Mic Mountain Interview with Pitch Perfect
Q: Can you talk about your musical history and what hip-hop acts inspired you?
A: Well I was born in 78 so I grew up in the 80s and 90s so I got eclectic background, this music is in my blood My mom is 20 years older than me and she was like a Brady Bunch type acoustic guitar Flower Child artist and painter with out all he drug use and promiscuity haha she also wrote music and sang, She's an 2 times grammy award winner but thats a family secret. Trust me, she is a legend, all the facts. All facts. So growing up, I grew up on Salsa from my Spanish family, in particular my Titi Jeanette, who watched my cousin and me when we were small. My mom raised me on Pop Rock, like the Bengals, Tears for Fears, Devo, Devo Whip it, Rock the Casbah, all that good stuff. My uncles, who were 7 years older than me kept me up to date with the heartbeat of the hood, which was Hip-Hop, DC’s famous Go-Go Music and the occasional R&B. As a Youth I remember my favorites were Mellow man ace, Cypress Hill, Redman, EPMD, KRS ONE, BDP, A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Ice Cube, MC Lyte, Gangstarr, Hieroglyphics Crew, The Beatnuts, Boot Camp Clik, Wu-Tang the list goes on.
Q: What are some of the themes and concepts with MicTronics?
A: Well, we decided to call the album MicTronics. I came up with the idea of throwing names around, brainstorming using my name and his, being its Tron Beats and Mic Mountain. His name is Tyron, and my birth name is Michael Mountain. I came up with Mic Mountain for short because the Source Magazine always gave the best albums 5 mics when I was growing up, so I was like, I got a Mountain of Mics.” We start with Chill You Got it and it's basically self-explanatory. Then we got DMV MC, where I rep my hometown. Nautical flows is all about water and how creatively I can write about the subject matter. It’s a Wave is about progress and wisdom…a whole way of life, man, ya know? And Conan Swords lets them know what I’m about and that you can’t “F” with me because I’m just that thorough.
Q: I’m interested in the creative process and what it’s like to combine beats and rhymes.
A: I basically pick the beats I like from the producer, like Tronbeatz, and after I get all the beats that he allows me to get, I put them into sequences off the rip right then and there, after listening to each beat for a little while. Once I have the soundscape of the album laid out like a movie soundtrack, I start writing to random beats in no particular order. It all depends on the mood that I’m in when I decide which beat and concept to write about. I also pick out which beats would sound good with which artists I know of for features that would complement the album and mission I'm trying to accomplish sonically.
Q: What is recording like for you? Do you have a method for doing things both technically and creatively?
A: Once I start recording, maybe two to 3 songs per session? I do a lot of punches, hahaha, I punch in and out to really harness my voice and make my bars powerful. You would think it takes a long time for this recording process of mine, but it really doesn't because I’ve worked out my own steady pace. Shout out to my Engineer and DJ on the Scratches, DJ Erex aka Mr Scratch Hook, he does all my mixes and mastering. He's been working closely with me for the past 6 years straight now. We make a good team
Q: Is there anything you hope people take with them when they listen to your music?
A: I want people to take me home with them forever. Hahahaha No, for real, I mean that literally. I want my music to make such a good impression that people never forget me in their hearts and ears, and that’s how my movement will grow. I want to live in the hearts of people forever! And just know that Mic Mountain and Tronbeatz made history with MicTronics.
Q: What other things should we know about the music? Anything you want our audience to know about?
A: You can catch my music on all platforms. It's on Compact Discs and Vinyl, I got merchandise like T-shirts for both men and women, and you can find it all on Google or www.micmountain.com. Also, look out for new music from me this year in 2026. The work never stops; this is what I do! Thank you for having me.
MIC MOUNTAIN X TRONBEATZ - MICTRONICS
“Mic Mountain and Tronbeatz approach MicTronics with discipline and clarity. From the opening bars, I hear a record that commits fully to its foundations. The drums hit with steady force, the samples feel worn and tactile, and Mic Mountain’s delivery moves with the confidence of someone who knows exactly how much space a bar needs. His Afro Latino and Native American background is folded into the music through tone and perspective, shaping how the verses move between humor, pressure, and regional pride. The collaboration works because both sides stay locked into the same priorities. Recorded at Mountain High Studios and mixed and mastered by Mr. Scratch Hook, the album pays close attention to balance and placement. Cuts snap cleanly, beats leave room for breath, and nothing crowds the vocal. “Chill You Got It” leans into a familiar 90s atmosphere, carried by a lo fi beat that lets the rhyme patterns stretch comfortably. “Back in the Day Pt. 2” brings a harder edge, packed with vinyl scratches and a confrontational energy that brought Run the Jewels to mind. “DMV MC” pushes that turntable presence even further, making the scratches part of the song’s momentum. “Conan Swords” sits in a thick pocket of reverb, and Mic Mountain sounds especially forceful here, pressing each bar with intention. “Got That Motion” featuring CrDnlSn moves at a slower pace, while “Mystery Weed” lands as a standout, playful without slipping into novelty. “Scooba Scrap Raps” featuring Thirstin Howl the 3rd rides a heavy bass line and sharp back and forth exchanges. “Broken Glass” with The Bad Seed digs into darker terrain, and “Nautical Flow” lifts into something more open and atmospheric. The album closes with “It’s a Wave,” a confident finish that keeps the energy intact through the final moments. Every track stays under three minutes, a choice that keeps the album moving quickly and encourages repeat spins. The lo fi production adds texture and character, and the writing stays sharp throughout. Longtime hip hop listeners will recognize familiar delivery styles and approaches, but the execution remains focused and deliberate. MicTronics runs lean, hits consistently, and leaves plenty of reason to come back.” - Dan Weston
(MicTronics)
“I’ve always said it. Discovering new talent in my line of work is one of my favourite things, and especially when that someone has such a rich background and history of the hip hop genre under their belt that it proves their level of passion and conviction for the game. With that in mind, I present to you. MICTRONICS This is the brand-new record by Afro Latino MC Mic Mountain and producer Tronbeatz, and together they drop a stellar 10-track project with the likes of -CrDnlSn -Thirstin Howl the 3rd -The Bad Seed And with this trio of characters to help elevate the record, we set the foundation for what is surely going to be remembered as one of December’s best efforts! If we start with the discussion on the MC work, I can safely say that Mic has one of the most interesting and memorable performances I’ve heard all year! This man feels less like a traditional MC and more like an eccentric author who is utilising his hip hop poetry in a colourful and engaging way that very few people (if any) are able to replicate! From the very opening track, we hear his passion, his conviction, and most importantly, his individuality, where he spits bars sounding like the biggest hip hop fan you’ve ever heard who maintains his excitement and enthusiasm for the art that is converted into his delivery on the mic! Across the album, he has a sort of free-lance flow where it’s not exactly traditional in execution (as in not uniform) but not exactly all over the place. He’s more of a Biz Markie meets Phife Dawg! He has the creative and explosive approach like Biz but the masterful technique and confidence of a Phife, and combined, you get a whole new monster! I was obsessed with his ability on the mic. His unique flow, his aura-filled pen game, his obvious learned and skilled verbal techniques, and his timing, setting up bars, one-liners, puns, storytelling— all of it! He’s mastered every aspect of his rap shit, and he’s here to flaunt it! Of course, we can’t ignore the features on here. I’m only familiar with my main man, The Bad Seed, but the other two do a fantastic job at elevating their said tracks and improving the record rather than just being there for feature’s sake! Phenomenal chemistry between all three, and of course, Mic holds his own against those talented MC’s and maintains the energy of the overall record! Still, my favourite feature would have to be Seed! He’s a legend in this game and reinforces that on this one! As far as the production goes. We hear Tron Beatz deliver in a big way! It wouldn’t be easy to create a soundscape for an artist as unpredictable and explosive as Mic Mountain, but Tron understood the assignment and delivered spectacularly on this record! First of all, the production has this interesting and intimate blend between late 80s and 90s old-school hip-hop feel mixed in with present-day boom-bap underground rawness that somehow come together for the perfect blend. For example, we have tracks like ‘Back In The Day Pt. 2’ which has an obvious old-school flavour with that ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ sample loop for the chorus that is accompanied by those heavy thudding drums, what sounds like distorted jazz horns, and then some light synth chords and some intricate cut and scratches as the song progresses! There’s the song ‘Got That Motion’ which has a more delicate/ambient feel to it compared to the first track described, which reminds me more of the boom-bap influence! We have those delicate piano chords, those plucked strings, as well as subtle drum patterns and these independent strings that run throughout the whole track in an almost free-will motion that gives this track an extra layer of energy! Another track I loved was ‘Broken Glass’ which I feel truly defined that boom-bap shit. I’d say the coldest song of the whole list. Nothing but heavy and minimal drums combined with sadistic bass lines and very subtle keys. You can’t find a better instrumental for Seed to go off on and as I described above he absolutely nailed his part! As we get to the chorus there is this almost avant- grade instrument section that sounds all over the place but in an infectious way! Almost like the way the Beatles ended the track ‘A Day In The Life’ pure artistic brilliance. In closing. Everything from the memorable performances to the elevated production and the features chosen. No filler on this album just pure talent and atmosphere. You’d be hard pressed to find a record more authentic this whole year! Check it out for yourself below! ” - Corban Skipwith
MicTronics By Mic Mountain X Tronbeatz
“MicTronics is the latest album from Washington D.C. emcee Mic Mountain, it marks his third album to be reviewed on the blog this year and his 9th Solo album. So, for a bit more background on Mic Mountain, please check my previous reviews for Triple Piragua and Mountain Dreams. This time around Mic Mountain teams with Tronbeatz, out of Connecticut, on production and Cuts from Mr Scratch Hook (who also provides mixing and mastering). The album is not overloaded with features either, giving Mic Mountain plenty of room to shine. Those who do feature here are CrDnlSn, The Bad Seed, and Thirstin Howl the 3rd. As we have seen with the previous reviews from Mic Mountain, expect a sound that is rooted deeply in the traditional boom bap sound but, with maybe a surprise or two along the way. So, don’t let me keep you hanging right now, let’s get straight into it… It all kicks off here with Chill You Got It with Tronbeatz bringing a heavy sound of guitar notes over a drum loop that gets your head nodding from the get-go. The mixed in vocal samples also add some depth that serves to get you fired up. Mic Mountain lights up the mic with a blistering display of wordplay where metaphors and similes abound, with just a dash or two of Hip Hop braggadocio to boot too. You really get the feeling here that this one is gonna be some journey. If you thought there might be time to chill here, then think again as Back In The Day Pt. 2 brings a follow up to a track from Mic Mountains 2018 album The Avalanche. Here razor sharp cuts and a heavy sonic sound merge with a pounding drum beat to get you bouncing and pumping the air. Mic Mountain takes us back to his teenage years, schooling us to some of his inspirations with mentions for the likes of KRS ONE and BDP, Redman, Black Sheep, Cypress Hill and more. But more than that we also get an insight into what it was like for him growing up, learning the latest rap verses before heading home to write his own. This is a true look into how you push yourself to rise from the early days, constantly evolving and practicing, never resting but always having that faith in yourself that you can be someone. The focus now switches from those early days as DMV MC takes us into the metropolitan area of Washington D.C. and for anyone not familiar with the term, it stands for the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Tronbeatz gives us a solid head nod beat that is backed by a multi-layered sound that chills you out a little while Mr Scratch Hook cuts up some classic Hip Hop samples. Mic Mountain reps it for the hometown here as he takes us back to the streets of DC, showing us what it was to be an emcee growing up there, constantly honing his craft on the mic as well as dabbling in graffiti. Conan Swords brings a heavy sound with horns that keeps your head moving while vibrating through your whole body, giving this one a sound that seems to grab you and hold you in a vice-like grip. Lyrically, this one has a battle rap edge to it where each bar hits like a bullet or the razor-sharp edge of a heavy metal sword, where everything cuts deep but, rather than leaving you bleeding, this one gets you hyped for what’s coming next; and coming next is the first feature as CrDnlSn joins us for Got That Motion. Here the sound has an edge that seems to take you to the streets after dark with a drumbeat is backed by chilled synth sound. There are also a couple moments the sound switches up but still keeping that bright lights big city feel to it. Mic Mountain and CrDnlSn keep it rooted in the streets of the DMV while displaying the desire to take it from those very streets to conquer the globe with their vocals, always moving forward and never looking back and with plenty to encounter along the way. Mystery Weed takes the original Scooby Doo theme, flipping it into a banger of a sound that brings a smile with it. You switch that smile into a proper grin as Mic Mountain has fun by flipping the classic narrative of a Scooby Doo episode into a smoke filled comedic romp where the culprit would have got away with it too, if it wasn’t for that meddling Hip Hop MoFo. We keep that idea of flipping the Scooby Doo vibes with the Scoob Scrap Raps. Here Thirstin Howl 3rd joins Mic Mountain to drop some just for fun mic mockery as wordplay meets the world of mystery Inc. flipping it all on its head and leaving all sucka rappers dead. TronBeatz provides the stage for all these fun and games with an eerie synth sound underpinning a heavy drum loop that beats the strange sound into your bones and has you looking over your shoulder at every turn… Broken Glass features The Bad Seed alongside Mic Mountain as TronBeatz brings a sound that thumps hard, threatening to make your ears bleed. There is a couple of switches along the way that have a sound that is freakier that a sixties horror movie soundtrack vibe. Lyrically this one hits you like pieces of broken glass falling on your ears. Wordplay that slices deep into your mind and eliciting thoughts that intrude like broken nightmares into your awareness. All to soon we are at the albums penultimate track Nautical Flow, with a sound that pounding beat with organ notes and vocal samples that make you feel like you could be floating, ebbing and flowing with the tide. Mic Mountain takes us on a journey of subsurface vocals where lyricism meets the oceans, mythical creatures, pirates and more. This one takes you into a dream world where water, an emotive symbolism, surrounds you, holding you just long enough to take you away from the trials and tribulations of life. The album concludes with It’s A Wave, where TronBeatz brings a sound that has a beat that makes you move almost unconsciously, but the synth sounds have a vibe that once more gives you that feeling of ebbing and flowing, although the waters may feel a bit choppier this time around. Mic Mountain takes us to the crest of the wave, riding that energy there is a feeling that the message here is that you need to make waves so that people will take notice of what you have to offer. Once you have their attention, they will see the strength and the reality of what you bring and that you speak from a place of knowledge and understanding. Mictronics is a little under twenty five minutes in length, but what it might lack in length, it more than makes up for in shear content. Now, I have never been a fan of track lengths under three minutes, I find it hard to see how you can put enough into anything shorter. But I have to say that I am becoming more used to it now and on Mictronics, Mic Mountain and TronBeatz really do make the best use of every second, giving you a hell of a lot of bang for your bucks. The album is a full on boom bap rooted album, there is no question, but along the way TronBeatz gives us just enough tweaks to give it a fresh sound. He also brings a good number of vibes that have just the right amount of emotive edge to mirror what Mic Mountain is trying to elicit from the listener, something that he does with aplomb. Mic Mountain keeps it straight Hip Hop here with lyrics, flows and wordplay that allow you to hear every rhyme, thus allowing you to be able to get right into each track, if you so choose to. There is also a great mix of styles here that bring you the kind of tracks you can enjoy listening to for fun but, at the same time there is a balance of tracks that also have some deep massages, some of which can be quite subtle, you just have to take the time to listen. It would be amiss of me if I were not to mention how the Hip Hop vibe is accentuated by the cuts of Mr Scratch Hook. There is always that little voice inside me that says how Hip Hop are you being without the inclusion of a DeeJay cutting it up. For me it is, pretty much, a must as an aspect of that real Hip Hop vibe. It is also great to see that as a solo album, Mic Mountain has kept the features to minimum, highlighting his own lyricism. That is not to take anything away from those who do feature. Thirstin Howl the 3rd, The Bad Seed and CrDnlSn, are all a credit to the scene and add depth and feeling to those tracks they appear on, this complementing Mic Mountain and the overall sound of the album. For me, this was a highly enjoyable album from start to finish where solid emotive beats meet intellectual wordplay, and where it all comes together to make smile, bounce and ultimately think. Hip Hop music has always been a sound which can encompass so much, from just having fun with lyrics and wordplay, to deeper conscious explorations and understanding the origins of the artist bringing you such deeply relatable subject matter, and with Mictronics, Mic Mountain and TronBeatz have done a superb job of doing just that. You just have to truly listen, but you can also just listen and enjoy it, because that is what music is all about too. Mictronics is released on 5th December everywhere so don’t sleep on this one. There is also an album listening party via Bandcamp on 3rd December at 7pm ET in the US or 00:00 4th December GMT. My huge and humble thanks to Mic Mountain for giving me the chance to bring you my take on this one. I’ll see ya next time, Steve.” - Steve Rider