Warning: Use of undefined constant interviews - assumed 'interviews' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/c8qi844vijfu/public_html/news/wp-content/themes/blankslate-child/entry-content.php on line 18
Before Nas signed Fashawn to his label the 26-year-old rapper from Fresno had quit rap. Nas obviously saw something big enough to weather criticism, which openly forecast the downfalls of signing a rapper already disheartened by the industry. Regardless, Nas called Fashawn one of the most underrated in the game and got to work, which included lending his talents as executive producer on the The Ecology. In February this year, Fash told Sway In The Morning, “I was in a place where I didn’t give a fuck about rap anymore. I was just back on the block in California, just thuggin, you know what I’m saying, and I didn’t think about being an artist again, like I didn’t think this moment would happen, I didn’t think that I would be here talking to Sway, again. So when he came and reached out to me it kind of saved my life.”
This was after a world tour that included Australia in 2012 and a freestyle session on stage with Kendrick Lamar at Rock The Bells in 2013, he’d also toured with Wiz Khalifa and Talib Kweli, appeared on the 2010 XXL Magazine freshman class alongside Nipssey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs, Big Sean, J Cole and Wiz even though there are way more highlights to list, the then independent artist, Fashawn still chucked it in. He told Sway “Rap could exist without me and it’ll be fine and I just didn’t give a fuck, so if it wasn’t for Nas I wouldn’t be here.” Last June, Fashawn signed to Mass Appeal, making him the only West Coast rapper on a bill hosting Run The Jewels, Nas and Bishop Nehru. In this interview with Grindin, Fashawn says of Nas, “I don’t think he’ll be satisfied until the whole world recognizes my talent like he did. I’m blessed to have him in my corner.” Fashawn says “My album is telling people to think for themselves. I intended to help broaden the minds of today’s hip hop audience. I wanted to give my generation something that was original yet, felt nostalgic…I can’t wait to go back and see how the Ecology has touched people across the Pacific.”
What does it feel like to be able to say the “Out The Trunk” remix featuring Busta Rhymes is the official song for the EA Sports NBA Live 2016?
It’s surreal to say the least. NBA Live is a brand that I’ve been familiar with since a kid. It’s a big honor to now have my music be a part of that legacy.
What was the feeling like watching the remix debut on MTV back in May and working with Busta Rhymes?
Having MTV debut your song is a big deal to anyone who grew up in the 90’s, I’m no exception. I was hype when I heard that they were launching the record. It all started when I got word that the god Busta Rhymes was hopping on the track though. The rest is history. I knew he would take the song to another level.
How do you feel now that “The Ecology” is out to fans and the world?
I feel proud to know that it is no longer just an idea in my head and it is something that actually exist in the world. I couldn’t be happier to tell you the truth.
What’s been the best feedback from “The Ecology” thus far?
It’s really hard to say. The feedback from fans and critics alike have been overwhelmingly positive all around. You got people calling it album of the year and then of course you got your fans who want a certain kind of record from me whether it’s just hard raps. But, the love is out weighing that at the moment. I came to deliver something people could listen to for years to come.
Do you have a favourite song on the album and if so why/why not?
I don’t have a favorite song on this album right now. I had a special moments creating each one so they all mean something different to me depending on when I’m listening to them. Contrary to popular belief, I hardly even listen to my own music. I might go back and visit an album I made years later just to see if it’s classic to me. Other than that, I don’t have a favorite song on this album. I love the whole thing from top to bottom and hope everyone else feels the same.
From your point of view, what do you think the album contributes to Hip Hop today (I’ve read that was one of your intentions for the album)?
I think it brings a certain sense of conscious individuality to today’s culture. It’s thought provoking but, at the same time it’s not telling people what to think. My album is telling people to think for them selves. I intended to help broaden the minds of today’s hip hop audience. I wanted to give my generation something that was original yet, felt nostalgic. I believe I accomplished that with The Ecology.
What is it like to be signed to Nas’ label, Mass Appeal Records, alongside himself and Run The Jewels?
It feels good to be a part of this new rap mafia led by the don Escobar. Everybody in the family is official too from Run The Jewels to Dave East. I’m happy I made the move to Mass Appeal. Even though I’m the only west coast artist over there, they make me feel right at home.
As emcees Killer Mike and Nas are some of the culture’s most cherished figure. Was that intimidating for you, or how did you adjust to seeing your name next to theirs?
Intimidating at first because I grew up idolizing both of these guys. They treat me like one of their peers most of the time though and make sure to remind me that I’m talented too. Just being in their presence is humbling to say the least.
When Nas said you’re one of the most underrated artists in the game, what do you feel he was referring to?
Easily my past record sales and level of recognition. I don’t think he’ll be satisfied until the whole world recognizes my talent like he did. I’m blessed to have him in my corner.
How has being signed to Mass Appeal changed the mind space or thought process you use to make music? (I read because you had already started “The Ecology” before signing with Nas, it allowed you to achieve your vision for the project better).
I started to feel the momentum that the album was building around which inspired me to keep recording songs relentlessly. I didn’t change my approach to making music or mind frame but, I did enhance my work ethic a whole lot. That’s what I believe made the difference this time around.
What are some of your favourite memories of Australia?
A night in Perth that I hardly can remember at this point in my life. Let’s just say I had amazing time. Nothing but memorable moments in Australia. I can’t wait to go back and see how “The Ecology” has touched people across the pacific.
What is your definition of Grindin’?
Turning ten into twenty. Twenty to a hundred. Hundred to a hundred thousand and so on. How ever you get it is not my concern.
Interview by Aleyna Martinez.