- With the upcoming project THE LOCKOUT due November 14th what have you done in order to prepare for the release?
Phips:
I’ve been recording like crazy. Playing with mixes. Fucking with new sounds and producers. Taking bike rides through the French Quarters. Trying to top the last song I recorded…
Thats actually how this project even came about. We recorded so much for Life With Options (the album), it birthed a whole new thing. That’s what happens when you just let it happen. Divine Intervention man.
2. What about this tape is different from the last project you did?
Phips:
The last project was ‘3rd Side’, it was more or less an EP. This is a full length ‘Phipstape’ (my own format of releasing music). I got lots more of my peers involved…Working with more producers. And it’s being released in conduction with DJBooth.net
Also, the theme is in a different direction from the previous series of tapes. The title is The Lock Out. It describes where I feel like I am in the industry. I’m playing outside of the stadium right now. It’s cool cuz there’s no red tape. Such an underdog its poetic damn near. I was made for independence tho. One of the only ways to experience a Life With Options.
3. You’ve done a lot of work with the Jetlifers, will there be any features from them on The Lock Out?
Phips:
Of Course. Spitta, Smoke DZA, Corner Boy P…It’s a few of the home team playing on T.L.O. In addition to my other potnas like City Sparks, Henry McCulla, Sheffie Monroe, LG & Dinero. It’s a dope mixture of personalities on there.
4. Depending on the success of T.L.O. could there be a tour associated with it?
Phips:
Well I can only deal with confirmations so I won’t say certainly, but I got options. So stay tuned.
5. How long have you been working on The Lock Out?
Phips:
I was originally working on my album ‘Life With Options’ and the productivity was so rapid that this project, (The Lock Out) grew its own head. I switched focus to this project at the top of September and just flowed with it. It made perfect sense though. What else can make you explore a Life With Options like The Lock Out can. BOOM!
6. With your last project being received very well publicly, how do you think this one will be received?
Phips:
Since teaming up with DJBooth.net, the word has been spreading. But as far as the people, they gon’ love it!! Used to not know how listeners would perceive my sound. But after all the work I’ve done thus far, being embraced so much, and knowing how true I’ve been to the creative process, The Lock Out’s gonna make them want more Phips. Str8 up. And Life With Options will provide that…
I’m chef’n up a full course meal here man. Hope you muh fuggas is hungry. Where i’m from we go ape shit in the kitchen. Nov 14 THE LOCK OUT mang. Quit Playin.
