Blake Phillips and Mic Coats, two innovative music creatives, have teamed up on their latest project, “Idiomatic Motifs”—a collaborative compilation showcasing an eclectic mix of artists and sounds. As a well-established creative and executive producer, Blake Phillips has spent his fair share of time around the entertainment industry since 2009, with experience spanning films, albums, and soundtracks. For this album, Phillips partnered with longtime colleague Mic Coats, blending their talents to produce a body of work that will compete in a competitive music industry.
Phillips’ journey into music and entertainment is rooted in his lifelong passion for just simply creating. Reflecting on his younger years, he shares a story of how he would avoid traditional school assignments by crafting visual models. These projects, though unrelated to the subject matter, demonstrated his unique out-of-the-box thinking, something he has carried through to his professional career. That creativity is evident in “Idiomatic Motifs”, where Phillips and Coats brought together a variety of artists to create something one of a kind.
“Idiomatic Motifs” boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring tracks from Westside Boogie, Berner, LaRussell, Kap G, 24hrs, MadeinTYO, C.J. Green, and many others. Each artist brings their mainstream talent to the table, contributing to a diverse mix of sounds and genres that appeals to just about everybody. Phillips expresses his excitement about the collaborations, especially with long-time friends like 24hrs and C.J. Green, who supported him both in business and on this project. “I’m lucky to have such a diverse team of creatives and artists within my circle,” Phillips says. “I take a lot of risks, but it’s always worth it when these are the results.”
One standout track on the album is “She Wanna,” a collaboration between Berner, Kafeeno, Cosmo, John Silva and Blake Phillips. The record encapsulates the creative spirit that defines “Idiomatic Motifs”, with its smooth beats and catchy melodies that highlight all involved. Another highlight is “Breakdown,” featuring Westside Boogie and Kid Astronaut, a personal favorite of Phillips that adds another layer of depth to the album. Blake adds, “one of the real joys for me when doing projects like these is I get to shine light on up-and-coming artists such as J. Boyd out of Wichita, KS. His track with Kap G was already completed and I was so appreciative of him joining in on this album. It was serendipitous. He and his IV League team are definitely “who you want to know” when it comes to the Midwest music scene. I expect we’ll connect more in the future. Shoutout to J. Boyd & Cam.”
As Phillips and Coats continue to push the boundaries of their craft, “Idiomatic Motifs” serves as a testament to their ability to bring together a tracklist filled with mainstream artists. Fans of contemporary hip-hop, R&B, and beyond will find much to love in this album. It’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the power of music to bring people together.
