Stop Sleepin: Mickey Factz

This ex-paralegal from the Bronx, NY, has been killing records with his lyrical assault ever since he decided to leave the law firm in an attempt to bring the center of the hip hop universe back to NYC.

Mickey Factz’s sound, which he describes as “Global Music/Progressive hip hop,” is what took him to the cover of the XXL Magazine Class of ‘09 edition, while making hip hop fans rejoice at the thought of “Real New York Hip Hop” making a comeback.  His drive and personality which really come through on his records has helped Mickey build a loyal following from his online mixtapes and leaked tracks.

By surrounding himself with the right people, his DJ Mello-X (who is now pursuing a career as an artist) and the creative management group GFCnewyork,  Mickey has been able to comfortably stay ahead of the curve while crafting his vision on the future sound of hip hop.  Also, despite being an independent artist, Mickey has been able to land spots on popular videos games, car commercials, and deals with fast food restaurants. (which is quite impressive)

Listen to Mickey flow on “Here I Am,” one of his latest tracks that displays his lyrical skills:

This song is a great example of Mickey Factz’s focus to bring “Real Hip Hop” back.  He is standing up for the dignity of the culture that raised him and showing respect to the artists, such as KRS-one and Big Daddy Kane, who had a large influence on his view of hip hop.  One line that really grabbed my attention in the video is:

“ They tried to shut the door on my culture, I bust in and wouldn’t stand for it like Rosa.”

With so many rap acts getting mainstream attention and radio play based on how rediculous their dance moves are, it is refreshing to hear an artist talk about standing up for the most respectable parts of hip hop culture.

Another standout track from Mickey Factz is “The Inspiration” off of his The Leak Vol. 2 mixtape.  This is a serious song about Mickey’s feelings on the hood, his life, and injustice.  If you only have time to listen to one of Mickey Factz songs, then I suggest you give track number 16 a spin:

The following lyrics, from track 16 in the above playlist, are in reference to Mickey Factz’s powerful tribute to Sean Bell entitled “I’m Sean (50 shots more)“  off Mickey’s Who The F*ck Is Mickey Factz? mixtape.  With this quote, Mickey brings up the fact that he could easily make music to idolize drug lords and gangsters like many successful hip hop artists have done before him, but instead he chooses to make music that deals with his personal feelings and what he views as important:

“ I came home to a verdict that shocked my ears, Four cops not guilty for the shots they aired… And I’m cursed on, cause I told the story, I didn’t know that was wrong, Nobody informed me, If I would have wrote about a drug dealer’s glory rise and fall, Guarantee you’ll would  applaud me, I write for ventilation despite my destination, and fight the federation to ignite a generation, And even though we might see devastation, I still look at life as an inspiration!”

The hip hop community needs new artists like Mickey Factz, B.o.B., and J.Cole who are not afraid to create music that  is a direct reflection of their personal beliefs and their quests to find themselves through their life’s journeys.  That being said, hopefully the rumors about Mickey signing with Roc Nation are true, because I would like to see what this artist can do with a major company and music industry mongul behind him!