PH8L Raps
Chicago, Illinois, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2020 | INDIE
Music
Press
For those who grew up during the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, the art and culture left a valuable imprint on the young minds of emcees today. PH8L is one of those emcees, who's Chicago roots infused his soul with the urban culture that now permeates as a pure breed lyricist with extreme mic versatility. "Since 1985" is a testament to the roots that taught and inspired him to be the man and artist he is today. PH8L's debut EP has a homegrown feel, one that pays homage to the craft of emceeing with honor and respect and is sentimental to the knowledge that empowered his talents.
"Gain knowledge, be a God, be a G-O-D" - B A G-O-D
"Since 1985" showcases PH8L as a multifaceted emcee with a range of lyrically diverse topics, beats, and flows. On each track, the Chicagoland native touches on the principles he has fostered as his backbone. Working hard, moving with intelligence, remaining true to the game, and thinking freely are the bare bones of his art form. PH8L flexes his lyrical abilities on classic boom-bap production but also over high energy trap and melodic mellow vibes. Each song has a unique rhythm and flows, enhanced by a bassy, almost Southern-style dialect. To compare, PH8L sounds like a more technical and lyrical Paul Wall. His style presents an eclectic combination that shines on this six-track EP.
"I'm rockin the boat
and my rhymes take your breath away like chops to the throat
I could never give a fuck about the popular vote
As long as I'm respected on the blocks where I smoke
That I'm hot with quotes" - Sucka Free
This debut EP is also the culmination of hard-work PH8L has been putting forth since birth. This release is formulated with the care and creativity of PH8L's family and friends, who all have guided and inspired him throughout his growth and artistic process. With two other projects in the works, this will not be the last we hear from PH8L. You can expect raw lyricism, and vibrant flows, just like on "Since 1985." This EP is available on all streaming platforms, and his website https://ph8lraps.com/.
Favorite Tracks: B A G-O-D, Brainwashed, Low Eyed Vibe
Production – 4/5
Lyrics – 4/5
Flow – 4/5
Substance –4/5
Feel – 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Longevity – 4/5
Overall – 4/5 - Rebel Underground Network
PH8L is a Hip-Hop artist from Chicagoland, and 1/4 of the group PHOR RE4L. A student of the game since its golden hour, PH8L (pronounced fatal) has released his debut EP “Since 1985”. “The recording was inspired by big life changes and moving back home to Chicagoland,” explains the artist. “It felt like this album had been building up in me since 1985.” Entering the next step of his musical career, PH8L proves to be one of the most genuine acts in contemporary rap. This recognition is due in part to his remarkable ability to weave creative wordplay into personal and profound storytelling. Like the best of his fellow Chicagoan creatives, PH8L consistently delivers a balance in his art that is both entertaining and rich with insight. This EP, offers authenticated proof of the artist’s emotional depth and talent.
PH8L’s lyrics make for a bombardment of sensory detail. When PH8L speaks, it feels like he’s giving a part of himself (and a variety of emotions) to the listener. He starts doing that right from the opening track, “Who Am I”, as he kicks things off with the affirmation: “I was raised just to raise hell.” The song’s instrumental has a dark nature, with the lyricism establishing an urgent edge to the material. PH8L provides a realistic and sincere depiction of his determination.
“Since 1985” is a work that displays what makes PH8L an important voice in today’s rap scene. Whether it’s through his lyrics about personal experiences or narratives about his surroundings, PH8L is an artist that writes authentic stories with intimate depth.
“Rest Less” is an honest addition to PH8L’s catalog, the type that should keep listeners excited for the next installment in his story, which comes quickly with the hard hitting “B A G-O-D!” A track that displays a clever and focused use of verbiage, as well as a relentless flow from.
The album is confessional to its core with a narrative that spans PH8L’s entire mindset. “Sucker Free” gives us further insight into the rapper’s modus operandi. Packing a punch in every bar, PH8L shows us how he stays ahead of the pettiness in the game.
Each track on this EP sets the tone for the rest of the recording: they’re candid, complex, and challenging, harkening back to the grooves of old-school hip-hop, while still offering a modern twist that is entirely PH8L’s own.
The rapper’s impressive lyricism and polyrhythmic lines are perfectly matched with thumping drum loops on “Brainwashed” ft. Decoy Dungeons. It presents a fine-tuned balancing act where its potency does not sacrifice its groove.
As a rapper, PH8L is sharp, clear and authoritative, pronouncing every syllable crisply enough that you never have to strain to understand him. Rather than chasing hits, he’s put his gifts, which are considerable, toward building something affecting, something that really gets across his feelings and thoughts.
All throughout “Since 1985”, it clear that PH8L really does have stories to tell, and the urgency in the way he tells them helps make the closing track, “Low Eyed Vibe” into something special. PH8L is a talented and expressive emcee, and on this track he is even more incisive and potent.
As a first time listener to PH8L on “Since 1985”, I was thoroughly impressed. His flow is effortless and captivating. The ambition is there, and so is the music. This EP has done everything it can be expected to do. - Independent Music News
PH8L – “Since 1985” – a bombardment of sensory detail!
Posted By: Buddy NelsonPosted date: May 30, 2020in: New ReleasesNo Comments
PH8L is a Hip-Hop artist from Chicagoland, and 1/4 of the group PHOR RE4L. A student of the game since its golden hour, PH8L (pronounced fatal) has released his debut EP “Since 1985”. “The recording was inspired by big life changes and moving back home to Chicagoland,” explains the artist. “It felt like this album had been building up in me since 1985.” Entering the next step of his musical career, PH8L proves to be one of the most genuine acts in contemporary rap. This recognition is due in part to his remarkable ability to weave creative wordplay into personal and profound storytelling. Like the best of his fellow Chicagoan creatives, PH8L consistently delivers a balance in his art that is both entertaining and rich with insight. This EP, offers authenticated proof of the artist’s emotional depth and talent.
PH8L’s lyrics make for a bombardment of sensory detail. When PH8L speaks, it feels like he’s giving a part of himself (and a variety of emotions) to the listener. He starts doing that right from the opening track, “Who Am I”, as he kicks things off with the affirmation: “I was raised just to raise hell.” The song’s instrumental has a dark nature, with the lyricism establishing an urgent edge to the material. PH8L provides a realistic and sincere depiction of his determination.
“Since 1985” is a work that displays what makes PH8L an important voice in today’s rap scene. Whether it’s through his lyrics about personal experiences or narratives about his surroundings, PH8L is an artist that writes authentic stories with intimate depth.
“Rest Less” is an honest addition to PH8L’s catalog, the type that should keep listeners excited for the next installment in his story, which comes quickly with the hard hitting “B A G-O-D!” A track that displays a clever and focused use of verbiage, as well as a relentless flow from.
The album is confessional to its core with a narrative that spans PH8L’s entire mindset. “Sucker Free” gives us further insight into the rapper’s modus operandi. Packing a punch in every bar, PH8L shows us how he stays ahead of the pettiness in the game.
Each track on this EP sets the tone for the rest of the recording: they’re candid, complex, and challenging, harkening back to the grooves of old-school hip-hop, while still offering a modern twist that is entirely PH8L’s own.
The rapper’s impressive lyricism and polyrhythmic lines are perfectly matched with thumping drum loops on “Brainwashed” ft. Decoy Dungeons. It presents a fine-tuned balancing act where its potency does not sacrifice its groove.
As a rapper, PH8L is sharp, clear and authoritative, pronouncing every syllable crisply enough that you never have to strain to understand him. Rather than chasing hits, he’s put his gifts, which are considerable, toward building something affecting, something that really gets across his feelings and thoughts.
All throughout “Since 1985”, it clear that PH8L really does have stories to tell, and the urgency in the way he tells them helps make the closing track, “Low Eyed Vibe” into something special. PH8L is a talented and expressive emcee, and on this track he is even more incisive and potent.
As a first time listener to PH8L on “Since 1985”, I was thoroughly impressed. His flow is effortless and captivating. The ambition is there, and so is the music. This EP has done everything it can be expected to do. - JamSphere
PH8L is a Hip-Hop artist from Chicagoland, and 1/4 of the group PHOR RE4L. A student of the game since its golden hour, PH8L (pronounced fatal) has released his debut EP “Since 1985”. “The recording was inspired by big life changes and moving back home to Chicagoland,” explains the artist. “It felt like this album had been building up in me since 1985.” Entering the next step of his musical career, PH8L proves to be one of the most genuine acts in contemporary rap. This recognition is due in part to his remarkable ability to weave creative wordplay into personal and profound storytelling. Like the best of his fellow Chicagoan creatives, PH8L consistently delivers a balance in his art that is both entertaining and rich with insight. This EP, offers authenticated proof of the artist’s emotional depth and talent.
PH8L’s lyrics make for a bombardment of sensory detail. When PH8L speaks, it feels like he’s giving a part of himself (and a variety of emotions) to the listener. He starts doing that right from the opening track, “Who Am I”, as he kicks things off with the affirmation: “I was raised just to raise hell.” The song’s instrumental has a dark nature, with the lyricism establishing an urgent edge to the material. PH8L provides a realistic and sincere depiction of his determination.
“Since 1985” is a work that displays what makes PH8L an important voice in today’s rap scene. Whether it’s through his lyrics about personal experiences or narratives about his surroundings, PH8L is an artist that writes authentic stories with intimate depth.
“Rest Less” is an honest addition to PH8L’s catalog, the type that should keep listeners excited for the next installment in his story, which comes quickly with the hard hitting “B A G-O-D!” A track that displays a clever and focused use of verbiage, as well as a relentless flow from.
The album is confessional to its core with a narrative that spans PH8L’s entire mindset. “Sucker Free” gives us further insight into the rapper’s modus operandi. Packing a punch in every bar, PH8L shows us how he stays ahead of the pettiness in the game.
Each track on this EP sets the tone for the rest of the recording: they’re candid, complex, and challenging, harkening back to the grooves of old-school hip-hop, while still offering a modern twist that is entirely PH8L’s own.
The rapper’s impressive lyricism and polyrhythmic lines are perfectly matched with thumping drum loops on “Brainwashed” ft. Decoy Dungeons. It presents a fine-tuned balancing act where its potency does not sacrifice its groove.
As a rapper, PH8L is sharp, clear and authoritative, pronouncing every syllable crisply enough that you never have to strain to understand him. Rather than chasing hits, he’s put his gifts, which are considerable, toward building something affecting, something that really gets across his feelings and thoughts.
All throughout “Since 1985”, it clear that PH8L really does have stories to tell, and the urgency in the way he tells them helps make the closing track, “Low Eyed Vibe” into something special. PH8L is a talented and expressive emcee, and on this track he is even more incisive and potent.
As a first time listener to PH8L on “Since 1985”, I was thoroughly impressed. His flow is effortless and captivating. The ambition is there, and so is the music. This EP has done everything it can be expected to do. - Video Music Stars
Discography
PH8L discography
"Since 1985" 5/12/19
"Back To '85" 8/6/21
Photos
Bio
PH8L (pronounced FATAL) is a homegrown Hip-Hop heavyweight from Chicagoland & part of the group PHOR RE4L. His coming of age was during the greatest time in Hip-Hop. It was then that he learned Honor and Respect for the Pioneers and the Elements. All 5. Since then he knew he wanted to be a proper Representative of Hip-Hop culture. On 5/12/19 he released his debut EP "Since 1985" with distribution from Family and Friends & Sony/Orchard. The follow up effort “Back To ‘85” is an example of taking something good and making it GREAT. Increased production by Jaguar Beatz helped make this a unique sounding Hip-Hop album. Vibes like you’ve never heard. We meet PH8L as more of a crew with verses from RAW C & Humpfree bringing new flavor to the ‘85 series. Impressive features from BVNE and vocal stylings of E11even 8 keep the listener intrigued and engaged. After just one listen you will understand why the trio of Sam, Mike & Dave proclaimed 1985 the Year of the Goats.
Band Members
Links