Interview by Muzikscribe
Photos by Holly Maxon
Twenty-plus years removed since their 4th and last studio opus, The 12th Man, Philadelphians Mr. Eon and DJ Mighty Mi, collectively known as underground stalwarts The High & Mighty, are back like they never left. In theory, their latest body of work, Sound Of Market harkens back to the unique sound and style one first heard and fell in love with on their now classic 1999 debut Home Field Advantage, but with a fresh take for the current musical climate.
Please introduce (for me) the members of The High & Mighty.
Hey, this is Mr. Eon the rapper in the group. And this DJ Mighty Mi, the producer/DJ.
Let’s hop into this single, “The Rose Bowl,” featuring Your Old Droog. Tell me about this particular track. How did it come to fruition?
Eon – “The Rose Bowl” signifies us reuniting with the great Alchemist. We worked with The Alchemist in the beginning of The High & Mighty, and he produced our first big song that broke through called “Open Mic Night.” After having an album full of features of our teenage idols who we grew up on, we decided to have one current rapper on the new album, and that’s how Your Old Droog came about.
“The Rose Bowl” follows on the heels of the Cage assisted “Most In-Outs” — Talk to me ‘bout this joint.
Eon – We had to finish the “In-Out’s” trilogy with Cage, so there was nothing else to do but do more “In-Outs.” We were psyched that Cage brought that vintage Eastern Conference style to the song.
Of course both selections come courtesy of your latest LP, Sound Of Market. Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you all?
Eon – Sound Of Market was a record store that we frequented growing up, but it was also the street name. So Sound Of Market is both the actual record store influence, but also the sound of the time of Market Street. We were influenced wholeheartedly with a section of Philly we would go to as teenagers, buying records, sneakers, and apparel. So the record title is an homage to that era and location of Philadelphia.
How then does Sound Of Market either differ or compare to your previous efforts?
Mighty Mi – This album is a return to the essence of what Mr. Eon calls “Me and Milo,” just a two man crew making records for fun. No pressure this time, no outside influences, no record label to answer to. So in essence, this is our purist work so far.
That said, what was it about now, specifically in 2025, that prompted y’all’s return to form?
Mighty Mi – Initially, we were going to just make a couple new songs, to draw attention to our old catalog. A suggestion our distributor, Soulspazm, made to us. But once we started, it’s like we couldn’t put down the old habit. So one song became five, and five became 10, and 10 became 17.
And, what all exactly have y’all been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, in between these group projects?
Eon – Mighty Mi has lived in Las Vegas for 17 years; DJing, producing, and playing tennis. I on the other hand, has lived in Philadelphia, being a father and a businessman.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you all want people to get from your music?
Eon – Our music has always been not for everyone. We’ve never tried to be something we are not. So hopefully when people listen to our music, they appreciate that.
If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Eon – Well Chill Rob G is on the new album, and that was our number one bucket list. But moving forward, we love Count Bass D, and some other new cats. On our upcoming EP, we have the Artifacts, both Tame [RIP] and El da Sensei, Esoteric, and some other guests.
If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Mighty Mi – The Philadelphia Spectrum in 1987.
On a more serious note, are you all happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Eon – Hip Hop is what it is. It’s always been a young man’s music. So if the mumble rap is what the young kids like these days, who am I to say otherwise. I do know, the Hip Hop I was listening to when I was 16 could almost be viewed at as a different genre than the Hip Hop now. If I play a 16-year-old a Public Enemy record nowadays, they almost don’t even understand it as Hip Hop.
What do you all feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Mighty Mi – Scratch choruses.
How then have you all either changed or evolved over the course of the past two and a half plus decades?
Eon – We went from weed rap to Dad rap.
Do you all have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Eon – Mighty Mi is starting a 45’s label called Treats.
To date, what has been your biggest career moments, at least thus far anyway?
Eon – Being part of the Marc Ecko team one year in Madden was big. I think some of the people we’ve made records with are very memorable. But opening up for Run-DMC one summer might take the cake.
What’s an average day like for you all?
Mighty Mi – We both live pretty separate lives. But for both of us, I think a little daily Hip Hop is still part of our lives. Whether that’s listening to samples, or writing rhymes, or seeking out new records that we like.
Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans.
Eon – I think we both always make time for our fans. Which these days, is usually on social media. It’s interesting, because in the beginning days of message boards, we had a way different relationship with our fans than we do now.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Mighty Mi – Making records as always, the favorite part, and promoting them is always the worst.
What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Eon – Just be true to yourself. For us, that meant talking about sports, chicks, and Hip Hop.
Leave a Reply