After a long day of working, London and Fat Tony were able to exchange words about his career and key to his artistry.
Phresh Mentality: Where are from and how long have u lived there?
Fat Tony: I'm from Third Ward, one of the oldest and predominately black neighborhoods in Houston, Texas. Lived here all my life, only changed houses twice. Best hood in the H if you ask me or anyone with sense.
Phresh Mentality: How has living there affected you as an artist from your writing to your opportunities?
Fat Tony: Totally influenced me. This neighborhood has a big connection to Houston's art and its contributors. The museum district of the city is located here in the tré (3rd Ward) as well as a bunch of art venues like Project Rowhouse and Midtown Art Center. I've recorded a mixtape at the Midtown Art Center and spent a bunch of time connecting with artists in this area - my age & older. Plus my whole fam is from here. My mom's dad had his doctor's office around the corner from the hospital she was born at. He graduated from the same school I did. My mom went there too. Third Ward runs deep. Plus we've put out some of the best Houston artists like BIG MOE (RIP).
PM: So this area is full of family and relationships for you.
"I can say this over & over but the real test lies in what you and other tastemakers and the fans think... " -Fat Tony
FT: Totally. No matter where I live in this world I can never forget or let down my hood.
PM: You’re nothing short of a role model. I definitely commend you for that. But yes, how did u come up with the name Fat Tony?
FT: When I started rapping in middle school I put out a bunch of names like A.O.—which stood for my initials. Even silly shit like O-Murder and Hamster Cunt [chuckles], Fat Tony was just the one that stuck. Over the years I expanded it into Fat Tony Obidiyah Geofferey Jones.
PM: A man of many names I must say, a mouthful indeed, but at least one finally stuck.
FT: Hell yeah. I love aliases. I admire dudes like Pimp C and David Bowie for that.
PM: Indeed. A persona that you create and go wild with.
FT: Yes dude. What's this artistry shit for if you can have fun and be creative? I'm into appealing to your imagination.
PM: Exactly. Imagination is where the individuality lies. It’s beautiful. You mentioned that you've been rapping since you were in middle school, what triggered this in you at such a young age?
FT: I loved music. Got into pop music as a wee boy thanks to my parents and grandmama's record collections. Lots of Michael Jackson, Beatles, Bob Marley, Whodini... every pop genre spread throughout the house. Started getting into punk rock in middle school and that showed me anybody can pick up this shit and make something beautiful.
PM: With this ever rising population in the indie community with rappers and other artist, what’s your motivation to stay with it?
FT: I think there's still a void for originality and boldness. I'm the one to fill that. I dare to do whatever I please long as its jammin’ while many (even the "indie") want to hop trends and bite styles. Above all I love music and always will do this. I know I'll always have a fan base that rides with me cause people can't be bullshitted all the time. They know good music when it hits them.
PM: True. How does it make you feel when you see other artist bopping trends and not remaining true to the art of music, but still make it through the cracks?
FT: Makes me feel shitty-- only as a fan, not as an artist. I'll have my comments but I support anyone making a living from doing music because this isn’t easy. But it disappoints me as a fan of good ass rap music; makes me feel more assured in doing me.
PM: You are currently an unsigned artist, are you seeking to sign with any major label or are going to continue to be an independent artist?
FT: I want a deal!!! I'd go towards a major if the deal was worthwhile but realistically I'd rather get with a good indie that knows what they're doing, has a good history, and has their shit together. I can say this over & over but the real test lies in what you and other tastemakers and the fans think... but this next album I'm releasing titled RABDARGAB is incredible. Production like you've never heard before and throwed rhyming galore. Complete songs, hooks, no mixtape-ish b.s. Its just me and one producer goin' in for the win. Its the longest record I've worked on so far and I believe in it.
PM: How many tracks can we expect and can we get a break down on the title?
FT: Between 12 & 14. Its getting mixed and arranged next month.
PM: What does the title of your album mean?
FT: RABDARGAB stood for "Read a book. Do a report. Get a buck." back in my day. It was a way for the public school system to con little kids into reading more cause all we cared about was Sega genesis and Tiny Toons. I wanted to rep for my Houston roots with that album title.
PM: I see. Nice. I learn something new everyday. That's a good message.
FT: I updated it a little bit with a new slogan "roll a blunt. Drink a red stripe. Get a b*tch." I think that'll go over a little better with today's youngsters.
[Laughs]
PM: What can I say? From the past to present . Times have changed
FT: Right
PM: When is it expected to release?
FT: Hmm... No dates just yet. Once it gets ready to be packaged I'ma ship it around. Its a joint project between me and the producer Dope Pope aka Tom Cruz from Atlanta's SUPREEME. We are going try to put it out through the best avenue possible. If all goes I'd expect it to drop early next year.
PM: Jus keep putting out music worth listening to, because that's what you’ve done. It has been over a year since you released a collection of work, have you changed/grown over this period?
FT: Absolutely. I’ve grown up as a man and I feel differently about how I make the music, how I approach the creative process. Everything's become more natural. I'm daring even more to be myself going with what comes first and fine tuning it all to be the best.
PM: As you've "grown up as a man," how has does your writing process operate.
FT: Different focus. Not trying to stretch myself out with syllables and fast rapping all the time. Slowing it down and taking out the unnecessary. Putting out messages that are a little simpler while still staying clever and wreckin rhyme wise.
"Not trying to stretch myself out with syllables and fast rapping all the time." -Fat Tony
PM: As the saying goes quality not quantity. That's a standpoint many rappers need to under understand. Yes, your beat if tight but what about your rhymes. So that's good.
FT: Yeah man many rappers get caught up with this rhymin’ shit, trying to sound like rocket scientists. Keep it creative and relatable.
PM: Exactly. Do you have performances coming up
FT: Always. August 8th I'm playing Free Press Houston's Summerfest here in the H. Playing the main stage with Broken Social Scene, Explosions in the Sky, Of Montreal, Prince Paul, Devin the Dude, tight local bands, and a bunch more. This weekend I'm playing the Houston Press Music Awards showcase. I won last year for "Best Underground Hip Hop" in the city and I'm nominated again this year.
FT: Tryna get my Kobe on.
PM: I see you. I see you
[laughing]
PM: Where can the readers and listeners reach you online?
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