Mic Skills talks Mission Control, Cut Copy

Mic Skills [1]' debut album, Defiant, is an engaging listen that avoids the musical cliches found in much of the derivative hip-hop that continues to land on my desk: gnashing, growling voices set to cheesy synths and their equally boring remixes. Defiant is elegant. Have a listen to the album's first single, Criminal:

Mic Skills performs this Friday at the Mink [2] and every first Friday of the month at Mission Control, also at the Mink. He answered a few questions in advance of Friday's show:

29-95: Tell us about the show on Friday. Who else is on the bill? It's with We Are Half Nelson, soul singer Magnetic [3] and funk group Journey Agents [4].

29-95: Now tell us about Mission Control. What's the idea behind it, what can people expect if they go?

MS: The show on June 5 features Hafaza [5] (a hip-hop group from La Porte), which is celebrating the release its album First and Foremost. The party also features DJ Kleancutt [6] and Akshun Kid [7] of the legendary DJ crew Krackernuttz.

Mission Control is a monthly event I started in April 2006 to provide a platform for myself along with other emerging hip-hop artists, particularly MCs and rappers. I wanted badly to get into the scene and it was very difficult to get shows in Houston without getting ripped off so I created my own show.

I always wanted the crowd to always change and its success is a testament to what I hope to accomplish in the grand scheme, which is bring people together for a good time.

The live show features fresh MCs, talented DJs and a very diverse crowd. You will often see backpackers next to casually dressed, young professionals along with hipsters and club-hoppers.

29-95: What makes Mic Skills stand out from the rest of the Houston hip-hop community?

MS: I have never been afraid to break out of the box while staying fresh and staying true to myself. I know who I am and I know who I'm not. I'm not Slim Thug or Kanye or Soulja Boy and I'm not going to try to be them or who ever, I'm gonna be Mic Skills. I'm a kid that was born in Chicago, grew up in Spring Branch, spent his summers in Third Ward and has lived in Atlanta and the Virgin Islands. My Ipod/stereo is everything to me and I'm a huge fan of creativity and innovation in all things, especially music.

29-95: It may not feel like summer today, but it will in a couple more days, so what's your favorite summer song?

MS: Its been out for a while, but it would have to be Hearts on Fire by Cut Copy. The first line does it for me everytime.

29-95: You released your debut, Defiant, a few months ago. What's next on the world domination plan?

MS: I'm currently promoting Defiant, preparing to release my first video for the single Criminal, planning the upcoming Mission Control events, coordinating tour dates, creating new music and having fun!

9 p.m. Friday. The Mink.