Freddy Hefner: Rhythm & Bounce

Let’s hop right into this new single/video “Chillawn” [http://youtu.be/GHl8VHyz4i8] — Tell me about this particular track? How did it actually come to fruition?

I’ve had this beat for a while from my Bay Area native, Huss, who now lives in Inglewood, California. We’re always vibin’ out and working on new stuff! I really just wanted to tell my onlookers, “fans” and friends, what I’m up to and what my life is about lately; from an honest and humble standpoint.  I’m comfortable with the woman I’ve become thus far – at this moment – and “I be Chillin'” so that’s what came out first…And the rest just fell into place.

You also recently unveiled your very own remix to Nicki Minaj’s Lil Wayne, Drake & Chris Brown assisted “Only” — What prompted your decision to remake this song?

The beat just made me feel confident, and made me want to tell my ‘freddheads’ what I really think about these dudes out here! They love to talk that mess…I just wanted them to shut up! *Laughs* I honestly wanted them to know what girls like me really think, so I made it. We shop, we “money plot,” we want perfect bodies and we are only willing to hear you talk some mess if you can contribute to the cause. *Grins*

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Freddy Hefner?

My uncle had a lot of placements in the ’90’s, and was always in L.A. at my house teaching me how to write songs, how to structure them…And from then, I picked it up and fell in love. I was just automatically good at it and it helped me express myself!

Now you’re Los Angeles, CA, gal, correct? So growing up in the “City Of Angels,” who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

My dad listened to Jay-Z and Jazz and my mom is from Jersey, so I didn’t really grow up in a “Death Row” or super West Coast household.  Most of the rappers I listened to were Jay-Z and Ja Rule. It was something about that East Coast flavor! Jay had the flow and Ja Rule had the hooks.  My mom loved Kut Klose and SWV, so a lot of my sound is influenced by them. The first CD I ever bought was The Writings on the Wall by Destiny’s Child, and that’s when R&B took over my life! To this day, Destiny’s Child is my strongest musical influence.

How then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

My music could be described as R&B. The “B” means bounce *Laughs again*…Rhythm and Bounce.

With that being said, where did the moniker Freddy Hefner originally derive from?

I named myself “Freddy” because I wanted Hip Hop websites to think I was a boy, so everyone would click on my music and be like, “Oh, wow, she’s a girl!” It was either that or Jason; something that was synonymous to a serial killer, because I wanted to kill the music game! Plus, I wanted to separate the rapper within me from the college kid/scholar within me.  Somebody called me Hefner in college because I hung out with all the pretty girls and it just stuck.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

I like to connect with my audience, draw them in, and have an emotional experience with them. I want my people to know I am them. I speak FOR them NOT down on them. I want to encourage – not discourage – and that’s what we are missing in our rap culture today.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Of course! Problems are inevitable in life; it’s all about how you get through them.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want them to be inspired to own themselves. I want them to be inspired to provide for themselves. I want them to be inspired to start their own businesses and lead themselves to financial freedom. I want women to feel strong and I want me to just feel where I’m coming from.

When can we, the masses, expect some new music from you? Like maybe perhaps a full length solo album…

I am working on my next album as we speak and will be dropping singles and doing features until my full body of work is ready to be released.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Living: Nipsey Hussle…I believe my message is similar to his, but it’s not as street influenced as his is…And from a female perspective! His sound is the match to mine in my head. *More laughter*

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

The Hollywood Bowl. It has always been my dream to play there. Everyone has “California dreams,” but I live here and I still have them.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“100” – the Intro to Good Luck II – defines me, my motives, my love for music, my frustrations with the music industry, and my need to inspire and be heard by the masses.

What are your future plans and/or goals for sustaining longevity in music?

My plan is to write music for a lot of people in this industry, as well as evolve myself into a household name. Many artists I admire have taken this same route and it has proven to be effective; Kanye, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Nas, etcetera.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yes, I actually have my own business. I have an eyelash extension studio, and I would like to own a chain of them in all of the major cities across the country. I am also a big fan of real estate, as well as my parents, so I’m getting into that slowly but surely. However, music is always first.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

My song being played on Hot 97 in New York City was an amazing moment for me! That might not be super important to a lot of people, but the radio is every “real” artist’s goal.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

5 years from now, I see myself on Billboard’s Top 10, at least one song by me and 3 written by me! My eyelash studios will be booming by then, and I will be helping young girls all around the world become entrepreneurs and corporate hustlers!

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Miss Hefner?

I’m shooting a video to my “ONLY” freestyle, which will drop soon, and hopefully after that I can hop on tour with one of my L.A. native artist(s)!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I think you covered it all for the most part!!

Any “parting” message(s) for our readers?

Go download my last two projects Good Luck I and II on my SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/freddy-hefner.

…Follow my Instagram and Twitter: @freddheads

…My Tumblr is pretty cool, too! [iamfreddyhefner.tumblr.com]

…Ladies, DO NOT let these men manipulate you. Go to school first, have babies later! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in  the baby carriage…And don’t you forget that! Knowledge is power. Humility overpowers cockiness any day. Stay true to yourself. Know your worth!

….Men, treat your woman right! Stop flocking houses and empower yourself with education. “Ghetto” is a state of mind, not a place. Work smarter, not harder!! Love you guys.

xoxo
Freddy!!