Published: March 12, 2007 7:52 PM EST
By: Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorscave.com)
White M.I.K.E.
Perhaps one of the most talented entertainers to come out of the Philly area in a long time White M.I.K.E. is an arsenal of raw energy. His music is as diversified as the artist himself, and he knows how to keep the fans wanting more.
It doesn’t matter whether White M.I.K.E. is spitting knowledge or rapping about having a good time; you are going to love him. Check out the interview that the magazine did this afternoon with the artist.
Isaac-Joseph: I wanted to first ask you about how did you first begin to draw an interest for Hip-Hop?
White M.I.K.E.: It started around the age when I was nine years old. I can remember being drawn to artists like LL Cool J. When I was a teenager, I really begin to have an interest in Rap/Hip-Hop. I started playing/performing at a variety of house parties.
Isaac-Joseph: What has been the biggest reward you have experienced from doing music professionally?
White M.I.K.E.: The fact that I love what I do. I was meant to do this (making music). It feels good that I actually found something that makes me this happy.
Isaac-Joseph: Describe to the readers of this magazine who is White M.I.K.E.?
White M.I.K.E.: I am a laid back dude who likes to have a good time. I try to convey that attitude in my music.
Isaac-Joseph: The Internet has played an important role to many new entertainers trying to enter into the music industry. What role has the Internet played for you in terms of getting your own music across to the masses?
White M.I.K.E.: Certainly! The Internet has played an integral role in getting my music across to a large group of people. One of the sources that have been a great asset to me is MySpace. MySpace has made me one of the most recognizable artists out of Philly right now. It makes me feel good when I am on the street and folks will come up to me and state, “You’re that guy from MySpace!”
Isaac-Joseph: How does that make you feel?
White M.I.K.E.: It feels good to hear that from people. I am kinda shy in person so this type of recognition is still new for me.
Isaac-Joseph: If you had an opportunity to collaborate with one artist in the music business, who would it be and why?
White M.I.K.E.: T.I.—hands down. I think he is one of the most versatile entertainers in the business at the moment. He can rap about many aspects of life from real life to club to street. He has my mad respect.
Isaac-Joseph: When you are performing in front of an audience, describe your feelings about being on stage performing live:
White M.I.K.E.: For me, I zone out and really don’t see the crowd. I sorta take of a new personality and put on a good show for the fans. I really come out of my shell and become animated and hyped up. It is a fun time.
Isaac-Joseph: Who have been some of your biggest influences and what have you learned from them that you have added to your own performance?
White M.I.K.E.: Some of the artist that comes to mind includes Jay-Z, OutKast, and Rakim. I take what they have done and put my own twist on it when it comes to my performances.
Isaac-Joseph: What do you considered to be your biggest moment for 2007?
White M.I.K.E.: This may not have been the biggest moment for 2007 but one of the most notable moments for 2007 was the release of the “Black Girls” song. The responses and feedbacks from this track have been enormous. I am totally pleased.
Isaac-Joseph: And what are you hoping to do for 2008 that you could not complete in 2007?
White M.I.K.E.: I want to keep building my name, expanding my visibility on the market, building my fan base, and possible securing a deal.
Isaac-Joseph: How do you handle haters and those around you who try and bring you down?
White M.I.K.E.: They make me laugh. I think that Philly is one of the most hateful cities of haters. To tell you the truth, I really don’t pay them an attention.
Isaac-Joseph: What role has your friends and family play in supporting you in your musical endeavors?
White M.I.K.E.: My friends have played the biggest role---they have helped me get gigs and found me new producers. As far as my family, they are proud of me. They are older so the whole Rap/ Hip-Hop genre they really don’t understand. But, as long as I am happy, they are happy.
Isaac-Joseph: Elaborate on what you are currently working in the studio at the moment.
White M.I.K.E.: I really don’t like to be in the studio for too long. When I am in the studio, I am totally prepared. I go into the studio to take care of business.
Isaac-Joseph: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters:
White M.I.K.E.:
I would like to send a shout out to my partner, Jay Q, DJ A-Run, DJ SatOne, and all of Philly.
