Macs the Realest is a rapper, wordsmith, poet and the best medicore flute player in Michigan. Macs has put out yearly mixtapes since 2009, performed throughout the Midwest and considers himself just as much a humanitarian as an artist, as he's used the arts to organize food and clothing drives for the less fortunate since 2011. Its this part about Macs that keeps him grounded, thus, it being reflected in his music. The edge, passion and transparency in Macs' music brings the listener into his songs in a way very few have mastered. That, along with his way of creating and switching cadences, coupled with witty metaphors, is what makes listening to Macs an unforgettable experience.Uncle P: How did you come about your name as a artist, Macs the Realist?Macs: My name, well, my mom made me my first email based off my initials. My middle name is Adam Clayton, based off Adam Clayton Powell. After a little time, my first friend, Pierre, started calling me Macs. When I started rapping, I was in a street clique, called the "real niggas." So everything about my image I wanted to be real. So I added "the realest" after initially being called Young Macs, to coincide with my every day life. From then, I felt like I needed to rap about nothing but real shit.
Uncle P: Your vocabulary is that of a English professor, at what point did you discover the Songwriter in you?
Macs: I flunked in high school. But anyone that went to high school with me will tell you, I walked around with a dictionary like it was the Bible. In Math class, I was writing down vocabulary tests for myself. I've just always been into the endless world of words and literature. My parents are both incredible writers, and they stressed from birth having an exceptional vocabulary and being able to write well. I took to it and studied words my entire life.
Uncle P: You have been apart of humanitarian efforts for over a decade, how were you first introduced to these types of interest and what has kept you participating all these years?
Macs: I started that after I got kicked out of school for smoking weed. My dad put me out of the house, and I got a taste of how it felt to be homeless. But even before then, my goal in life, as a child was to build homeless shelters. I never understood how people around could be so rich and affluent, and there's people on the streets begging for change and food. Something in my spirit as a young child made me want to make a difference, to that regard. It never left. Its a part of me.
Uncle P: I have known your family for quite some time, a long list of talent which didn't pass you up, how did it feel being amongst such talent growing up?
Macs: I had no known artistic ability my entire life. I learned how to play the flute thanks to my parents in Jr high. So that gave me a musical taste. But I got in trouble in high school. My parents were strict. I caught a minor drug case, and I got on probation. My parents wouldn't let me go anywhere exceptt where my older brothers (Mic Phelps and Dizmantle) were going. They were going to True Essence poetry lounge in Southfield, and that was my only opportunity to leave the crib. So they were killing it, and the love they were getting for poetry made me want to get into it. Them, Blacksmith, T Miller, Mic Write, and numerous other artists. I wrote a poem about some Jordans, the crowd felt it, and I caught a bug. Once I started rapping, I lived in the shadow of my brother Mic Phelps for years. I loved it, cause I loved how dope he is, and he deserved it. But I always wanted to find my own lane and identity that wasn't Mic Phelps' little brother. So it was tough, but since he was my big brother, and I respected his craft so much, and I was never wack, it worked out. I got alot of opportunities off my brothers and my dad, artistically. But its still a tough road. Big shoes to fill.
Uncle P: This Album is a great body of work, how did it all come together, how is this different from past works?
Macs: It's different from past work, because I've found myself. I know who I am, im more authentic, and I've stopped caring about what people thing I should rap about. Essentially, I became a man, endured a lot of different circumstances, and it reflects in my music. I've been though some shit...and it helps me make relatable music.
Uncle P: What can we expect from Macs the rest of 2022.
Macs: I'm dropping music every quarter. A project. I'm just keeping my creative juices flowing and making sure that I keep my peers on their toes. This is hip hop. Hip hop made me something. I can't betray it by not embracing its origins and protecting its legacy. So shit bro, im applying pressure. I can back it up, no one can shut me up or prove me otherwise, so why not? Hip Hop needs me, so im on call, like its always been on call for me. So you can expect me going hard, musically, all 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and etc... I just want to bring the best out of myself and the people around me that I know that are just as talented, just in different ways