Mic Minded People - The Podcast

The Craft #1: How I Made a Mixtape in 7 Days About The Craft The Craft is a new series within Mic Minded People. Alongside the guest conversations you've come to expect, these episodes take a deeper look at the art of MCing - exploring the creative processes, tools, techniques, and mindsets behind the music. Episode Notes What happens when you give yourself just 7 days to make a mixtape? In this f...

Fokus sits down with Ayah Marar for a candid conversation about her journey from growing up in Jordan to becoming one of the UK's most respected voices in drum and bass. Ayah reflects on her early musical influences, breaking into the scene, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career as an MC, singer, songwriter, and artist. The conversation explores the culture and evolution of MCing in elect...

JoSoSick joins Fokus for a deep conversation on UK underground music, South London culture, pirate radio, and building a career independently without following trends. They talk grime roots, DIY hustle, clashes, live shows, and how Jo evolved his sound into drum & bass, melodic styles, and genre-blending experimentation - all while staying authentic in a fast-changing scene. The episode dives...

Fokus links up with rising star Limmz to talk journey, versatility and the grind behind building his name. From lockdown freestyles with friends to making waves in drum & bass, Limmz breaks down how it all started and what drives him. They explore his early influences - from US rap to grime via Pow - and how that shaped his sound. He reflects on coming up in Bristol’s underground, building con...

Vispera joins the podcast to talk about her journey from spoken word and poetry into the world of MCing and the UK underground scene. We cover: • competitive poetry slams  • developing flow, cadence & mic control • Manchester & Bristol scene connections • grassroots raves, community & DIY culture • linking up with Sofa Sound • the creative process behind her studio works Real conversat...

This one is the real deal! True pioneer MC Flux tells the story of his 36-year journey through the UK underground music scene - from the South London sound system culture of the 1980s to the explosive rise of rave, jungle, and drum & bass. Flux shares first-hand stories from the early days of sound clashes and illegal raves, and how legendary venues like Stearns helped shape the UK rave moveme...

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 sta...

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 reflec...

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...

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 bu...

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 tal...

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. 🔥...

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 smal...

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 Dizze...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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 conv...

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...

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...

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,...