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.
Interviews
Meet Singer TruSoul Davis
As an up & coming artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis is adamant to keep love in music.
As an up & coming singer hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis discovered his affinity for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth.
TruSoul Davis discovers his voice
In his later years, he began to take music more seriously, honing in on his gifts and finding his voice. TruSoul Davis went on to release multiple singles leading up to his first major release “The Tru Experience” to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim.
After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as “The FreeThinkers Tour”, “Indie Acoustic Soul Live” & “Song Wars 5” to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by “Bringing real R&B back”, as he says.
Unheard Voices had a chance to ask TruSoul Davis some questions on his journey.
Get to know the soul singer below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist of the month.
Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
TruSoul Davis: At a very young age, probably about 5 years old. I can remember back when my mother used to bring home records from her job at the local record shop and let me just “dive” deep into her collection from artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, etc.
Unheard Voices: How would you describe your style of music?
TruSoul Davis: Simply a touch of 90’s RnB with today’s twist.
Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
TruSoul Davis: My name came from me and a friend of mine listening to music. I started to sing the song we were listening to with a lil bit more sauce then my friend was like ” man you sang that with some true soul ” so I just dropped the “e” and put it together.
Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Trusoul Davis: With my music, I sing songs to the hearts of women and the minds of men showing the up’s and downs of love and life, good and bad, and just trying to keep ” love” in music because we need it.
Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
TruSoul Davis: There are just too many to name. I can name a few to keep it brief; artists like Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, Michael Jackson just to name some ALL PLAY A GREAT PART IN MY MUSIC.
Unheard Voices: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered during your journey with music?
TruSoul Davis: The biggest challenge I have encountered is being my own worst critic, and just trusting the process.
Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself musically in five years?
TruSoul Davis: I can’t say but what I will say is “where ever hard work and consistency gets me”
Unheard Voices: What is next in the works for TruSoul Davis?
TruSoul Davis: Dropping a video to my latest single “Wildflower” ft my homie Big Trip. Shout out my shooter Logan Kyngston also some big shows coming this summer.
Unheard Voices: What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
TruSoul Davis: Outside of music I love spending time with loved ones, working out, and doing something proactive for those around me friends and strangers alike.
Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
TruSoul Davis: Some words of encouragement for those grinding just like me “keep ya head down stay focused stay sharp rock with the people that rock with you just like that and TRUST THE PROCESS stay consistent and results will come”.
Check out him on Reverbnation.
Interviews
Missin Peace holds police accountable with national misconduct database
Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.
Missin Peace is on a mission to connect the dots when it comes to police misconduct.
For decades, many Americans have suffered various forms of brutality and injustice at the hands of “bad” law enforcement officers.
With the upsurge of cell phone cameras, citizens are finally able to document their interaction with police. The unfortunate murders of
Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others have galvanized the masses to demand justice.
Police officers are intended to be public servants, but what happens when the officer is accused of misconduct?
Sometimes, a civilian puts in a complaint in a step towards holding the officer accountable. But only a small percent of complaints result in the officer being disciplined —partly because the accusations are hidden.
Records of misconduct are filed away and rarely seen outside of their department.
Investigators can’t take action against corrupt officers if they are missing the pieces of the puzzle regarding stories of misconduct.
That’s where Missin Peace comes in.
How Missin Peace works
Missin Peace is a national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.
Released in 2017, the registry offers two type of accounts.
One, it enables civilians to put the formal complaints they filed against the officer on record. Civilians are able to submit the official civilian complaint along with pictures, videos, and other accompanying documentation.
Two, the database also serves as a portal for investigative journalists, hiring managers, and civil rights attorneys to conduct research. For this type of account, users must contact Missin Peace to be granted access.
Currently, Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that allows citizens to follow and find any police officer’s history of complaints. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness on the database to be used as a tool for police accountability.
Check out Unheard Voices interview with Missin Peace founders:
For civilians who file their complaints on the database, personal information is stripped from the complaint, assuring complete anonymity.
The intent is to put on record police misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Traditionally, corrupt law enforcement officers have been allowed to transfer from one department to another and avoid the repercussions of their actions. To circumvent the recycling of corrupt cops, the American public and politicians finally understand the need for a centralized database of citizen complaints.
Missin Peace is here to fill in that void.
How to submit your complaint(s) in the database
If you have filed a complaint against a law enforcement officer, Missin Peace encourages you to put your complaint in the database to fill in the missing pieces. It doesn’t matter how old the complaint is, as long as it’s official.
To visit Missin Peace, check out their website and spread the word with your loved ones.
Interviews
Rapper Chad Watson Is Poised To Become LA’s Next Rising Star
Chad Watson is a lyricist, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.
Chad Watson is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.
Who is rapper Chad Watson?
His roots began in the church at a young age where his love for music manifested. But it was only a few years ago that he started taking music seriously and he’s never looked back since.
His deep appreciation of acts like Andre 3000, transcends into his own style. He is the quinessential artist that is poised to become one of the biggest acts in the country and he’s well on his way.
With his growing buzz, he has appeared on various media platforms and now Unheard Voices.
We had the chance to chat with Chad Watson, asking the music artist questions on his journey.
Check it out below and click here to listen to his music on YouTube.
Interview
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