HipHopOnDeck Interviews Mic Crenshaw | @MicCrenshaw

Chicago-born, Portland-bred poet and emcee Mic Crenshaw presents the Nat Needham-directed music video for “OMG”, his Jonny Cool-produced new single featuring vocals from Arietta Ward and cuts from DJ Klavical. “OMG” appears on Crenshaw’s new album Earthbound, which also features guest appearances from Psl, Jah Robinsun and Jana Crenshaw, and spawned a visual for the title track (watch on Youtube). Mic co-founded GlobalFam, a non-profit project to create and maintain a computer center for disadvantaged youth in Burundi. Over 400 people have received free training. Mic also partnered with Education WithOut Borders (EWOB), which supports education, music and art initiatives in Portland and beyond and serves as an umbrella for the local Books For Prisoners chapter and GlobalFam itself. Mic has opened up for Public Enemy, Immortal Technique, KRS-1, Mos Def and The Roots. Mic’s previous projects include “Obvious” (stream) and “Superheroes” (stream), and he’s prepping a forthcoming EP. Regarding the new single, Crenshaw says “it wrote itself. Beyond that, I identify the persecution and suffering of the oppressed as a spiritual journey for redemption set into motion by forces that predate our existence. As a Black Man or Woman or a suffering person, the process of overcoming is holy.”

What’s the number one thing you want people to know about Mic Crenshaw?

I want people to know that I have a deeper sense of purpose that drives my art. I write not only because I enjoy it but I want to contribute to the liberation of human consciousness in relation to that which limits our development, potential and ability to live life in the best ways possible. Being a professional artist is a spiritual and political commitment in the context of believing in your dreams and centering your creativity as a means of survival. In a world where exploitation and profit motive define our identity, I don't need to compete against another human being. I need to compete against the systems that seek to limit my life and expression.

What’s your favorite non-rap album of all time and why?

So many! Today I'm going to go with Bob Marley’s Talkin' Blues. This album encompasses the struggles, dreams and hopes of an individual, a race, a lover, a fighter, a revolutionary and an artist.

Would you call yourself a conscious rapper? How do you feel the definition and expectations of such a tag has evolved into 2018?

I'll call myself that if it’s helpful to contextualize what I do to someone who's looking to categorize me in a way that helps them be open to what I'm up to. I often refer to myself as an emcee and a Cultural Activist because it more accurately describes the elements of my art and work that intersect. Cultural Activist makes more sense in academic and left wing political circles than it does to a consumer looking to find some dope Hip Hop. In the years since the term Conscious Rapper first started circulating there's been a lot of blending of consciousness into other forms of lyricism and Black Music. A lot of artists realize that we have to speak to the streets and a broader audience for our music to have relevance. Many of us that are labeled conscious rappers are from the same communities that people have come to expect to only hear certain stories from. As an artist it is my job to reach people in more ways as I grow. There might be limitations imposed on my craft by the industry but the degree to which I accept those limitations are my responsibility. Lastly I'll say that the social political climate of this society right now is one that demands consciousness and awareness as part of navigating the landscape. Pop culture at this moment will both reflect a desire to escape as well as a need to engage. My music will reflect that.

You live in Portland but have roots in Chicago. How do you feel the two compare and contrast in your life?

Chicago is the city of my birth and the city which shaped so much of my outlook and identity through which I measure much of the World, its people and their character. Even though I left Chicago at a young age, I still feel very shaped by Chicago and will always be grateful for the beauty and hardships that are part of being Black and far from rich in Chicago. That said, I am happy to live in Portland and have the heart of a Chicagoan. Between Chicago and Portland I lived in Minneapolis. All of these cities have shaped me. Portland is a place of geological beauty and relatively mild weather. Portland is where my youngest daughter was born, my family lives and I have owned homes here. Portland is a place of comfort that is easy to navigate although it lacks the diversity of a bigger city and can't ever compare to the richness of Chicago culturally. Portland is home for now and will be until it’s time to move on. As long as I can travel freely from my home base here, I am good.

What do you think surprises listeners the most about you?

People are often surprised at the range of reference in my consciousness and my ability to express complex ideas with sharpness and clarity. I am a social scientist and as an emcee, that is my competitive edge.

Earthbound album on iTunes | Spotify
Twitter [@MicCrenshaw] | [@JonnyCoolBIG] | [@ettasworld]
Instagram | miccrenshaw.com