Mic Minded People - The Podcast

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 & WatchPodbean:https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
YouTube:https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
Follow UsMic Minded People (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople
Phil Fokus (Instagram):https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Big Gub LinksInstagram: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
 
 

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.

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

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.

Episode 17: Grime, Growth and Greatness - Inside The Mind of Kaisan T

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.

Episode 16: Unlock Your Creativity

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.

Episode 15: Freestyles

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.

Episode 14: The Cardinal Sins (That MCs Should Avoid)

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.
 

Episode 13: Illmatika the DnB Soul Brother

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

Episode 12: Ellis Esco

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