Life & Work with Mic Phelps

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mic Phelps. 

Hi Mic, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started doing poetry and rap for fun in school. Mostly to impress the girls in class. I wrote at least 5 raps a day from 5th grade to 12th grade. I would call my homeboy Bdoe to get approval on each rap. This turned into us doing a mixtape the year we graduated from high school and it getting some good reviews around Pontiac, where we stayed. Before I could get too into the music, I ended up getting into the Slam poetry scene with my sister Natasha Miller. I became a member or the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015 Detroit National Slam Poetry teams and a member of the 2012 Midwest championship slam poetry team. During this time, I linked with 3 other emcees and we started a group called Cold Men Young. Almost immediately we saw success, opening up for RZA, Wale, Big Sean, Currensy, Talib Kweli, Biz Markie, and many more. After two projects we went our separate ways as a group and it left me to pursue my own solo music career full time. I was also regarded as one of Michigan’s top 15 battle rappers by VLAD TV. During this time, I was nominated at the Detroit Music Awards for Best Lyricist, opened up for many artists, and garnered accolades all across the nation. In 2018 I became the Motown Museum’s Spoken Word artist of the year and was published by Broadside Press, the oldest and longest-standing black publishing company in the country. I have worked with major artists and producers like Nick Speed, Sheefy Mcfly, Heaven studios, Royal House recording, djkage, FoulMouth, Drey Skonnie, Sino, Jonah Franklin, Donnie TAUT, Jazar, Aaron Green, and many more. As of late, I Have been working on projects with my brother Macs The Realest (best rapper I know), my R&B projects, and a host of new music. In the past two years, I’ve been featured on, CBS, Fox 2, WDIV and WXYZ, Detroit Free Press, Metro Times, Blac Magazine, NPR, and more. This year joining The Secret Garden and forming my own team Most Decorated, with Rae Hewitt, Jason Johnson, and Wayne Brown, we are taking steps towards taking this long journey and making it a success story. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has not been a smooth road at all. Lots of ups and downs. One of the main struggles I have had to deal with is depression. Dealing with depression behind closed doors was a hard thing to do while trying to keep a career going. In the midst of really recognizing my depression, I ended up having two children and taking two years off of music full time, to work and try to provide for my family. And with lack of funding over the years it’s been hard to take full advantage of opportunities I had been blessed with, but with every bad, comes some good, so I’ve been able to push through. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an expert wordsmith. My ability to put words together has led me into many fields within the arts, from voiceovers, to poetry, to live music. I’m known for my ability to rap in any style, play the piano, perform a form of poetry that excites anyone no matter of race, age, or gender, and for my battle rap skills. I’m most proud of the people I’ve been able to have an effect on with my words. I think what sets me apart is that the dedication I put into being a true professional in my field, gives me an edge when it comes to skill level. 

What makes you happy?
My children! Nothing in this world makes me happier than my two sons. The joy I get from seeing them succeed and accomplish things they set out to do is unmatched. They have my back, and I got theirs, GANG GANG! 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: TheMostDecorated.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/micphelps
• Facebook: facebook.com/micphelps

Image Credits
Armon Babridge
Brian Williams
Jasmine Graham