By Matthew Heller
Dreams are what make us get up out of bed everyday and strive to make them a
reality. This year Phe McWright’s birthday and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day fell on the
same square of the calendar. MLK’s dream was to live in a world where all people
could join hands and work together towards a common goal of brotherhood and
the pursuit of happiness. Saginaw native Phe McWright has a dream of his own: a Passport Dream to be the top rapper in the game.
Hosted by Mach Boogie and Shayla Love, Passport Dreams is the fifth full-length effort from McWright, who works at a breakneck speed frequently
releasing “Phestyles” on social networks and rocking live shows anytime he gets the
opportunity. Over the past year, Phe has gone from being a good artist to an exceptional
craftsman and entertainer. Whether it be his live sets or his recorded material Phe is
always getting better and proving the naysayers dead wrong.
His latest effort, Passport Dreams, is a soulful collage of lyricism, braggadocio, and
humor. His style is one of a kind, but clearly influenced by MC’s like Kanye West,
Rick Ross, and Curren$y. He has an "I don’t give a damn" attitude that is emulated by
many, but executed by few. The skits sprinkled throughout the project are laugh out
loud funny and rarely attempted by local hip-hop acts. Passport Dreams is a solid
effort and has an appeal that is universal.
The mixtape is conceptual and opens with Phe boarding Phenomenal Airlines
and the flight attendant humorously instructing passengers of the flight rules.
Listeners are invited to board Phe’s trip to greatness. The project features singing
from Saginaw native Rollow (Raw Talent) and collaborations with some of the top
MC’s in the local rap game, such as Tay Ray, YungDre The H.O.P.E. (L.I.F.E. Music
Entertainment), and DuB. Phe was careful to pick guests and a production that mesh
well with his style and form a cohesive piece.
Phe has a dream to become the top rapper, and Passport Dreams shows the potential
of a young man who could very well reach that goal. His growth is evident and the
drive he possesses is uncanny. Look for Phe to keep rising to the top and, like Martin
Luther King, Jr., see his dreams unfold into actuality.
You can download Passport Dreams on Phe’s blog http://thalimelight.com/2010/ 11/18/phe-mcwright-passport-dreams/ He also plans on rereleasing the project in
mid-March with bonus tracks not included on the original.
© Matthew Heller, 2011