Phase 1 Sets The Record Straight On His Current Rap Beef + More!

Prepare to dive into the heart of the Muskegon rap scene as we sit down with Phase 1 for an exclusive interview! A luminary in the local hip-hop community, Phase 1 has carved his name with powerful verses and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

However, amidst the accolades lies a simmering rap beef with none other than OG Bless Da Gutta, igniting fervent discussions within the community. As we delve into the intricacies of this rivalry, we'll also explore Phase 1's profound impact on the Muskegon rap scene.

INTERVIEW

Can you share your journey into the world of rap and how you discovered your unique style as Phase 1?

Phase 1: Well for me it started with my God father when I was 9 years old. He was a disc jockey (dj) and on his off time he would throw get togethers for the family one day he was playing a Tupac song called "I get around" when I heard that black record spin it moved something in me that made me wanna pick up the microphone after that day I was completely in love with music. My God father Johnnie King Duke would have me battle rap against others to sharpen my skills so that really had me wanting to create my own music. My style was inspired by artists such as Pac, biggie, ice cube, big pun, Kanye west, andre 3000, big sean, drake, and wu tang..later on I became just as dominant in the r&b field

Your feud with Jamonte King aka OG Young Bless Da Gutta has been making headlines lately. Can you provide some insight into the origins of this beef and where things stand now?

Phase 1: At first he wasn't the issue I wouldn't even address him but he kept poking at the bear. I honestly didn't want a problem with that guy but he wanted it so I said NO PROBLEM. The thing with guys like him is they wanna get involved in battling with others rappers but when the heat comes they complain about how hot it is in the kitchen. I destroyed him unfortunately he has yet to respond just a bunch of weird inboxing and soft fb post he has Twitter fingers REAL BAD.

How do you approach diss tracks or confrontations in your music, especially when directed towards another artist like OG?

Phase 1: Well I read a lot of books I understand the art of war...48 laws of power and 33 strategies of war is a heavy study for me...I set a diss record up like chess very strategic thinking plus I've done quite a lot of battle rapping most don't know how to respond bc I've already done the homework they slept on.

Moving beyond the drama, what inspires your music? Are there any particular themes or experiences you draw upon?

Phase 1: I'm inspired by life I always say as long as God wakes me up and give me a second chance at life I will always have something to make music about but I must admit when I'm going through things the music definitely hits a little harder than usual.

Muskegon's rap scene has been gaining attention, with various artists making waves. How do you see your role in shaping or contributing to the local rap community?

Phase 1: well as far as that I've been contributing to the local rap community since the start of my career always droppin free game on upcoming artists, providing a place for rappers to get some great quality audio engineering for them, expressing to our radio station that we need more local talent played on air, putting collabs together that seems damn near impossible, showing them that you don't have to be famous to give back to your community rather it's feeding the homeless or going to clean up OUR NEIGHBORHOODS it's bigger than just rapping but the biggest thing I do for them is being a great example of what a music artist with potential should look like.

In your opinion, what distinguishes your style and sound from other rappers in the industry, both locally and globally?

Phase 1: I would say it's the fact that I'm open to every genre I never think that I know too much to learn something new about music I'm always growing and expanding the versatility I have is very rare. I do things that most are afraid to try for example I have an album called "heartbreak in eden" I studied Prince's beat selection and made my own out of Michael Jackson/zapp & roger sound patterns...btw most of these rappers now a days want you to like them so much that they'll only talk about the money, cars, clothes, hoes, street shit, and fame but wont tell you what comes with that...I'm gonna make sure you get the PROS & CONS.

Let's talk about the top 50 rap list in Muskegon. How do you feel about your ranking on that list, and do you think it accurately reflects your impact and influence in the local scene?

Phase 1: I'd say I should be at the top but that's just my opinion muskegon is dominantly a "trap rap Detroit Flint" type of style out here if it's not that then they'll downplay it for sure I'm usually traveling to the west coast and the south to sell the type of music I make I think what I do is more from a international perspective I can't win Grammys doing the kind of music my city wants and I'm perfectly fine with that...even if they catch on too late it's all good but just don't forget that I told you so.

Collaboration is a big part of the rap world. Are there any artists, local or otherwise, that you're particularly keen on working with in the future?

Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations as a rapper, both in terms of your music career and personal growth?

Phase 1: My goal with all of this is to help the next generation be better than I am, I wanna make my mark on the world and inspire others to do the same, if you ask me I'm already living out my dream God blessed me to be able to do what I love if I never make it BIG I can die knowing that I did right by this culture I got the chance to change lives and motivate ppl in some of their darkest times if you couldn't get paid to make music I would still do it..when I'm done as an artist I will be returning to the business side of things as an executive chairman I'm great at finding talent so why not? Not only will I launch a management company and record label I also will be involved as a audio engineer and a ghost writer.