In the times of upstart artists/groups, that saturate the business with the hopes for quick cash, here’s a group that understands the business, along with what it takes to succeed on any level, Mike Control. Mike Control hails from Marine Park, Brooklyn, consisting of two MCs and their Deejay. John Bro, 25, Grey Ghost, 26 and Dj Shaff are the original Mike Control, “just a little word play to emphasize that we are on point, tight with the lyrics that are flipped back and forth on the mic”, says John Bro.
These members living in the close proximity of each other in Marine Park, where Mike Control formed in 1998, and without a wasted breath released their first single in 1999, “Mic’s I grab” with a b-side to bring up the rear “Rhyme 4 Rhyme” which saw very good reviews in several trade magazines. There is also currently an EP available at Mike Control’s website www.mikecontrol.com. John Bro and Grey Ghost take pride in boasting that they do their own writing/production work.
John Bro added, “that it’s a little lopsided on the music production, 70-30, Grey Ghost is more the production man and we build on each others ideas. I have my input about the process, but when it comes to writing lyrics, it’s definitely 50-50”.
Nonetheless they give and take on every aspect of the creative process, to deliver their best work. Like the new release you need to look out for this November, “The Natural“.
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I had to ask, If they had choice of Old School artist to work with, who would it be and which influenced them?
Mike Control: “Rakim, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane and definitely EPMD, because these were the people we grew up listening to.” John-Bro pointed out “I still have my first CD, EPMD’s Strictly Business, that’s where our influence came from. Some even say we sound like, The Beastie Boys, but I don’t hear though”.
Rhythm: “Who in the New School, would they like to work with and who influence them?”
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Mike Control: Smut Peddlers, K-otix, Deltron, because these groups are constantly working at their craft and releasing hot singles. The influences come from Smut Peddlers, Non-Phixon, Dialated People, Jurassic-5, we find these groups to be consistent, with the material they release.
Rhythm: How important is a Deejay?
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Mike Control: Very, he is our band, no CDs, no DATs, you gotta have a Dj when you perform.
In summing up this interview, I laid one last question.
Rhythm: When you leave the business behind and all is done, would like to leave a mark, an impression or be the pivotal point in the industry?
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Mike Control: We would like to leave a mark, that commercial acceptance is not the goal, if it happens, it happens. If I can eat and live from it that’s good. If it’s or the people to love and respect what we did, to make music, sell out underground clubs and arenas, like Non-Phixon, Dialated People and others do without even an album, just single after single, that’s hot. Like our new vinyl “Brooklyn Ill-Spitters” featuring Tah phrum Dah Bush, El-Gant (BET), Bekay and J-Tree.
I took time, listen to the EP and from the start I see the success they aim for, or even higher if they want it and open up their production style a little more, Mike Control presents some of what the industry now lacks, a sense of direction, know how to succeed, and consistency if they stay on top of their game, “Brace yourself, the coming is near,” – John Bro.
