Everything is going great. I’m living life hoping for a good day and greater tomorrow.

For those unfamiliar with you as an artist, tell me a little bit about how you got your start in music and who are some of your musical influences out there coming up.

I am PHZ-Sicks (pronounced physics), a 24 year old hip hop artist from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), more specifically Woodbridge, Virginia. I’ve had the knack for writing since I was a kid and by the time I got to high school, I knew Hip Hop was what I wanted to do. I battled rap my way to having a buzz in Northern Virginia and was one of the first to sell mixtapes at every high school in the area. That money came in handy when I was college student. From there I perfected my craft in songwriting, lived life as a college student, and became a better performer. This led me to being the person and artist that I am today. I put every nuance and ounce in my music and aim to build a legacy with my art that will live on years after I’m gone.

My musical influences are Prince, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Al Green, and OutKast. Artist that I give a nod to that coming up that inspire me to go harder with my music are Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Lyriciss, and Scolla. The work these fellas put in and quality that comes with it shows there is no half-assing with your art.

What are you currently working on now that is getting ready to drop either in 2012 or 2013?

I’m currently working on two projects at the moment. One is an untitled mixtape that will be hosted by Mz. Stylez of Sirius/XM Hip Hop Nation show, The Femme Fatale Show. That will be a six to 8 song project, while the bigger one, “The Moment” is continuation of the larger sound and scope I’m trying to reach after “The Laws of PHZ-Sicks.” I’m currently in the writing stages for both projects and should start recording at the end of the month or early March. I have something that the world is not ready for.

Any good memories or studio sessions that stick out to you from that project?

The whole “The Laws of PHZ-Sicks” session was great looking back at it. I’m such much of a perfectionist that it’s hard for me to get out of my head while I’m there. I’m making sure that my vocal and flow is right, that the beat sounds sonically grand, if not, I’ll change things according to how I want it, but I like having my hands in to everything when I’m in the studio even if I’m being hard as hell on myself. With that, it helps to have good people in the studio with you. Wise, who engineered the whole mixtape, kept things light and fun. When I recorded “Point Em Out” with Scolla and Seanny Greggs, it was a blast. So much of a blast that that footage turned into a music video. I’m really looking forward to getting back in the studio and putting it out in to the world. The studio is great but nothing is better than being able to perform and touch the people that are feeling your music. Also, the ability of putting visuals to your music is something I love to do. “Success/Failure” was my first time working behind the camera and it won’t be my last due to the results and feedback.

I’ve been doing mixtapes since I was 15 so that be a lot to go through but I will comment on the last three projects since they came out during the blogger-era of the music industry.

“The Feature Presentation” was my foray back into the music scene after a hiatus in college, but most importantly in the DMV. They were only two original tracks, that I horrendously mixed myself, but the feedback for it was great. It open doors for me in the area and I gained connections with a ton of great artist such as Phil Ade, Fat Trel, Lyriciss, Uptown XO, Pro’Verb, G-Two, and others.

“Less Than Zero” was a concept mixtape that I had on my mind for a few years. It was a large task for an unknown artist but once again opened great doors for me. The song “No More Breaks” gained attention from 2DopeBoyz, which made my fanbase expand. That song also gave me the chance to perform in front of the US Capitol. That’s something not a lot of artist can say they have done.

“The Laws of PHZ-Sicks” is like my child. I made it, raised it, and put it out in the world, hoping that the world would embrace it. I had reached a point in my music where I was going to do what I like. I know you have to think about your audience, but for me, most importantly as an artist, you have to do something that you’re going to be proud of in the end. That’s what “The Laws of PHZ-Sicks.” The project encompassed my whole song. “SumHer Everlasting” still to this day is being discovered and getting played from here to Australia. I got more personal with songs such as “A Nu Day” and “Legacy.” “Bright” would be my favorite song. The grandiose beat that shifts at the drop of the hat while I’m still riding the beat. That’s my sound. I want to keep you on your toes lyrically and sonically.

What are your thoughts on the east coast/ west coast scenes currently?

I think sound-wise, both coast are closer than ever. You do have your grimy east coast and the Bay area sound, but I feel if you take Kendrick Lamar drop him in the East, nothing would really change. Few years ago, you probably could only say that about Ras Kass, now I think there are slew of West Coast artist that fit that mold. I think with the internet and the ability to instantly connect from one coast to the next or around the world, we’re not as cutoff from each other as before and you can hear it in the sound of the music.

What are some of your favorite albums that have dropped in 2011?

When I’m starting to get back in writer mode, I stay away from new music. It always has a way of seeping in to music, so I kind of avoid it. I can say “Watch the Throne”, Kendrick Lamar’s “Section 80”, and The Roots “Undun” put the rap game on notice of the type of art you can make. It’s albums like this that makes it hard to say that this genre is dead. The well of great music hasn’t dried up; the resources haven’t been tapped yet.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour dates?

No shows at the moment, but I will be at SXSW (South By SouthWest) this year so you can catch me there.

What is your website information?

www.phz-sicks.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/phzsicks
www.twitter.com/phz_sicks

www.reverbnation.com/phzsicks

Alright well that is all the questions I have for you, appreciate you getting down for the interview. Is there any last words or shout outs you want to get out there to the people?

The Moment; coming soon.