But even though Phew had it better than some of his peers, having grown up with two praying parents who encouraged him in his gifting, he still found himself going down a destructive path as a teen. “You can’t force anybody to follow your way but you can let your light shine and watch them come to you.” The past he speaks of is one that rings true for the many who grew up in similar circumstances. “The story I’m telling is how I overcame my obstacles,” he says. This sort of genuine directness is what resonates with his audience and his growing platform is a clear reflection of his passion to share his story. That’s where the 1K comes from, always keeping it 1,000 no matter what.” To let him tell it: “I’m not worried about being politically correct. There’s a sense of transparency that comes through in his music, a kind of refined rawness that can only be gained through experience and honing your craft. As evidenced by his mixtapes Sunday Night (2015) and Life (2016), Phew’s got plenty of swag and wisdom to impart, and people are beginning to connect with his candid approach. He’s fun and engaging, no doubt, but he’s so much more. At just 23 years old, Phew’s rise from local rapper with swagger to compelling artist equipped with a message, has been refreshing to watch. His smooth delivery and evocative vocal tone pair well with the bouncy, energetic production that defines his sound. 1K Phew is among a new breed of Atlanta artists taking the trap sensibility and elevating it to great effect.

Phew synonyms