24: First of all, for all of
those who aren’t too familiar with your music, introduce yourself to our online
audience and tell us a little bit about yourself.

Phresh James: Sure thing! What’s the haps
internet world! My name is Kaleem; but those of you who are familiar with me
know me as Phresh James, one of Miami’s coolest MC’s. I was born and raised in
Carol City FL and I love music of all forms.

24: Who or what were
your some of your biggest influences growing up? 

Phresh James: Growing up my mother and father
were very big Jazz and R&B lovers; my father in particular. So artists like
Sade, Anita Baker, The Isleys, Frankie Beverly & Maze, they opened my mind
to organic sound, which in my opinion touches the soul the most! So incorporate
them and their sound with artists like Nas, Mos Def, Common, OutKast, and there
you go! Lol

24: How would you describe your
sound and style? 

Phresh James: Honestly, I’m not sure! I want
to say eccentric, but nowadays what does that really mean?! I use day to day
situations or things I see and try to come up with the best words to describe
them. So for me, my style is that of an art-form, work sort to speak! At the
same time the writing process is enjoyable. Most people frustrate themselves
trying to make music, I just have fun.

24: What makes Phresh James
unique as an artist and allows you to standout from other up-and-coming
rappers? 

Phresh James: As I said before, I’m just
having fun with the whole process. I don’t think about the dollar or
“what’s hot right now” and base records around that; I just make
music. If people like it, awesome. If not, I completely understand. That
doesn’t mean I’m going to stop doing what makes me happy. I’m just being
myself, and not being afraid to do what I want musically- that’s what separates
me from others.

24: Recently you’ve been
receiving a lot exposure from independent websites and blogs off the strength
of your singles and freestyles. How does it feel to be getting recognition for
your hard work?

Phresh James: It’s an indescribable feeling!!!
It warms my heart to know that people actually like what I’m doing and support
it to that extent where they want others to become familiar with it.

24: You often get compared to
Lupe Fiasco for your style or choice of wordplay. How do you feel about that?

Phresh James: In all honesty, it’s truly an
honor! Lupe is a phenomenal artist and to be put in a category anywhere close
to his is amazing!!! It’s humbling when you get comparisons like those.

24: Another similarity comes from
the stage presence you both posses. How many energy drinks do you chug before
you go on stage?

Phresh James: Lol I don’t drink anything
actually! On the contrary I just relax, pray, and then go on. To be honest, I’m
a bit nervous for the first two minutes or so.

24: Give us a little insight into
“Sophomore Status” and where you were creatively during the recording of
the mixtape?

Phresh James: Creatively, I just sit back and
let beats take me wherever they want to go…

24: Was it conscious decision not
to have a lot of features on the mixtape?

Phresh James: Being that this was kind of like
my first major mixtape, I wanted listeners to grasp the full extent of my
abilities. Instead of overshadowing the project with familiar voices, I wanted
people to get to know “Phresh”.

24: “I.D.C.” is definitely a standout on “Sophomore Status”. Why do you
think your fans gravitate towards your songs that speak about relationships?

Phresh James: Simply put, its real life music!

24: How important is it not to
have any gun or drug references in your songs?

Phresh James: I use it to my advantage so to speak.
Those things are where I live, not what I am. 

24: What was your inspiration for
the single ”Love Is Mind” and why do you feel its being so well
received by the fans? 

Phresh James: Whoa! Lol that’s crazy!!! “Love
is Mind” was inspired by that special woman in my life. Being in a
situation where you’re separated from that person for a long period of time
then reunited; that was the situation, I took those feelings, put them into
words, and structured them around the beat. She actually helped me with a few
bars on that one! Lol

24: I personally am a big fan of
the “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” freestyle you did on “Sophomore
Status”. What was going through your mind when you were coming up with
those bars, and what kind of feedback
have you been receiving from your
fans on the record?

Phresh James: I actually wrote that to the Lil’
Wayne “A Milli” beat, but being that so many people were remixing it, I decided
to go with one of my all time favorites; the Busta Rhymes joint. As far as
feedback, a few homies in the hood really take to that joint as their favorite.

24: On “Sophomore Status”,
you reference your balance in being a young parent and a rapper. How has being
a father influenced your music?

Phresh James: It adds determination and
thought to my music. I want my daughter to be able to listen to my raps when
she gets older and be proud of me. Who knows, it may inspire her in some way. 

24: Two part question: On “A Day
In The Life” you spit “Networking with other artists/tryna get some plays and
spins/DJ’s giving me cold shoulders, tell me I’m too different/MySpace comes in
handy but I’ve grown quite sick of it”. What kind of role has social networking
sites like Myspace and Twitter played in getting your music out to masses?

Phresh James: A major one!!! Myspace was sort
of like my own international street team. More recently, twitter has
become the social network I frequent daily. It’s straight forward, direct, and
gives listeners/friends etc. an insight into my day to day lifestyle.

24: Do you still feel like your music
isn’t getting the proper spotlight it deserves or has things changed since the
relase of the mixtape?

Phresh James: I feel that there are still some
non-believers who could use a little more convincing, but since the release of
the tape, I’ve matured as an artist and that’s opened a lot of doors; mainly
for opportunities.


24: Will there ever be a third
verse to the song “Inhaler Relief”?!

Phresh James: Lol!!! I’ve actually written the
third verse, just haven’t gotten around to recording it. Being that you’ve
reminded me, I’ll definitely get to it.

24: Tell us about the new mixtape
you’ve been working on titled “Full Moons & Ocean Views” and what
can the fans except from the project? 

Phresh
James: This
project is basically a transition, just like all my other work. Listeners can
expect a more smooth, laid-back feel though. Just me being me but with a lot
more feeling, ya know.

24: Who have you been working
with on the project as far as collaborations and production?

Phresh
James: Well being
that we’ve just started, no collabs as of yet. As for production, the majority
of the records will be produced by my homies from Chicago, the “Angry Hero
Music Tribe” which includes Criss Da Ruler & Sunny. They were on my
previous mixtapes as well. Bottom Up Music Productions will also be dropping
some heat on there! For now that’s all I have.

24: Do you have any other
projects currently in the works? 

Phresh
James: Well my
brother-in-rhyme Lil’ Champ & I have a mixtape which should be dropping
this month entitled “M.I.Aliens” so look out for that one!
Aside from that, I’m chopping it up with a few homies but nothing set in stone
yet.

24: You have been known to
frequently collaborate with fellow up-and-comers Jigg & D. Ca$h. Is there a
possibility of a joint mixtape with either or both artists in the future?

Phresh
James: Of course,
we’ve discussed it, and just want to wait until all have enough down time to
give it our full undivided attention. Just know it’s going to be crazy when we
decide to drop it!

24: You recently leaked the “Black
Ice” cipher record which featured a variety of up-and-coming talent out of
Dade County ranging from Jigg to Nak to D.Ca$h. How did the track come about?

Phresh James: You know I just reached out to
those who I felt would bring a certain energy to the project! A majority of
those guys I’ve worked with before and I knew what havoc we’d cause
collectively!

24: How important is it to show
unity amongst your peers?

Phresh James: Highly important! This is
something we all enjoy, so why not do it together?!

24: Who are some other
artists that you’ve already collaborated with or would like to in the future?

Phresh
James: I’ve
collaborated with Plus Givens and Nic$, who are also on the “Black Ice”
song, Ghostwridah, you know, homies of the same grind! As for future collabs, Sade,
Common, Nas, Lupe, OutKast, those would be unbelievable. Anyone making honest,
good music would be a dope collab in my book.

 

24: Speaking
of up-and-coming artists, what advice would you give to other
up-and-coming artists trying to get into the game from your experience so far? 

Phresh
James: Basically
just be yourself and know how to take criticism. Also, it takes a lot of work!
Networking is a major part of it. Quality over quantity as well. Anyone can put
out a bunch of songs and call it a mixtape or whatever, but it’s an artist who
actually takes the time to plan and map out a classic body of work.

24: What can the average fan take
away from listening to Phresh James mixtape or album?

Phresh
James: Being
themselves, and knowing that it’s cool to do so!

24: What does longevity mean to
you in today’s music industry?

Phresh James: In my honest opinion the term
longevity represents timeless music. For example; the 90’s represented what I
want my music to do over the course of decades! It is cemented in the minds of
listeners…

24: Where do you see yourself in
the next 5 to 10 years?

Phresh James: Well that all depends; if I make
it as a successful, artist I see myself touring and creating opportunites for
other up and coming talents that are having difficulty getting on! If not, I
see myself as an educator/mentor to youths.

24: What direction do you feel
Miami hip hop is headed heading into 2010?

Phresh James: Positive of course, because I’ve
had the pleasure of working with some of Miami’s future talents, and we’re
hungry!!! Lol

24: How do you feel about the
current state of music in general?

Phresh
James: I feel
music is back where it all started for the most part; in a good place. We still
got a few stubborn cats out there,  but they’ll come around all in due
time.

24: Thank you for providing
24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for
your present and future fans?

Phresh
James: I expect
nothing but positive things from my upcoming projects! I know along the way
I’ll meet tons of people; some looking to help in a positive way and others who
wish to gain for themselves. I just take it one day at a time, thanking God in
every way for letting me see another day so on that note I thank all the
listeners and supporters! Stay real and stay blessed.

For more
info on Phresh James and his music, please log on to

www.myspace.com/imphreshjames or www.twitter.com/phresh_james