CELESTIAL RECORDINGS
Mikah 9 bides his time skirting the mainstream,
"freestyling" with big-name hip-hop artists.

Mikah 9’s
time is nigh

Freestyle Fellowship
heading mainstream

By Shawn 'Speedy' Lopes
Star-Bulletin

A decade ago, on the corner of Crenshaw and Exposition, where South Central Los Angeles begins to blend upward into the greater city, a cultural revolution was taking shape. Every Thursday evening, like clockwork, a growing group of dedicated wordsmiths took up the mic at the Good Life Cafe, to define what would become a new movement in rap music.

Though none in attendance knew it at the time, these gatherings would give birth to some of hip hop's most creative voices. Soon-to-be-recognized names like The Pharcyde, Volume 10, Kurupt and Freestyle Fellowship would emerge from these friendly battles as West Coast hip hop's finest representatives.

"It was the only open mic workshop for rapping in the city," recalls the Fellowship's Mikah 9 during a phone interview earlier this week. "You'd go there every week to compare skills. There was really nothing else like it at the time."

The renown of Mikah, along with Freestyle Fellowship cohorts Aceyalone, Self Jupiter, P.E.A.C.E. and J-Sumbi grew, eventually earning them a recording contract. Just as the group was about to break through to a greater audience however, Mikah and Jupiter found themselves at odds with the law. "It was a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time," is all he will say about their unfortunate and separate incidents.

Since then, support has been overwhelming. Although he still hasn't crossed over to the mainstream, there has been no shortage of work for Mikah. Recording collaborations abound, and with each project comes new alliances and a greater fan base.

"I'm invited to freestyle alongside Nas or Biggie -- some of the biggest mainstream artists -- and they already know who I am," he says, marveling at the thought. "They want to give me big ups. It's wonderful.

They say I inspired them. I tell them I'd like them to spread the word about me."

Many of today's top rappers, whether aware or not, are direct beneficiaries of the styles pioneered by Freestyle Fellowship, but bragging rights don't mean much to Mikah. He senses his due could be just around the corner if he stays true to his beliefs. "I am looking for more mainstream endeavors and reaching ground I haven't covered," he reveals. "Not in a way that will compromise my integrity, but by continuing to put out quality songs that are uplifting and positive.

People have made me aware that this music can change lives."

And just what would life for Mikah be without hip hop? "I think I'd probably invent it," he says, in all honesty. "In general, I'm moved by art. Film, music, painting, drawing, dancing. I might have ended up a software programmer or a teacher, philosopher or maybe just starting my own label. I'm an all-around type of cat." He then pauses to reflect for a moment. "I must say though, it's been a blessing to perform. A real blessing."

Good Friday Party Who: Huggie, Daddy Kev, Mikah 9, Rainbow and a whole bunch of DJS Place: The China House, Chinese Cultural Plaza (at Beretania and Maunakea sts.) Date: 10 p.m. today Cost: $16 advance; $20 at the door Call: 591-3500

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