Mic Minded People - The Podcast

Phil Fokus chops it up with Visionobi, diving into his journey from growing up in Hertfordshire to finding his voice as an MC in Southampton. They get into early Garage, Grime and Hip Hop influences, pirate radio days, and how community helped shape both sound and mindset. Visionobi breaks down his approach to mic work, storytelling and hosting, plus the realities of navigating the scene while staying true to yourself. There’s real talk on his time working with Wilkinson, what that era taught him, and how it pushed him to carve out his own lane. The convo also touches on creativity, writing lyrics with longevity, collaboration vs gatekeeping, and why MCs need space to evolve into full artists, not just hype men. To round it off, Visionobi introduces Colony - a new grassroots event focused on bringing people together and celebrating drum & bass culture at its core. 🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus Visionobi: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionobi 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/54llsSjxdbdGegB0X5uXEP?si=ieDGyaQOSHWDNcz_BGHXvw

In this episode, Phil Fokus sits down with Messy for a deep dive into MC culture, pirate radio, and the realities of life on the mic. From the raw energy of pirate stations like Renegade FM to the influence of tape packs and iconic MCs like Dynamite, Messy breaks down how the foundations of drum & bass MCing were built - and why crowd connection has always mattered more than hype. Messy reflects on his journey from university and illegal raves in Norwich to touring with DJ Fresh and performing on major stages in front of huge crowds. The conversation pulls back the curtain on touring life: the brotherhood, the pressure, the music industry, and the emotional highs and lows of performing night after night. This is an honest look at growth - not just as an MC, but as an artist navigating identity, expectations, business, and balance in an ever-evolving scene. 🎧 Listen on Podbean: 👉 https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@micmindedpeople 📲 Follow on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/messymc For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Phil Fokus links up with MC AD and Mantmast for a no-holds-barred festive convo covering everything from standout moments from 2025 to the real state of UK music. From Christmas dinners and legendary gigs to grime, drill, and Drum & Bass culture, this episode goes deep. The crew break down the impact of MCs, the grind behind the scenes, industry pay gaps, social media shifts, and why community still runs the culture. Plus, reactions to the buzz around the Dizzee Rascal & Wiley reunion, debates on UK vs US hip hop, and Skepta’s challenge to the States. It all wraps with a fun Ultimate MC Cypher and there’s even time for a game of Grime Wars!   🎧 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 our guests on Instagram: 🎤Mantmast 🎤MC AD

Phil Fokus links up with Carasel, the Bristol-based mic controller whose journey runs from Worcester blocks to worldwide raves. They get into: 🎤 Flows for days - why a real MC’s gotta switch style depending on the dance. 📚 Bar library tactics and staying ready for any set. 🌏 NZ tour stories and seeing DnB’s global grip. 📼 Tape pack nostalgia — the roots, the hunger, the blueprint. 💽 Legacy building with his album Dreams of Paradise - born from real-life struggles and breakthroughs. 🥊 Hip hop vs DnB competitiveness, collaboration, and culture. 🔊 Live show energy - the pressure, the craft, the responsibility: “We have to enhance the vibes.” 🤝 Collabs, cyphers, and supporting new talent to keep the scene alive. Carasel drops gems on resilience, evolution, and why MCs today need both passion and product. If you love rave culture, bars, and honest convo about what it takes to thrive as an MC -  this one is the real deal. Carasel Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraselmc/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tKJAusQAI9xHrHyDUTf0f?si=7ZZGx8w6SqGznAvQ-7DyoQ Bandcamp: https://carasel.bandcamp.com/album/dreams-of-paradise Listen & Watch 🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow Us on Instagram 🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.

This time on Mic Minded People, Phil Fokus links up with independant rap artist and studio owner Big Gub for a deep dive into his journey - from building beats in his teens to stepping on the Royal Albert Hall stage with a full orchestra. They get into the grind behind his sound, the shift from house beats to rap, how lockdown reshaped his creativity, and why he’s committed to lifting up local talent through Lyric Lounge Studio. Gub talks cyphers, collabs, AI in music, and the stories behind tracks like “My Father Told Me.” A real look at an artist carving his own lane.   Listen & Watch Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople Follow Us Mic Minded People (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople Phil Fokus (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus Big Gub Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biggubmusic Lyric Lounge Studio: https://www.instagram.com/lyricloungestudio Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5pSgQsksx9inLGsQrtfcXH Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/big-gub/1547471492 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@biggubbeats YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLR_6KvXbXoSh15Xo2O71jw  

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