MIKE BODY has been a regular feature on NEW LEASE MUSIC pretty much since the blog’s inception, almost 13 years ago! He has also been a regular on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Music Video, Album and Song of the Week AND month title multiple times.
So it’s an absolutely pleasure to finally get the christian rapper from Baltimore in the interview seat to discuss his latest album ‘It Is Finished’, which is currently the blog’s Album of the Month. So sit back, relax and get to know this conscious rapper…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
MB: 2025 has been good so far and thankfully God is always good even when I’m not.
NLM: You released your album, ‘It Is Finished’ back in January. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MB: ‘It Is Finished’ has received mostly positive reviews so far. The UK has given favorable feedback about the project via different blogs. I have grown to really appreciate the support from the UK over the last 6 – 7 yrs and look forward to that appreciation continuing to grow. Also, salute to the die hards and day ones back home in the states that continue to rock with me and support me along with my latest project (It is Finished). Most of them appreciate the album’s overall theme and sound.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
MB: I would say the sound of the album has a conscious vibe to it, accompanied by my background as a christian. It’s about an end of an era, accepting an era is over and beginning a new chapter.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
MB: Events in my personal life sparked the template for the album. Also I thought about making this my last project but I still have a little more to say as an artist. I’m not done just yet.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
MB: Hmmmm…. I would say ‘Land of the Lost’ is a favorite because it’s very lyrically sound and I believe the emotion behind the song was captured correctly. Also the production is dope. I love the song ‘Outgrowth’ as well because of the message about growing apart from someone or even some place. Sometimes as believers we can grow apart from God and not even realize it until it’s too late.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘It Is Finished?
MB: I hope it points people to God in a sincere way but not in a man in the sky type of way, but in a realistic way. The teachings of Jesus are mentioned a lot on the project but they are depicted in a sincere way. The album is about growth, change and acceptance. Accepting things you cannot change but moving on while not being afraid to change for the right reasons.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
MB: It would be Kendrick Lamar, but not solely because he’s hot right now but because of his earlier releases like ‘Hi Power’; that song made me a fan. He always brings a message with him more times than not.
Also he has a lot of spiritual undertones in his music. I can hear him on a ‘Land of the Lost’ remix for sure.
Honorable mention J.Cole, Jasmine Sullivan
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
MB: I have a podcast in development and a new EP coming out soon.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MB: Fans can find me on the major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). My music is located on all major DSP’s like Apple, Spotify and Tidal etc.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those in the production of ‘It Is Finished’?
MB: I want to give a big S/O to Let That Boy Cook. He produced the entire ‘It is Finished’ project.
He’s been my main producer over the last few years and it’s been a great ride! I know I’m bias but I consider him a really good producer from the states. I’m looking forward to doing another project with his production.
Also, S/O to Jaitay who mixed and mastered the project and a big S/O to my guy Andres from Highland Records who engineered the album.
I’ll be back in the studio soon! I’m not done yet…
Listen to ‘It Is Finished album right HERE.
New Lease Music 