What was it like growing up in Delaware and how would you describe the local hip-hop scene?
It was cool growing up here. It’s a lot of hip hop heads here but we kind of get over looked because we are so close to Philly. Right now it’s oversaturated with rappers, every time you turn around there’s somebody new that raps. On the flipside there is a lot of talent out here too. All it will take is that one breakthrough artist to crack the game open.
What should be changed about the local hip-hop scene in order for it to progress?
First we need more unity out here. Cats need to stick together and make this movement. Out of town rappers get way more love than the artist that’s doing their thing here. Mainly because we would rather pay other artist and give them anything just to do a song or do a show instead of building with our on talent. It’s nothing wrong with reaching out to artist all over but let’s also focus on giving the state a face and movement for hip hop too. Like when you go to other cities and states there are always a face that represents hip hop in those regions. I say we unite and build that here. It’s just everybody is competing to be that breakthrough artist instead of realizing there is strength in numbers. Like my man Anartic P from Ill Strip said " We need to start showing up at each others shows showing love, support each others projects and just respect each others movement."
What’s your earliest memory of hip-hop and what drove you into hip-hop?
My earliest memory was when I first heard Slick Rick’s Children Story. My older brother was always into Run DMC but for me it was Slick Rick. Once I heard that I was like" Whoa, I have to do this". Ever since then I have been going strong with hip hop. And I was only like 5 or 6 years old but I was hooked. (laughs)
I was the biggest fan of Nas and still am to this day. He made me want to take a deep approach to rap. I remember in high school they used to call me Baby Esco, cause I used to pattern my style around his. As I got older I just started to develop my own style and realized that I’m Fred Knuxx.
You were in a group called the Franchize. What do you like and dislike about being solo, compared to being in a group?
Being solo is better because you get a chance to give 100% you. In my old group it was 3 members so I could only give a third of me because we had to collectively come up with topics that we all would be comfortable with. The best part of being in a group is performing together. We all held each other down and fed off each others energy. That’s the part I missed the most.
How important have mixtapes been for your career so far?
It’s been real important because DJ’s are the mediators to the labels and the streets. They play a real important role in building an artist buzz in the streets. You have labels that check specific mixtapes for unsigned talent. So for me it’s important to get on mixtapes and build that buzz. You have to realize there is a percentage of people that only buy mixtapes to hear the unwatered down versions of there favourite artist. The streets make stars out of artist first and then the mainstream audience catches on.
I used to hit up local DJ’s at clubs or parties and ask them to listen to my material. I had a lot of doors shut in my face at first but I just stayed persistent. A lot of DJ’s fronted and acted Hollywood on me out here because they didn’t show love to Delaware artist so I got internet savvy and realized there are DJ’s worldwide that feel me. After that it’s been a wrap. Now those same DJ’s that fronted on me show me love because they see I’m more serious about my grind.
Tell me more about StarCore Entertainment.
That’s my label that I started with my partner SLS. I’m the only rap artist on the label now. I don’t want to have a lot of rappers on the roster because I’m not in the position to advance anybodies career but my own right now. I have artist that I’m interested in but I have to put myself in the position to reach out and make stars out of other people. I don’t want 1000 people on board and the boat is sinking not going anywhere. That’s not smart for business. Running a label takes a lot of work and that’s just for me, so imagine having a roster of artist. I do have a comedian, which is my cousin named Proud and a producer named X-Plosive on board. Once Fred Knuxx takes off, you will see me signing artist of all genres of music.
You got a new mixtape coming out. How far is it from being done?
Yeah, The Repo Man…..Taking The Game Back. It’s in the finishing stages of being done. My main hold up was finding a host for it. The material is done but confirming a host was hard. People would verbally agree to it but never come through, so I just confirmed that DJ Kurupt will host it.
How would you define the overall vibe and who do you have on it?
I didn’t have a lot of features besides Delaware artist that I’m cool with like Dom 1, Huff, Jas Mace, Beats from 3 Fa 10. This spit tape was mainly all Fred Knuxx. When you collab with a lot of artists you’re not giving the listeners a chance to hear you. I don’t want people to buy my mixtapes just to hear other artists. They are going to get Fred Knuxx this time around. Once I get myself more established to the public then I might do more collabos on future mixtapes. Plus I’m confident that I can hold my own on a track. (laughs)
What kind of subjects will you broach?
This spit tape has everything on it. Stories, political tracks like “Breaking The Rules” and “Dear Iraq”, a live freestyle with me spitting on like 8 Wu beats. Just me, a DJ and a live mic; no studio punch ins or adlibs blends, and good original tracks. We even have some comedy on there too. It’s something that a real hip hop fan will enjoy and talk about for years to come. Save the mainstream stuff for the album, this one is for the streets and real hip hop fans.
Why did you decide to make a mixtape instead of recording a debut album?
I believe they go hand and hand. This mixtape will be a perfect set up to get people hungry for the album. Plus I put time and energy into this like it was my album. I have enough material for 3 albums but I just want to follow the order I set for myself.
Do you have any other creative passions besides music that you are planning to pursue professionally?
I would like to act in a movie or have a sitcom with my cousin Proud. Our chemistry is crazy because we always bug when we are around each other. I would like to write movies too.
What are your next big projects and/or collaborations?
Right now I’m selecting songs for my album and finishing up my DVD called The Press Kit. We are talking to a couple labels that are interested in me, so if there are any other labels that want to jump in holla at us. I’m thinking about making a 3 part series out The Repo Man spit tape depending how good this one does.
How would you describe your signature style?
Charismatic – because I have a good presence on stage and on the mic. Lyrical – because I always try to come up with clever metaphors and punch lines that wows people. Conscious – because I love coming up with topics that works your brain. You have to give food for thought. Not too much to scare the audience off but enough show people your not ignorant to what’s going on around you. Cock y- every artist should be confident in themselves. I just really believe in me and nobody can change that. Honest – I try to just be me in my raps. Talk about what I live or what’s true to me. If I don’t live a certain lifestyle then I don’t talk about it.
You have been taking hip hop seriously since the age of 13. What keeps you motivated?
The Love of this thing called hip hop. Hearing hot beats, good/bad albums, seeing rappers doing their thing. I have a passion and fire inside me burning for hip hop and that’s not going anywhere.
More info: http://www.fredknuxx.com