To many, Saint Mic's recent one-off against Anubis at URL's "A Perfect Day To Die" came as a revelation. BattleRap.com was in the building for it, and in our review wrote "[Saint Mic]'s approach is truly unique, with outstanding 'actually rapping' skill, unpredictable punches, and unorthodox flow and delivery."
Don't worry if he's a new name to you though. The Nebraska rapper only has a dozen or so battles, and his PG clash with Young X and his resounding win over an off-point Chess are both criminally underviewed.
Mic's ability far outweighs his experience in the ring, and with the high-profile co-signs he's been getting from pretty much all of the URL staff, we're sure to see him in a bigger battle soon.
Here are Mic's answers to the 20 questions we've been sending to battle rap's standout newcomers.
Who are you?
I’m an emcee, singer, producer, songwriter, publisher, father, son, loyal friend, extraordinary, left-brain, third-eye-utilizing individual.
How old are you?
Same age as Jesus when he died. Scary year. Lol.
Why do you live where you live?
Simply put, I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska (402 WHUDDUP!), but I stay here for the child. Family first. Also being from here has created a bucket-list-like need to make the hip hop music scene what it needs to be here before moving on. That’s an entirely different interview though.
How long have you been battling/rapping?
I began the modern-day format of battling in 2012-2013. I learned of the format when I was in federal prison. S/O my BX brother Jaeski. Whuddup! As a rapper influenced by primarily East Coast emcees however, I began battle rapping when I wrote my first rhyme at 16. Far as battling period I’d say since '98.
What made you start?
Music is in my genetic coding. Father was an R&B dude (as was I in grade school. A great means to getting pussy and still being anti-social lol). That whole side of the family sings, plays instruments, etc. So rap was just natural for me. I wrote songs long before I knew I could rap. When I finally did, I knew I was a little bit ahead of the curve.
How would you describe your style in three words?
A smarter approach.
What makes you different from other battle rappers?
My reason for doing it. My elaboration would be long, so in short, a lot of guys here forget this is a promotional medium. A means to an end ... if you're selling something. The value of your intellectual property should always be the question.
What’s your best battle?
Hasn’t happened yet. The most valuable for me though would be against Chess. It kind of symbolizes what I plan to do in the Ultimate Rap League as a whole.
What was your worst?
My very first PG at the "Summer Madness 3" rooftop where they did Anubis vs. Ha Double, Sno vs. KG The Poet, etc. I battled some guy named Tommy Fishscale. Albeit I won the first two rounds (imo) I choked, nah I died and didn’t spit a word of the third round. Lmao. In my defense: first trip to NYC, 10-story roof, 98 degrees, bout five hours before actually rapping. Went blank. Battle was vaulted. I was actually mad about that. My first two rounds were fire ... (imo).
What did you learn from them?
Be prepared. I have a tendency to push shit to the last minute as pressure creates diamonds — but not if you don’t apply enough. It will cost you. I just had a battle against Ceph Deezy (INDIANA WHUDDUP) where I literally wrote for dude like a week in advance but how I prepared made all the difference.
What’s surprised you the most since you started battling?
The image of it. The business etiquette. The actual impact it has on the world and industry as a whole. I personally always viewed battle rap as the purest form whether it’s being commercialized or not, but I didn’t realize how core the culture really is for rap music and how it develops artists (that can make music) to transition into more beneficial opportunities.
What’s your favorite battle of all time?
Lux vs. Miles. Not so much because of what happened. I mean the mood, the aggression, the fact it was published for the world to see ... It was just that at that moment I knew my lane. I was like, “Yo, I been doing this shit!!! FINALLY!!!”
Who’s in your current Top 5?
Honestly don’t have one ... ABBO. Nah for real, I can find a quality in all battlers of equal value. So it’s really who does it the worst is the question. I like all lyricists in the spotlight right now.
Which battle rapper annoys you?
T-Rex. Just not enough effort fam. Check a check though. He’s a great rapper. Just don’t think he give a fuck. This is a bloodsport. You either get paid to draw blood or bleed. That nigga need a transfusion. Lol.
Who would you battle if you could choose anyone?
Myself. At my age I shouldn’t still be afraid to. (Serious Answer) I’m from the era where you show up and ask who the illest on ya set though so ... yea all of those guys. Each region of the country I want to battle whoever has the best record in the region by general consensus. (Midwest: Aye Verb/JC) (West: Danny Myers/Rum Nitty) (East: Chilla/Tay Tay/DNA) you see the pattern. I just want a challenge man. I can lose humbly to people who tried as hard as I did.
What’s the biggest problem in battle rap?
RAPPERS DON’T TRY HARD ENOUGH! LMAO AND BUSINESS MEN DON’T THINK THEY NEED BUSINESS ETIQUETTE OR TRAINING SMH.
How would you fix it?
READ A BOOK.
What do you do when you’re not battling?
I take care of my son. I am also co-owner of a record label based out of Texas. FAMILITIA MUSIC GROUP LLC. Launching a publishing company, SAINT’S REAUX, started Nebraska’s Official Battle League, ALL N (which I intend to offer something new to the culture. Shout out TWR and URL for the support). I keep myself pretty busy. Rise of the Saint Digital LP out now!!!!
What music are you listening to these days?
Blaxploitation soundtracks.
How do you want to be remembered?
As an INNOVATOR. A good man despite my mistakes in life. And a great emcee and writer. More specifically ... ONE OF THE HARDEST PUNCHERS IN THE URL TO DATE.
See more 20 Questions interviews here.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
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