Our friend Mike at thehereandthere recently sent over an online interview. The Phantom and S had the chance to answer the questions…

1. Who is in the band and what city do you call home?
We are at home in Milwaukee, WI. The group consists of four people: Phantom Channel (emcee), Count Classic (emcee), DJ Madhatter, and S Watson (production)
2. Whats it like being a hot hip hop crew in a area best known for metal?
Metal? Our area is known for beer.
3. How do you come up with your sound? How does the group create it lyrics?
Take S Watson, insert magic herb and hopped grain tea and wait. Add funky sample sources and presto, Rusty Ps unique sound.Its like the “Easy Baked Oven” but for music instead of delicious little cakes. The lyrics are created by absorbing everything and then translating it into words. Then add style and rhythm and there you have it!
4. Who are the three most dynamic rappers spitting today?
Man, I don’t know… Three I like a lot right now are Mos Def, Myka 9 and James Brown (He’s still rapping!!) note this was before the King “passed” on (of course we all know the funk never dies)
5. Whats been the most bangin’ show the Ps have ever done?
Rusty Ps/Pharcyde tour kickoff. Many girls, drinks, hiphop, and G-13 joints all on-stage in one grand orgy of funk in front of 1000’s.
6. What are the pros and cons of doing a all local show vs. opening for a national act
To entertain and perform for one is the same as 1,000,000. There is little difference except attendance.
7. How do the Ps support the local scene?
We support it by taking part in it. Not only did we help pioneer it, over 10 years ago, the hip hop scene as it is in Milwaukee, but, we are still performing here at least once a month. When we do play out and we are booking the show, we like to include up and coming talent from the local scene.We have also started an all Milwaukee based art and music fair called Made In Milwaukee. You can check it out at www.madeinmilwaukee.com. Not only that but our most recent release, Rusty Ps vs Milwaukee, features a local on every track. This album is a multi-genre/mc/dj/producer extravaganza. Truly a taste of Milwaukee. Check it out at Rustyps.com.
8. I’m new to your town…take me to the best food,drink,record,clothes store and live joint and why are they the best?
We are going to take you to Acapulco. It is the best and cheapest Mexican food in town. None of this Qdoba shit for us. If you want cheap drinks then we would have to hit Brothers 2-4-1, sure it is cheesy but they are giving drinks away here folks.
Our favorite record store is Lotus Land Records, where a digger can feel at home. I have no freaking idea where you should shop for clothes… Maybe do like me and wait for everyone to get tired of their new shit and the catch the hand-me-down.
There is not one “great place” for hiphop but Madhatter would say Wicked Hop is the best because he spins there every Wednesday. He also features locals there several times a month.
9. How has MySpace helped your group? Has it led to bigger CD sales?
Myspace hasn’t helped us directly. It is a useful tool. We take advantage of it to increase our listener base. Sell CDs? Michael, our music is free at Rustyps.com!!
10. Which of your over 37,000 fans (!!!) will leave you the most love?
We are more concerned with us giving them love with our music acting as a conduit.

!Thanks Mike!

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