Mic Minded People - The Podcast

🎙️ Vitamin G joins Fokus for a deep-dive into the art of rapping. From Cambridge cyphers and Channel U to Brighton's legendary Eagle Court, we explore the origins of Vits versatility, the formation of CMPND and signing to High Focus Records. We also get into his new project DIFFRNTLY with producer Coza, technical flows, the differences between MCs and rappers, AI, ghostwriting and the importance of staying authentic in today's music industry. Plus, the realities of independent artistry, creating music with longevity and Vitamin G's ultimate five-person MC cypher. 🔗 CONNECT WITH VITAMIN G 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_vitstagram_/ 💿 Vitamin G Bandcamp — Buy the music: https://vitaming95.bandcamp.com/ 🎤 https://linktr.ee/vitaminG 💿 https://www.high-focus.com/home/artists/vitaming/ 🎧 https://highfocus.bandcamp.com/ 👇 Watch, listen and follow Mic Minded People: 🎧 Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople 📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople 🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Grime didn’t appear out of nowhere -  and no single person invented it. In this episode, Fokus sits down with The Grime Journalist for a wide-ranging conversation about the roots, evolution and culture surrounding one of the UK’s most important homegrown sounds. Starting with Windrush and Caribbean influence, the conversation moves through jungle, garage, pirate radio, legendary crews and the gradual formation of what would become grime. The Grime Journalist also reflects on his own journey - from MC Dream and the early pirate-radio days, through years of working around music and culture, to returning to the frontline and releasing his debut album, Who Invented Grime? They also get into the realities of independent artistry: physical releases, Bandcamp, streaming economics, building a real audience, dubplate writing, the craft of MCing and why relevance today gives history more meaning. A conversation about lineage, creativity, independence and the people who helped shape UK MC culture.   🎙️ THE GRIME JOURNALIST Instagram: @thegrimejournalist [https://www.instagram.com/thegrimejournalist] Bandcamp / Who Invented Grime?: [https://thegrimejournalist.bandcamp.com/]   👇 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.

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 Dreco 01:12 – Whole Heap A Licks & grabbing attention online 07:04 – Viral views vs real listeners 09:02 – New Grime Order & building community 17:36 – Growing up in North West London 31:04 – Loss, violence & choosing a different path 34:24 – Training your ears & finding your sound 51:29 – Caribbean heritage & sound-system culture 01:14:30 – Making the track BST 01:18:00 – Advice for independent artists 01:23:27 – The story behind Whole Leap Ah Licks 01:30:50 – Ultimate MC Cypher 01:41:30 – Grime, D&B & why MCs still matter 01:48:05 – Big Dreco a cappella   👇 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.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 PEOPLE For 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.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd Apple 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/@jososick YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jososicktv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4plADgQTqVwQboafH6KsGL Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jososick/1460808700 Bandcamp: 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/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