Phar-City, a new act from Connecticut consisting of four easy-on-the-eye members—Crisis, Beatdown, Sho-Off and Pro—are ready to fill the current vacancy of successful, radio-friendly hip-hop groups. With local hits including “Part-Time Lover” (featuring new Roc Nation artist Range), an industry co-sign from DJ Whoo Kid (who hosts their latest mixtape, Talk Of CT Part Four) and a burgeoning fanbase, Phar-City are building a strong foundation for their upcoming debut album. They recently spoke with us about their individual talents, independent success, taste in females and fashion and more.

How did you all come together?
Crisis: “Basically me and Beatdown grew up in the same town: Middletown, Connecticut. We went to the same school and played on a lot of the same sport teams. Sho-Off is from New Haven, but had family in Middletown and he used to visit there a lot in the summers. Pro is from Hartford, and his family is real close with my family. So you can say I’m the person that introduced all of us.”

What do each of you individually bring to the group?
Beatdown: “I’m the producer/DJ, but I also write a lot of hooks. I try to bring different sounds and concepts to the group. Having four members in a group, you’re gonna get four different ideas for a song, which I think helps us make the best music possible. Sho-Off brings a smooth and clever style of rap. Crisis is the catchy line rapper with a rugged street style. Pro is the street rapper with the punchlines.”

You’ve sold over 50,000 copies independently of your Talk Of CT mixtape series (hosted by DJ’s Kay Slay and Whoo Kid). What advice can you give other aspiring acts?
Crisis: “One thing I would say is that you gotta keep at it. There’s gonna be a lot of people trying to bring you down, and there will be a lot of hate on the way up, but just keep grindin’.”
Beatdown: “One of the most important things for an aspiring act to know is, learn the business side of music as well as knowing how to put words together. Some of the most successful artists out today aren’t just rappers.”
Sho-Off: “The advice I would give is that you need to really grind if you want your music to pop off. Make good product. Push the product out to the streets. If you’ve got good product, they will always come back.”

When can we expect your debut album?
Crisis: “We’re actually in the process of making the album as we speak. We’re about 10 to 15 songs in, but it’s a process for us. We wanna make a great album, so we’re very picky on what songs will make it and what songs won’t. We have a few features on it to compliment what we have to bring to the table, so I feel people will definitely enjoy it!”

There aren’t too many hip-hop groups out right now. Is that a good or bad thing?
Beatdown: “I think it’s a good thing. That leaves the lane open for us. There hasn’t really been a hip-hop group that’s come out lately with a huge impact. Maybe a song here and a song there, but nothing consistent. Phar-City is gonna be that next group to consistently put out music that the fans love.
Crisis: “I think its great. Like Beatdown said, it leaves a lane open for us. There are a lot of solo artists in the game currently, and what we bring just adds something different.”
Sho-Off: “I feel like it’s a good thing. Everything always comes back around, so I think the people would love to see a new innovative group come into the game right now. It definitely wouldn’t hurt us… I think it would just play to our advantage at this point.”

Another Connecticut native, Range (who appears on your track “Part Time Lover”) recently signed to Roc Nation. How exciting was that news to you guys?
Crisis: “It was very exciting! Range is like family, so when we heard about the Roc Nation situation we were very happy for the homie! He’s very talented, so he definitely will be one of those artists that you’ll hear for a long time.”

It’s obvious you’re all ladies men. What can a female do to attract your eye?
Beatdown: “I mean, for me a sense of humor is key, and you have to have natural beauty. I need a girl that’s gonna look just as good next to me in the morning as she does next to me at night after the club (wink, wink). Also, a girl can’t be too shy. I’m not always gonna make the first move and start a convo, so a girl that’s outgoing is a plus.”
Sho-Off: “I’m mostly attracted to sweet and confident women. Most importantly, she has to take care of herself: hygiene, body, hair, face, and teeth. A woman that keeps up with herself is a turn on for me.”
Crisis: “I’m attracted to smart, beautiful, independent women. They have to have something going for themselves.”

You guys are Gucci-ed out in some of your press images. How would you each describe your personal style?
Beatdown: “I guess I’d describe my personal style as being simple and urban. You can catch me in Gucci one day, Polo the next, and the day after that I might be in a white v-neck tee…but I still make it look good. Accessories can make an outfit too. A Louis Vuitton belt and some shoes to match is all you need sometimes. Of course jewelry also catches peoples eyes as well. You know we gotta stay with a shiny piece of jewelry.”
Sho-Off: “I guess we are all a bit different. I like rocking expensive brand names a lot, but there are times where I just wanna rock a plain tee or thermal with some blue jeans and be out. I don’t do baggy clothes or tight ass clothes either. I like fitted clothing. I love to match my shirts with my sneakers, and of course I like some ice on my body to compliment the outfit.”

Download The Talk Of CT Part 4, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Dolla Sign.

Watch “Panties On The Ground,” the group’s brand new video:

Watch “Part Time Lover” featuring Range:

Follow Phar-City on Twitter.

Bookmark to: