Mic Minded People - The Podcast

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.

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

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.

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

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.