Mike Phillips - All That Jazz

Mike Phillips describes his ascent in the music industry as “almost like a jazz version of Lil’ Wayne,” noting his numerous guest spots before releasing his first album, and then that first album, 2002’s You Have Reached Mike Phillips, debuting at #3 on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart. Since then the Mount Vernon, NY, native has seen further success with his follow up efforts, Uncommon Denominator, and the recently released M.P.3.

In addition to his contemporary jazz hits, Phillips has also taken his saxophone and turned hip-hop favorites into jazzy pieces with his Unwrapped series of albums. The jazz inspired instrumental versions of popular hip-hop songs combine two of his greatest musical loves.

Having shared the stage with everyone from Prince to Jill Scott, Phillips’ resume as a musician is unparalleled, which is why some may find it interesting that his work ethic hasn’t wavered since the day he started. When I caught up with Phillips he told me about his earliest years with the sax, what concerns him about the future of music, and the compliment Prince gave him that he’ll never forget.

Read the full interview at SoulTrain.com.