Mic Minded People - The Podcast

Big Dreco is a UK artist and MC refusing to stay in one lane.
 
In this episode, Fokus sits down with Dreco to trace the journey from North West London, grime events and radio through to becoming an artist in his own right.
 
They talk about Caribbean heritage, sound-system culture, grime, garage, dubstep and jungle, alongside the life experiences that shaped the energy behind Big Dreco.
 
Dreco also breaks down his approach to independent artistry – from turning social-media attention into actual listeners, to knowing where to invest your money, finding the right sonic fit and building both online and in the real world.
 
Plus: the story behind Whole Leap Ah Licks, the many different versions of the track, the changing grime landscape, why proper MCs still matter – and an a cappella to close.
 
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro: Meet Big Dreco01:12 – Whole Heap A Licks & grabbing attention online07:04 – Viral views vs real listeners09:02 – New Grime Order & building community17:36 – Growing up in North West London31:04 – Loss, violence & choosing a different path34:24 – Training your ears & finding your sound51:29 – Caribbean heritage & sound-system culture01:14:30 – Making the track BST01:18:00 – Advice for independent artists01:23:27 – The story behind Whole Leap Ah Licks01:30:50 – Ultimate MC Cypher01:41:30 – Grime, D&B & why MCs still matter01:48:05 – Big Dreco a cappella
 
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow:
🎧 Listen:Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch:youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
🔥 Connect with Big Dreco:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6c6B2Odn54uyI4n9IBURcw?si=LVSaAs5ATlqhekZmGfM0Dg📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big.dreco_/🎵 Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdreco_wmw
 
🎙️ MIC MINDED PEOPLEFor the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Rolla and Fokus go deep into the journey behind one of Essex's most respected MCs.
From growing up in Basildon and discovering grime through LimeWire, to Payback, PyroRadio and creating his deeply personal new album BAZ, this is an honest conversation about resilience, identity and staying true to your roots.
We also explore childhood, pirate radio, the Essex grime scene and the people who helped shape Rolla's career, alongside plenty of stories from the early days that forged his unique style.
🔥 Topics include:
• Growing up in Basildon & finding music• Discovering grime through LimeWire & pirate radio• Kirby T, Payback & the Essex scene• PyroRadio, Radar & early breakthrough moments• The story behind the BAZ album• Staying true to your roots and believing in your craft• Supporting independent artists
🎧 Listen
🎙️ Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
🤝 Connect with Rolla
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TzsdN3dHma7u0D72Aew5K?si=xretoaTpTCuz0tqlgLhrDQ💿 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rolla/1389846150📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollapayback/📹 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rolla1325?si=K8p4aBrcIAqjDCwc
For the love of MCs – the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Genesis Elijah and Fokus get deep into conversation. From golden era UK hip hop to creativity, self-belief, independent artistry and the realities of making a living through music, this is an honest and inspiring look behind the scenes.
We dive into the making of his debut album back in the day, plus Brixton roots, open mic battles and why staying true to the craft matters more than ever.
Topics include:• UK hip hop's golden era• Creativity & longevity• Building a career as an independent artist• Brixton, sound system & rap influences• Voiceover work, TV & transferable skills• Self-belief, purpose & staying inspired
🎧 Listen:🎙️ Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch:▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow:🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
🤝 Connect with Genesis Elijah:🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ykM9gwcxoplthUOlrih06?si=c5j91waQQi2t83fkmBV9yw💿 Bandcamp: https://genesiselijah.bandcamp.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesiselijah/
For the love of MCs – the culture, the craft, the conversation.

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 first episode of The Craft, Fokus breaks down the making of his 7 Day Mixtape - from beat selection and rapid-fire writing sessions to trusting instinct, embracing vulnerability, and letting the music lead. He shares the mindset behind creating under pressure, how storytelling shaped the project, and why documenting the process became just as important as the finished music.
A conversation about creativity, discipline and getting out of your own way.
In this episode:
The idea behind 7 Day Mixtape
Writing and recording at speed
Trusting intuition over overthinking
Using personal stories to build deeper songs
Blending styles, skits, and older material into a narrative
Finding the balance between quality and quantity
Keeping momentum and energy alive after release
Key takeaway
Sometimes the best way to unlock creativity is to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating with a deadline. Just start!
Listen to The 7 Day Mixtape
🎧 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mc-fokus/7daymixtape?si=d7ed10c9ddab4baa94b8e8cbca1c213a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow
🎧 Listen
Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation. 🎙️🎤🔥

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 electronic music, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and the lessons she's learned from artist management and career development. Ayah also shares stories from her work with major artists, including Calvin Harris, and offers valuable advice for emerging artists looking to build sustainable careers in music.
They also discuss music production, publishing, licensing, the impact of AI on creativity, and why supporting grassroots music culture remains more important than ever.
🔥 In This Episode
🎤 Ayah Marar's journey into drum and bass
🎶 The history and role of MCs in electronic music
💪 Breaking barriers as a woman in the scene
📈 Artist management and industry lessons
🌟 Discovering and supporting emerging talent
🎛️ Music production, publishing, and licensing
🤖 AI's impact on the future of music
🚀 Advice for aspiring artists and creatives
🌱 The importance of grassroots culture and community support
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation packed with insights for music fans, artists, and anyone interested in the realities of building a lasting career in the music industry.
🎤 Connect with Ayah Marar
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ayahmarar/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar/
🌐 Website https://ayahmarar.co.uk/
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow
🎧 Listen
Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow on Instagram
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
❤️ For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves MC culture, creativity and real conversations.

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 into the grassroots side of UK music culture, highlighting the importance of community, independence, and staying true to yourself as an artist. A must-watch for anyone interested in underground music, creative growth, and pushing creative boundaries.
⏱️ Topics include:
South London & pirate radio culture
Grime clashes and underground sets
DIY videos, branding & independence
Genre-blending and musical evolution
Mental health, authenticity & longevity
Building community in the underground scene
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow:
🎧 Listen:Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch:https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People — https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎤 Fokus — https://instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with JoSoSick:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jososick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jososickYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jososicktvSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4plADgQTqVwQboafH6KsGLApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jososick/1460808700Bandcamp: https://jososick.bandcamp.com/

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 confidence on the mic, and the difference between hosting and recording.
Limmz also gets into the realities of being independent: self-releasing, handling social media, and balancing creativity with business. He touches on his earlier, more personal rap versus his current high-energy rave sound.
The episode wraps with his latest DnB EP - a high-energy, collaborative project that marks his growth and positions him as one to 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🎧 Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with Limmz:🎵 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/elimo-njau🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4cm0e6rUO2nxaJjkbNqNwf📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limmzofficial/
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.

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 conversation on growth and versatility from an exciting artist reppin' fresh Drum & Bass talent.
As ever — expect ‘ultimate MC cyphers’ and acapella bars.
🎧 Listen: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Follow us:🎙️ https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with Vispera:📸 https://www.instagram.com/__vispera/?hl=en🎧 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gIF11bskGHBzo32hbNO9J?si=jLzTSONeRhCpq-RqcMTHjw

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 movement. We dive into the evolution of MC culture in the 90s, the rise of jungle in 1994, and how the scene transformed into modern drum & bass.
He also opens up about the garage era, changes in club culture, the impact of COVID on nightlife, and how resilience, work ethic, and community have kept him going for more than three decades in music.
This conversation is a deep dive into the real history of UK rave culture from someone who helped build it.
In this episode:
The early South London sound system scene
Rave culture in the late 80s & 90s
The rise of jungle and drum & bass
MC culture and pirate radio
Life as an MC during the rave boom
Longevity, resilience, and staying relevant in music
Featuring: MC FluxTopics: Jungle, Drum & Bass, UK Rave History, Pirate Radio, MC Culture, Sound Systems
👇 Tap below to listen and follow
🎧 Listen to the episodehttps://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
📺 Watch on YouTubeyoutube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow Mic Minded People
🎙️ Mic Minded Peoplehttps://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Phil Fokushttps://instagram.com/mcfokus
🔥 Follow MC Flux
📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/fluxthomas2
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/flux_mc/
🎧 Also available on
Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.
Keywords:MC Flux, Jungle music, Drum and Bass, UK rave culture, Sound system culture, Jungle history, Drum and Bass history, UK underground music, Pirate radio, MC culture, 90s rave scene, Jungle MC, Drum and Bass MC, UK rave history, Sound clash culture

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