Mic Minded People - The Podcast

Mic Minded People
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The Culture. The Craft. The Conversation. This podcast takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of MCs from across the musical spectrum. Hitting it from all angles - discussions, interviews, freestyles and much more. Hosted by Phil Fokus - a Drum & Bass artist with over 25 years of experience in the underground music scene. Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify (link below) Watch: You Tube (@micmindedpeople) Connect: Instagram (@micmindedpeople)(@mcfokus)

  1. FEB 20

    Episode 25: More Than A Host - Visionobi Carves His Own Lane

    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

    2h 52m

  2. JAN 23

    Episode 24: Pirate Sets to Private Jets - Messy MC on touring and the real music industry

    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.

    2h 19m

  3. 12/28/2025

    Episode 23: Christmas Special - Phil Fokus Talks UK Music and MC Culture w/ MC AD & Mantmast

    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

    2h 37m

  4. 12/12/2025

    Episode 22: Carasel - Different Flows For Different Shows

    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.

    2h 19m

  5. 11/28/2025

    Episode 21: Entrepreneur energy and Royal Albert Hall rapper - Big Gub keeps grafting

    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

    1h 41m

  6. 11/07/2025

    Episode 20: Straight Outta Manny - Freddy B on the City's Underground Scene

    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.

    1h 25m

  7. 10/17/2025

    Episode 19: Echoes of the underground - Mark System reconnects with his MC-roots

    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

    1h 56m

  8. 10/03/2025

    Episode 18: Dizzee Rascal & Wiley Reunited - A Moment In Grime History

    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.

    49 min
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About

The Culture. The Craft. The Conversation. This podcast takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of MCs from across the musical spectrum. Hitting it from all angles - discussions, interviews, freestyles and much more. Hosted by Phil Fokus - a Drum & Bass artist with over 25 years of experience in the underground music scene. Listen: Apple Podcasts & Spotify (link below) Watch: You Tube (@micmindedpeople) Connect: Instagram (@micmindedpeople)(@mcfokus)

Information

  • Creator
    Mic Minded People
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Mic Minded People - The Podcast