His lyrical style is conscious and insightful, while the music itself can range from laid back classic hip hop to hot club tracks. His voice and delivery resembles that of Common, while his lyrical content can be compared to the likes of Nas. Even with the close similarities of two established and successful artists, Phillip Michael combines soul and an upbeat vibe to every track. Born Phillip Michael Brown in 1979, this Chicago South side native was destined to be an M.C. As a child he was surrounded by his family's music that ranged from gospel to rhythm and blues to hip hop. He had no choice but to hear and fell the music. At a young age, he quickly identified hip hop and R&B as relatable genres of music. By the time he was a teenager, it was evident that hip hop was his primary love in music. He was overwhelmed by the way Method Man, Notorious B.I.G., and Nas represented hip hop in their own individual way and was determined to do the same. Gaining confidence and a fresh swagger from rapping in ciphers in his high school he was ready to begin his dream. He recorded his first tape in 1996 that received a good response from his classmates. Not satisfied with his own performance, he continued recording for several years one of which was brought to a local group of emcees, called Loose Chain, who invited him in as a member. As a member of this group, Phillip received several notables for what he brought to the group. The element of mass appeal lied within him. They recorded an album, "The Conquest," which received airplay on Columbia College's WCRX, as well as WGCI after winning second place in WGCI's freshest M.C. contest in 2000. In addition they regularly performed at Subterranean, Joes, and the Funky Buddha Lounge. Wanting to keep his career moving, Phillip decided to break away from the group and pursue his dream solo. He joined forces with a very talented producer, Baytoven, to create his first solo effort, "Philosophy 101." Only consisting of six songs and defining commercial appeal, they lacked direction and edge. Philosophy 101 introduced Phillip Michael to the streets as a solo artist. Again, being his own worst critic, he pushed for perfection with his second recording, "Look Inside." At this time he was more familiar with his strengths and weaknesses as well as a better understanding of the direction of the project. Look Inside is an eighteen track recording that displays heart, soul, and universal hip hop appeal. Each track is engulfed with delivery, style, and experience. Aiming to create an overall positive vibe with the album, he diversifies his sound from smooth tracks you can just chill to, to bangers that touch a nerve and all include Phillip Michael's intuitive, insightful, conscious lyrics that will touch your heart. If you are still a skeptic, then...... take a "Look Inside." (He has already sold over 300 copies locally.)