MTPHSCS are no stranger to self aware concepts that inspire their listeners to analyze societal constraints, and combat them. The subjects they tackle in their content range from spiritual awakening and personal triumphs, to conspiracy theories and hidden agendas of the government. Veteran members Mavo and DXCT have set the tone for the collective, creating the sound and energy we have come to identify over the years. Collaborations such as MKULTRA {Intro} (Prod. MANA), FLAT EARTH (Prod. VILLN), and MELTING! Ft. BZKT & DXCT (Prod. Arthur & Cansino) have proved their ability to balance the ‘metaphysical’ lyrical style with party tracks, catering to any audience. Recently, some audiences have been questioning if the collective still holds the same weight they once did; straying from the heavy, politically laced style tracks to create in other ways. The recent release of CRYPTOCURRENCY/PRESSED PILLS proved just this. This duo release, also coined as ‘The Darknet Saga’, takes a hit at some of the hottest topics of debate in recent months: the use of digital, cryptographic funds such as bitcoin, and the fentanyl/pressed pill crisis plaguing the streets.
True to their fashion, Mavo and DXCT provide a hard hitting, personal account over nearly 11 minutes between the two tracks. These tracks provided memories from early MTPHSCS, proving how DXCT and Mavo have established themselves. The two describe the EP as a formal statement addressing the state of our nation regarding pressed pills and alternate forms of currency. “Basically the EP is meant to give a multi-perspective view on consumerism and greed, as well as touch on the cryptocurrency boom, the dark net, and fentanyl/ pressed pill crisis. By no means is it supporting pressed pills, but it’s meant to give insight into both sides of the trade from different perspectives and inform people on information they may not have,” DXCT explained. Mavo went on to say, “We were really trying to overwhelm the listener, we originally didn’t want to make it a EP we were just like holy shit this 8 minutes it’s kinda too long for the original “mega song” plan *laughs*. Just a over flood of information from multiple perspectives.”
The fentanyl crisis is rampant and evil
The two explained these concepts hold important meanings to them, and that spreading the information they hold could provide awareness that others may not have had, “For starters the fentanyl crisis is rampant and evil. I have multiple friends who have died from it, so I wanted to touch on it. That shit is everywhere. And it’s weird. Also, I’ve been getting into cryptocurrency lately, so the connection was just there with the dark net,” DXCT explained. Mavo included that an inclination of knowledge often correlates with power, “I find that knowledge is key to telling people about it and being aware, I have messed with it in the early years and have appreciated what’s it’s giving to the voice that can’t be heard I feel it’s very important. I feel that internet activists and people who make these strides should be viewed at all angles; good and bad. To be short, awareness and just wanting people to know shit.”
The Darknet Saga harbors similarity to another Mavo X DXCT collaboration which has aided much of the acclaim to their name. “It definitely reminds me of our project MKULTRA, because we are taking on multiple perspectives and identities through the body of work. I think this is one of my favs we’ve put out.” said DXCT. “Yeah, I feel that for sure,” included Mavo, “It just felt kind of on accident. It’s nothing bigger than we’ve put out, but it’s definitely my favorite over anything out yet.” The two, who have been working together since the earliest days of their music career credit their like situations, and the years of friendship as the magic behind their collaborations.
The comfortability between the two has originated a safe space for creation, allowing them to develop and experiment as they please, “I’ve known DXC since we were kids, probably. It’s just not really hard to try new stuff,” said Mavo. DXCT chimed in, “Yeah, I known this dude since like 12, we been kicking it since middle school and highschool, started making music together. So i think our styles evolved together. We got into spirituality sime time ‘n all that,” Mavo continued, “Tried a lot of drugs early too, *laughs*, and just worked on the art, shared ideas over the years. It just kinda became something with more meaning.”
This kinship has also created ease during the writing process. “When we’re writing together, we kinda bounce back and forth with it, it goes pretty quick,” said DXCT. The two went on to say that their Midwest influence has inspired their ‘attack the audience’ style, as well as lyrical flow, “Being from the Midwest the track being real quick and just a lot is kinda on the attack is just what I grew up on and am still a fan of now. Fast rap is kinda the typical midwest thing, and growing up together definitely helped influenced the sound.” Mavo explained. “As far as the deep and spiritual subject matter, considering our group is MTPHSCS we always try and touch on that, but don’t wanna be boxed in to just ‘third eye rap’ or some shit, so we blend the subject matter,” DXCT added.
While the subject matter of The Darknet Saga is relevant to many, the inspiration behind it comes from a very personal place from the two, “It was inspired by loosing a close friend of mine, and we felt that cryptocurrency being a hot topic now was a relevant time. In addition, as far as timing, some dudes were coming at us saying we weren’t ‘metaphysical’ or some shit which is why those lyrics ‘they wondering what metaphysic is’ are relevant. There was a ton of different angles, aspects, and drama going on at the time and it just seemed right. Then it was Super Bowl weekend so we were like fuck it let’s drop Sunday, it’s relevant. Plus where I live there’s a shit load of pressed pills and dark net stuff going around right now.”
The pair expesses their hopes for the audience to process and understand their message, “I just want the listeners to realize it is a multi perspective statement on current events and is showing both sides of the coin from different angles and viewpoints, and it’s not promoting pressed pills,” said DXCT. “Yeah, just our artistic rendition of what’s happened and what’s going on right now; what people see and what people know are two completely different things and I just want to put that together and hopefully something that will influence for the better while being able to bump it and vibe to some trap type shit with meaning behind it,” Mavo concluded.
https://soundcloud.com/mavoraps/sets/cryptocurrency-pressed-pills
This release signifies a new era to the mtphscs artists; developing and maturing stylistically, while still showcasing their awareness of self and the world. CRYPTOCURRENCY / PRESSED PILLS is an instant classic from the unofficial duo. Give it a listen, and tell us what you think!