Colorful and electrifying like the vibrant hues of the eras that raised him, the 80s and 90s birthed an entertainment force to be reckoned with. “Those eras are very special to me because I belong to those eras. There were so many aspects of life and music that were being unapologetically explored and invented. There was a different level of freedom available.”
Rapper, singer, songwriter, fatso™ is a fresh and extraordinarily talented rising star in the field of entertainment. His unexpected yet highly treasured honesty, intelligence and wit make him an artist to watch in a sea of predictability and mediocrity. For fatso, music is life and without it we cease to exist.
The music industry ushered in a new level of musicianship when fatso assumed his place at the table. Music has always been the cornerstone of his being. “My father has a record collection that garnered the attention of our local newspaper, resulting in a featured article, and I can remember how on Sundays and Saturdays we’d wake up to mom’s LPs while cleaning and cooking. From there it just grew!” He began penning lyrics at 11 years old, inspired by groups like, Another Bad Creation, The Boyz, Quo, Kriss Kross, and Da Raskalz. With sights clearly focused on being a musical performer, this disciplined youngster made his mark, beginning his recording career at the ripe age of 13 and at the same time becoming a published writer with BMI.
When one hears the name, fatso™, conjured thoughts of playground taunting, sneers and jeers; and bearing witness to the underdog finally having his day in the sun, make us nostalgic for the simplicity of days gone by—the hard knocked consequences of living and learning, birthing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the acknowledgment of others, flaws and all. As his moniker suggests, fatso’s personal journey of self-knowledge and self-edification shine through in his music making this dynamic entertainer accessible, necessary and relevant!
Fatso’s major break came when he was almost signed to, hip hop group-Lost Boyz frontmans’, Mr. Cheeks Entertainment imprint at the age of 16. However, the agreement was compromised at the hands of former management. The silver lining, fatso was featured on an independent television show as the first artist of Mr. Cheeks Entertainment in 1997.
fatso™ has graced stages all along the east coast. His high-wattage stage show shutting-down non-assuming venues in his path. While his 1st major independent project was a compilation CD, fatso has opened for many artists. Some signed with major record companies including Carmon, D’wayne Wiggins from (Tony, Toni, Toné), Ruff Endz, Cap One and Grenique. One major highlight, his performance with Washington DC’s own Backyard Band courtesy of Big G from HBO television series, The Wire.
When asked what next, this young dynamo suggests complete song production and honing his musicianship on the guitar and piano. The rare ability to see and speak life as it is, while finding humor, simplicity and beauty in the truth, makes fatso™ an avant-garde gourmet entrée in a stale chicken-box world. “Show me one person that doesn’t listen to music and I will show them pity.”
Where can we hear your stuff?
Myspace music page as of current..
Plans in 2009 for iTunes.
How did you get that name?
It is a social moniker.Sort of like the kid that all the mean kids talked about on the playground…Nobody ever wanted him on the team because of his body type (per say).Well in my own way…I was and still am that fatso today.
Something different, and sometimes not wanted on the playground.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Almost being the first artist signed to Mr. Cheeks Entertainment when I was 16 or 17 years old.
What has been your most difficult challenge?
There aren’t any difficulties to me when it comes to making music…
However, the business behind getting my music out often proves to be a challenge.
What makes you different?
The fact that I accept that word and am not afraid of it.
What projects are you working on?
Currently I am working on an EP to be released this January (2009) titled ‘The Skinny.’
Where are you from originally?
Queens, New York & West Palm Beach, Florida
How Long have you been making music?
Since I was about 11 years old.
What artists inspire you?
In so many ways and words, artists such as:
Young Buck
Trey Songz
Bilal
Kanye West
John Mayer
Amos Lee
There are sooo many!
How would you define your style of music?
Colorful, honest, sarcastic-realism.
What teams are you affiliated with?
No teams in particular, Just a dynamic team of managers.
Who are some artists that you have worked with?
Performed live with The Backyard Band
Mr. Cheeks
New R&B Singer-London of Motown Records
Who would you like to collab with? : Trey Songz
Bilal
Andre 3000
Pharell Williams
Young Buck
Maxwell
in no particular order of importance..
Where do you see the future of music?
I hope to see more honesty and a revisit back to more live instrumentation.
Where do you see yourself in 1 year?
On the road!
I plan to be doing shows 8-10 months out of the year with current and new material.
Describe yourself in one word.
Necessary.
Any shout outs?
To any and all who read this!
My management team and Hundred-Thousand in particular for getting me in this magazine.
And G-d, but I don’t really give him shout outs…I send up prayers full of praise.
Shout Out to PURE CASH!
Email: [email protected]
Myspace.com/fatsonj
Management Contact Info: Andre Terry 804.283.2309