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The countdown is over for MikeZup: it’s time to hang up the mic and make way for the next generation, the rapper announced in an Instagram post, on the sidelines of the release of his latest project.
Rather than an impulsive act, this decision stems from a reflection that began several years ago. “In 2019, I promised myself that if I didn’t reach a certain level before I turned 30, I would have to consider moving on to something else,” he explains. Today, the artist has chosen to focus his energy on supporting the next generation of artists he is developing within his label, 630MG, a role in which he feels completely at home.
For his final hurrah, the thirty-something unveils Compte à Rebours (Countdown), a hard-hitting project—the most refined and accomplished of his career. Surrounded by a roster of key artists from his musical journey, the Saint-Michel native shines in a decidedly drill and trap universe. Reflecting his new life realities, MikeZup moves away somewhat from the raw gangsta rap that long defined his work, exploring lighter sounds, notably on the excellent track “Cavale” with Souldia.
With this final offering, he opens a last window onto a troubled, yet very real, life. True to form, the lyrics are powerful, genuine, and sincere. These forty minutes of music flow seamlessly, allowing him to take a grand bow.
A few hours before the release, PAN M 360 chatted with him about his recent social media announcement, the creation of Countdown, his future ambitions and much more.
PAN M 360: First of all, tell me about your social media post in which you announced that this is your last career project. What is the reason behind this decision?
MIKEZUP : I’d been thinking about it for a while. I turned 30 this year, and when I released MAUVAISE HUMEUR in 2019, I promised myself that if I didn’t reach a certain level in my career before I turned 30, I’d have to consider moving on. Since then, a lot has happened: I’ve started a label, I’m managing other artists… I have less time for myself, and I’m more focused on other people’s careers. And I really enjoy it.
PAN M 360: And precisely, what was this level you were aiming for at the time?
MIKEZUP : I would have liked to go to Europe. I did manage to get to a respectable point, but I would have preferred to leave Quebec and live 100% off my music. Today, I have to do more collaborations with other artists to make a living, and that’s okay too. But I think I’m going to focus more and more on my own artists. It’s a win-win situation.
PAN M 360: In your post, you state that it’s time to make way for the next generation. Where did this idea come from? Did your role within the label play a significant part in it?
MIKEZUP : Exactly. The artists I manage are all younger, in their 20s. When I started taking music seriously, I was about that age. Now, I know what to do and what to avoid. I know the mistakes I’ve made. I think I’m a good leader for the next generation.
PAN M 360: Let’s come back to that later. First, let’s talk about your new offering, Countdown. What is the narrative thread of this project?
MIKEZUP : Comptes à Rebours, the title alone announces the theme: this is my last album. The countdown is over. As I said, I set myself a deadline of 30, and here we are. The collaborations are mostly with people I’ve worked with in the past and whom I appreciate. It was a way of coming full circle with the artists who have been important in my journey.
PAN M 360: What made this project so significant that it could potentially be your last?
MIKEZUP : Unlike my other projects where I was very productive—I could record three or four albums in a year—this one took an enormous amount of time. We started in December 2024 and finished it last month. That had never happened to me before. I put my heart and soul into it. I like the result; it has a very fresh sound. Before, I sometimes used older tracks from my archives. Not this time. Everything is new. I’m proud of it.
PAN M 360: Which track are you most excited for your audience to discover?
MIKEZUP : I have two. First, “Pierre Tombale” with Izzy-S. This collaboration was highly anticipated. Throughout my career, people kept telling me to do a song with him, but it never happened. It’s finally the last song we recorded for the album. The sound is killer, and Izzy-S has a similar journey to mine. We both went through significant weight loss, so we made a solid gym beat.
And then there’s “Cavale” with Souldia. I love the vibe of that track. It’s a song that can be listened to anywhere and by anyone. I’d say those two.
PAN M 360: Does this collaboration with Souldia reflect the new sounds you are exploring on the album?
MIKEZUP : Yes, exactly. And even if I say this is my last album, I’ll continue making music here and there. I want to continue exploring these more mainstream sounds. All the harder stuff, gangsta rap, hardcore… I’m leaving that behind.
PAN M 360: And why do we one day feel the need to turn the page on this type of sound?
MIKEZUP : My children are growing up. That’s the main thing. My old songs reflected a lifestyle I no longer have. I’ve changed: I’ve moved on to other things, I’m more settled in my life. I’m a father. My children listen to my songs and are starting to understand what I’m saying. It makes them think. I love making music, but I want to make music that everyone can listen to.
PAN M 360: What word best summarizes the Compte à Rebours creation process?
MIKEZUP : Emotions. There were a lot of them. We had a few disagreements with the producers here and there—nothing serious—but there was a lot of logistics, a lot of adjustments. We sometimes redid a mix 15 times. We were meticulous. Details we would have overlooked before, we didn’t neglect this time.
PAN M 360: What would you say to MikeZup when he was starting out in the business?
MIKEZUP : When I started, I had no expectations, and I think that was the best way to make music. When you start having expectations, you inevitably end up being disappointed. When it became too serious and I had to sell albums to pay for my things, it started to stifle my creativity. If I could talk to myself, I’d say: keep going, just focus on making music. And if all else fails, make a backup plan so you can continue to create freely.
PAN M 360: What is your best career memory, as an artist?
MIKEZUP : There are so many. I’ve performed on big stages, I’ve collaborated with important figures in Quebec rap, people I listened to when I was little. My feature with Sans Pression, for example, was a defining moment in my career as an artist. He’s an artist I’ve listened to forever. It was symbolic, almost magical. I’ll always remember it.
PAN M 360: After the music, who is MikeZup? Does that scare you a little?
MIKEZUP : Yes, a little. I’m worried because I’ve been making music since I was 11. I’ve always been known as MikeZup the rapper. Now, it’s like I’m shedding that label to move on to something else… something I don’t know yet. But I tell myself that life has a way of working out. Yes, it creates stress, but it’s a positive kind of stress.
Photo Credit: JRDN PHOTOGRAPHY
