1K Phew is among a new breed of Atlanta artists taking the trap sensibility and elevating it to great effect. His smooth delivery and evocative vocal tone pair well with the bouncy, energetic production that defines his sound. 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. He’s fun and engaging, no doubt, but he’s so much more. 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. 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. To let him tell it: “I’m not worried about being politically correct. I just want to give people the real. That’s where the 1K comes from, always keeping it 1,000 no matter what.”
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.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]