SoulChef ft: Mickey Factz - The Professional (Single) + 10 Questions

Los Angeles, CA, Acclaimed producer and New Zealand based musician SoulChef, along with Mickey Factz, the Bronx born hip hop artist and hip hop historian, have released their new single “The Professional” via Cinq Music/GoDigital.

Lending his long respected lyrical flow to the track, Mickey Factz arrives true to form. Well known for his storytelling ability, he delivers a razor sharp narrative layered with wit, confidence, and effortless wordplay, each bar a masterclass in precision and poise. His verses glide seamlessly over SoulChef’s signature soulful production, rich basslines, crisp percussion, and warm jazz infused textures, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and cinematic.

Speaking on the release, Mickey Factz shares: “Collaborating with SoulChef was an amazing and seamless experience. Between the production and the lyricism, this marriage of song was a privilege for me.”

SoulChef adds: “It was such an incredible vibe working with Mickey Factz, his artistry and lyricism are unmatched.”

“The Professional” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across borders and styles, a meeting of sharp lyricism and soulful craftsmanship that bridges classic hip hop  authenticity with contemporary polish. With its refined production and poetic command, the track not only reinforces both artists’ reputations as masters of their craft but also signals a continued evolution of hip hop rooted in storytelling, soul, and substance.

With hundreds of millions of streams across platforms, SoulChef has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the global underground hip hop community. Across more than a decade of releases, SoulChef’s music has shaped the global chillhop and jazz rap movements, inspiring a new generation of producers and listeners. His music has become synonymous with the chillhop and jazz hop movements, finding a lasting home in countless golden era inspired playlists. Among his most celebrated works, “Write This Down,” a standout collaboration with Los Angeles based emcee Nieve, continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, earning nearly one million streams per week, more than 15 years after its release. The song’s enduring appeal underscores SoulChef’s rare ability to craft timeless soundscapes that transcend trends and generations.

SoulChef sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It started with listening. Digging through records, sitting with albums, paying attention to how music felt rather than how it was marketed. Jazz, soul, and classic hip-hop all played a role. Production became a way to translate that feeling into something tangible.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’m influenced more by approach than by names—artists who value restraint, intention, and longevity. As far as future collaborations, I’m always open to working with artists who respect the craft and understand space in music. Those conversations tend to happen organically.

3. What was it like working with Mickey Factz on “The Professional”? And what’s next?

Mickey is incredibly focused and precise. He approaches hip-hop with discipline and respect, which made the collaboration feel natural. The record was about creating a timeless moment, not forcing anything. Looking ahead, there are more collaborations in motion and an instrumental project I’m putting final touches on.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Soulful, intentional, and atmospheric. It’s rooted in boom-bap and jazz sensibilities but focused on mood and longevity rather than trends.

5. What’s your proudest moment so far as an artist?

Seeing the music continue to resonate years after its release. When records age well and still find new listeners without needing reinvention, that’s meaningful to me.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to navigate the music industry?

Focus on the work more than the noise around it. Trends come and go, but intention lasts. Build something you believe in and give it time to grow.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I don’t usually name names. I think discovery is part of the experience. If something feels honest and intentional, it’s worth paying attention to.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

A lot of jazz records, instrumental projects, and older albums. Music that leaves space and doesn’t rush the listener tends to stay in rotation for me.

9. What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

I try to keep things quiet. Stepping away from the studio helps maintain perspective and keeps the creative process grounded.

10. Name three things you can’t live without in the studio.

A solid set of speakers, a clean workspace, and time…uninterrupted time.