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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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