Interviews
Introducing Rapper FNX : For The Love of The Culture
FNX sets himself apart in this cut throat music industry. Find out why.
Hailing from Norwalk, CT, rapper FNX is not your ordinary rapper.
Today, rap artists are real expressive in flashing cars, money, and jewelry. But FNX is a socially conscious rapper, bringing the original roots of hip-hop and true artistry through real life experiences.
A songwriter, rapper, and newly acknowledged preacher, FNX is a survivor. At the age of 13, he became homeless as a result of domestic violence. Along with his mother and 5-year-old sibling, his family lived on the streets and in shelters for over one year. But his struggle was beyond the physical. FNX explains,
“Being homeless isn’t just about sleeping on church floors, getting clean in public bathrooms or or eating Ramen noodles in order to survive and stay alive- It’s about the inner psychological struggle to try to stop the free fall.”
He credits listening to artists like Nas and Ras Kas for getting him through advertisty.
“It self inspired me to preserve. Persevere and self-educate myself.
When I was going through it, the thing that held me down was my walk man and tape deck. That’s why I’m so loyal to the cause and loyal to the culture. I feel like I owe it to hip-hop to do the best I can”
The name FNX is short for (Feenixxx), an inspiration from the character Simon Phoenix, from the movie Demolition Man, who FNX explains as and pardon the french, hip-hop’s “bad muthaf–ker”.
FNX describes his music as passionate and from the soul, inspired by greats who came before him.
“I was inspired by emcees who were either super lyrical or super passionate. So I was a big Tupac fan. In the same accord I was a big Cannabis, Ras Kas, Big Pun.”
FNX understands the culture and that is most evident in his music. If it’s not relatable, then it’s not real he says. FNX’s “Young Black Males” kind of explains it all:
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FNX emphasized that he speaks from the heart and at the same time, perfecting his craft.
“I really want to represent for those who inspire me”
His motivation is deep within the culture. A culture that is so big, rich, and influential he emphasized. A culture that has ultimately shaped our nation today, and one that he is proud to be a part of.
“I tried to move from hip-hop but it’s apart of my DNA. It’s who I am as a person. It’s the culture that I have adopted and represent”
FNX started to turn his life around through music with the help of his grandparents. He planted his roots on the East Coast and graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership.
FNX says obtaining a degree has helped him and his team become better people. Education gave him a better understanding of the business of music; something that a lot of music artists fail at when entering the industry. The cut throat industry has taught him to be more of a leader and to help lead his people beyond the scope of music.
FNX | Source: unplugged.nyc
He doesn’t let negativity affect his mission. He’s been told he uses big words and his message to those is simply: you need to get with it.
FNX pays tribute to core hip-hop values by delivering clever word-play and intuitive punch lines that boast a competitive edge, mixing the belligerent nature of 90’s hip-hop with the shepherding of those who can relate to the struggle.
He states his best performance was opening for LOX member, Styles P, and the well-respected rapper giving him a nod of approval when the crowd asked for an encore. Not to mention, rapper Kool G rap says FNX is like a “knight in a golden era”.
“Feenixxx is like a knight of the golden era transported in time to save hip-hop from non-lyricism.”
FNX is well on his way, and it’s more than just the music for him. It’s not about becoming a huge star in the hip-hop game, but just inspiring those along the way through educating and motivating.
“I see me and my team making an impact with our music but also making an impact in the community”
FNX’s most recent projects, Blue Moon and the “Who Am I” EP, delves deep into his unique vision of life in the future and how his music has led to a higher knowledge of self. FNX says FNX Vol. 1 the mixtape is coming out soon as well.
FNX continues to make moves and making an impact while doing it. You don’t come across too many artists who are actually doing music for the love of the culture, not for the money and fame.
In his last words in the interview FNX said it best,
“Make sure you do it for the love of the art and love of the culture. And if you’re not, you need to find something else”
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About Unplugged
Bridging the gap between indie and industry is what best describes the Unplugged music series held in New York City.
The showcase provides a supportive environment in which artists are able to share their music with an audience, develop their fan base, and to network.
The series is produced by music and entertainment industry professionals whose mission is to encourage COMMUNITY over competition.
Past performers include McDonald’s Gospelfest Award winning group The Sisters, former Motown recording artist Yummy Bingham, and Grammy Award winning Songwriter/Producer Timothy Bloom.
Unheard Voices is proud to be apart of this series. Each winner of the showcase gets a series of prizes including a featured story right here on the Unheard Voices website.