Michael Thomas, aka Pensmoke The Professional Outcast, is a deep thinker. Some may say a tortured soul, but that’s not entirely accurate. A Native American, self-described Christian MC “oddball” originally from the Memphis area, Pensmoke uses his music as an unabashed, unflinching representation of his faith. Being a Native, a Christian and a Hip Hop head all go hand in hand in Pensmoke’s world. Fresh off the free download release of his latest album “Now and Then”, we talk to Pensmoke about his musical and spiritual journey in Hip Hop, and why this may be his last record.
Based on your rhyme style, it’s evident that you are a child of the 80’s-90’s era in Hip Hop.
Oh yeah, very much so.
When did you really become a fan of the music? Do you remember the first album that you ever owned?
I became a fan back around ‘86 or ‘87. I can’t recall which full album I owned first, but I used to buy 45’s from the record store before I ever bought full albums. Some of the first ones of those I owned were Run-DMC “Hit It Run”, with “You Be Illin’” on the other side, and the second one was “It’s Tricky” with “Proud to be Black” on the other side.
When did it go from just being a fan of the music, to actually creating your own music for people to hear?
I started writing my own stuff around ’89, I believe. Of course I didn’t get to record anything until many, many years later.
Society always loves to slap a label on things, or put certain art into a category. Do you identify with being labeled a Christian rapper?
I actually do identify with that. There is a certain amount of controversy going on recently about people who formerly called themselves Christian rappers who now only want to be referred to as “rappers who happen to be Christian”. My faith is who I am and God got me this far, so I have no desire to distance myself from my faith.
In addition to being a Christian faith-based emcee, you are also Native American, which is something we don’t see very often in Hip Hop. Have you had issues with stereotypes, or just general resistance from that standpoint? You are clearly very proud of both your faith and your heritage.
Absolutely, there are always stereotypes. Children in many mainstream public schools are basically taught that Native people are a relic of the past. And if you are not a full blood with dark skin and long flowing hair wearing regalia on horseback, you are not authentic in the eyes of mainstream America. I try to address these types of things when they come up. That is also some of what inspired parts of the “NDNfighting” track. There is quite a bit of resistance from some people. Some people are humble and willing to be educated, though.
Your official album debut, “Move Undetected” was released in 2010. What was the concept behind the album, and what were you aiming to accomplish, both musically and lyrically?
Move Undetected was personal. I intended it to be a slightly personal introduction to what I am and how I got to be who I am. Lyrically, I tried to keep it as golden-era format as possible, and with the sound even more so. I was grateful to have dope producers who kept it pretty boom bap with soul also.
Fast forward to today (2016), and you released your follow-up album, “Now and Then”. Why the six-year gap between albums? What was going on in the life of Pensmoke during that hiatus?
Life (laughs). Struggle and working a day job. Ups and downs music-wise. I did a mixtape with a group and did some shows for a while and then the group disbanded.
Tell us about why you titled this album “Now and Then”.
I called it “Now and Then” because I am always thinking about nostalgic things and comparing the present with the past. Not to the point of being stuck in the past, or at least not trying to be, but trying to aim for a quality of music and life that isn’t as prevalent now as it was then.
What differences are there between your debut album and this follow-up?
The sound is quite different; it’s faster paced on many of the tracks. The flows are more evolved in a sense. Different rhyme patterns are experimented with. It’s not so different that anyone who liked Move Undetected would be disappointed in this one. But at the same time, I think people who weren’t completely feeling Move Undetected may enjoy this one. I have more features on this album from very talented people, and there are cuts and scratches on it as well, which I love, and didn’t get to have on Move Undetected.
Are there any particular tracks on “Now and Then” that have more of a special meaning for you than others?
I would have to say “No Stranger” comes to mind first. It’s about how I was raised and how it’s been hard to shake the anger issues that I carried over the years. “NDNfighting” is special to me as well because I speak about the need for unity among the Native community, and the issues that separate us.
Pensmoke – “Secret Dinners” official video
It’s not easy to be an emcee with strong Christian content in a very secular Hip Hop landscape. What types of roadblocks have you encountered along the way? What positive moments have you experienced?
Stereotypes. People think every bar is going to be straight preaching, so some people won’t give the music a listen at all because of that assumption. That’s one of the biggest roadblocks. Positive moments have been when people actually do listen and are pleasantly surprised and even become interested in hearing more. I’ve had that happen and it was great.
You have mentioned on social media that Now and Then might be your last album. Is that a done deal now? Why have you even entertained the idea of not recording anymore?
It seems that way as of right now. Things could change in the future, but I’m not thinking too far ahead at this time. I have struggled with sub-par home recording equipment for years and never have made the kind of money at my day job to afford studio time. It’s very tiring to try to make music of good quality when you have to do it with cheap equipment and no knowledge of how to do it yourself, other than trial and error. I have come to the conclusion that if I am to keep doing this God will make a way. If not, then I am fine with that, too. Stevie Keyz, the main producer of the album, is the reason my vocals sound as good as they do. My setup produced horrible background noise in my vocal tracks. I couldn’t fix it no matter how I adjusted things. Stevie really came through and made things work. I struggled with the same issues making Move Undetected. I just don’t have to energy to keep fighting with it.
Please tell the audience how can reach out to you, and where they can get a copy of “Now and Then”, or anything else you have released.
I am on Facebook, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp. Google searching the words “Pensmoke Music” will get you there. The album can be downloaded for free at the bandcamp page at: https://pensmoketheprofessionaloutcast.bandcamp.com/album/now-and-then
Move Undetected is also a free download there.
Thanks for your time, and best of luck with the release of “Now and Then”.
Thank you so much fam, it’s always a pleasure and an honor.
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