-hop, and the importance of maintaining originality as an artist. Mantmast shares insights on his creative process, the significance of collaboration, and his thoughts on the future of MCs in the industry.   The episode concludes with Mantmast's dream cipher lineup, showcasing his eclectic taste in music and respect for fellow artists.   Full video version is available on You Tube (@micmindedpeople)   Follow on Instagram: @micmindedpeople @mcfokus @mantmast   Email: hello@micmindedpeople.com    

In this guest episode, Phil Fokus is joined by Mantmast, a prominent figure in the drum and bass scene, discussing his journey from early influences in hip hop to becoming a respected MC. They reflect on the evolution of the music scene, the impact of living with influential producers, and the significance of Critical Music in Mantmast's career.   The discussion also touches on memorable performances, the dynamics of performing in various venues, and the challenges of overcoming stage fright. Mantmast shares humorous anecdotes about his experiences on stage, including the importance of footwear for safety during performances!   Look out for part 2 of the conversation coming very soon - that's all about the mic tekkers!   Full video version is available on You Tube (@micmindedpeople)   Follow on Instagram: @micmindedpeople @mcfokus @mantmast   Email: hello@micmindedpeople.com  

This podcast episode delves into the rich history and significance of pirate radio in the UK, particularly its impact on MC culture. Phil Fokus, the host, shares his personal experiences and insights into how pirate radio stations emerged, evolved, and shaped the music landscape.   He discusses the origins of pirate radio, the role of MCs, the importance of stations like Kool FM, and the nostalgic value of tape recordings. The episode highlights the community aspect of pirate radio and reflects on the unique energy of live broadcasts. In this conversation, Phil delves into the evolution of MC culture, particularly focusing on the role of pirate radio in shaping the landscape of UK music.   Phil talks about the unique contributions of garage pirates, the rise of grime, and how these elements intertwine with the history of MCs. The conversation also highlights the significance of live performances and the raw energy of pirate radio.   To share your own stories and insights and to connect with the podcast please contact: hello@micmindedpeople.com Instagram: @micmindedpeople

In this episode, Phil Fokus shares his origin story, detailing his journey through music from childhood to becoming an MC. He reflects on the influence of his brothers on his musical tastes, his transition from rock and metal to jungle and rave culture, and his early experiences as an MC. Phil's passion for music and the vibrant scenes he was part of shaped his identity and career in the music industry. He reflects on the influence of UK hip-hop and grime, the transition in drum and bass styles, and his personal growth as an MC. Phil emphasizes the importance of community and the love for the culture, highlighting key figures and moments that shaped his career.

Welcome to the first episode of Mic Minded People, the podcast that takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of MCs.   Hosted by Phil Fokus, this episode sets the stage for a journey into the culture, craft, and conversation that define the MC scene. Whether you're an aspiring MC, a seasoned artist, or simply a fan, this podcast offers insightful discussions, interviews and exciting freestyle performances from MCs across various musical genres.   Tune in and become part of the Mic Minded community because it's all for the love of MCs.