Phonzz
Image via @blueburstphotography
Phonzz aka Stephon White is a rapper and designer from St. Louis, MO. Phonzz says that he got into music in the summer of 2007, around the age of 13, when he decided to try to record over Lupe Fiasco’s “The Coolest” instrumental. He says that after that, he never looked back. Not surprisingly, Phonzz says that Lupe Fiasco was his first major influence. Phonzz later discovered music blogs like 2DOPEBOYZ, HipHopDX, and Okayplayer, which opened up his listening catalog, introducing him to new artists and new sounds. Today, he describes his sound as balanced, with elements of East Coast and West Coast rap, and lyrical, but with pop-driven hooks.
Phonzz released his first project, Badwater in 2014, highlighted by the opening track, “Only Entitled to Departure.” He displays raw potential throughout the project, in that you can tell he is at an early stage of his career, but you are very excited to hear what comes next. Improving his craft throughout the years, Phonzz released his second project, Phenomenon in 2018, before releasing Every Good Boy Does Fine, Pt. 1 - EP in 2021. The latter is where Phonzz shows his growth, shining on songs like “Day Off” featuring Jared Brady and “Billi,” a track that interpolates the hometown St. Lunatic, Nelly’s “Country Grammar (Hot Shit),” and was produced by Damien Alter, a producer linked to Van Buren Records.
Beyond music, Phonzz is a graphic designer, oftentimes using his music to promote his work and vice versa. For now music has taken the backseat to his design work, though he has already released two new singles in the first half of 2022.
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