Introducing… Phoenix Jones

We recently featured Phoenix Jones‘ latest mixtape, The Family Guy [download], on the site and it’s turning out to be one of my favorite tapes of the year so far. So I wanted to hit up this Cleveland emcee and find out what he’s all about. Get to know Phoenix Jones after the cut…

Where You Reppin:

Phoenix Jones hails from Cleveland, Ohio (aka The Cleopatra/Cleo/216/Creepshow/Tha Land/C-town/DNA-Level C)

Introduce Yourself:

Hey World, I am a 30 year old emcee who reps Cleveland to the fullest. I have a well established mixtape catalogue, having been on different djs mixtapes from each region as well as  outside of the country. I am a CEO of my own label, Telakinetic Recordz (www.myspace.com/telakineticrecordz). I am a lyricist/producer/Pro-tools engineer and mixer. And, in the words of Wolverine, “I am the best there is at what I do”!!!

Current projects we should be looking out for:

Besides Family Guy, keep your ears and eyes opened for The Plague (Self titled EP, and future release “Black Super Villian Music” starring LT-mOE, Donny Arcade and Okelis), Machine Killers 2 (featuring Donny Arcade), Grind or Die (featuring Lord Zelakhan), Da Ellamentz International Mixtape (starring  Big Norf Da God and Nervism), World Domination (featuring Flexing Twon), a collaboration album with MFN entertainment, Family Guy 2 (The Cleveland Show Edition), a collaboration album with rnb sensation Quincy Holmes, and my next studio lp entitled Permanent Midnight (featuring Noel Goff of Almost Blue on production).

Previous work that we should know about:

Machine Killer Volume 1 [download]
The Plague [free download available on www.datpiff.com]
Phoenix Jones ” Prince of Thieves EP”

Main musical inspirations:

Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Tricky from Massive Attack, Jimi Hendrix, Prince

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

I would have to say Family Guy for now but that could change. Andre 3000 said “you are only funky as your last cut.” I dont want my ass to be a “has what.” I have had minor successes in the past but this song has been played on mainstream radio close to 100 times (BDS spins). That is a victory for me being a independent artist.

Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

Because of the diversity of your readers, I feel that my product gives them all the essential flavors of hip hop. While some mixtapes just give you a southern or east coast based feel, Family Guy has something for everyone. I cross hip hop genres whether the listener is looking for the rugged east coast flavor (like the G-Dolo produced “Cleopatra’s Finest”), rock inspired funk (as shown on Sony Artist’s MGMT’s  ‘Electric Feel Remix”), smooth Florida vibe (on “Hey Girl”) ,  international flavor (on the Shablo produced “High Evolutionary”) , all the way back to an ill-Dr. Dre style (the Donny Arcade produced “Tight”).  I am well aware of hip hop’s every changing landscape and i ride the wave effortlessly and it is translated through my music.

What’s next for you?

As I stated earlier, more projects. I try my best to reach out to the best. We are expanding as a brand into more thorough video production and advanced guerrilla internet and street marketing. I am trying to establish the Phoenix Jones name as one affiliated with solid music and corresponding marketing to develop the greatest show on earth!

Desert Island Hip Hop:  If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?

Jay Z- Regrets…As Sure as this/earth is turning/souls burning in search of Higher Learning……

Any shout outs or last words?

Yes. DJ Chong Wizard, Ellamentz, Plague Co, Klassik, Added Bonus Ent, All the artists that sent drops and performed on this cd, all the producers shown major love, Kevinnottingham.com, all the websites grinding with us, Harley Hustle, B fochs, every single dj thats played my records, all the radio stations thats spinning me, Double M Ent, Freakshow Ent, Obama, My Momz and Grandma..and your future NBA CHAMPION CLEVELAND CAVALIERS!!! GO CAVS GO!*

*editor’s note: this interview was submitted prior to the Cavaliers losing to the Orlando Magic in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals