Joey Fattz: The Growth

Let’s hop right into your latest single/video, “Love Is For Fools” — Tell me about this track? How did it actually come to fruition? And, of course, for it you teamed up with Statik Selektah, how did this particular connection even come about?

“Love Is For Fools” came about when my homey, Brick, was having a party that Statik was spinning at. He’s been tellin’ me for two years that we needed to do a track together. So naturally, when Statik was in Pittsburgh it had to happen.

“Love Is For Fools” comes courtesy of Bazooka Joe 1.5 — For someone like myself who has yet to hear the new project in its entirety, what would you tell that person can be expected from it?

For somebody that’s yet to hear the project, expect complete greatness, 100% talent, and hard work. Everybody brought their “A” game; from production to features on this project.

That being said, how does Bazooka Joe 1.5 either differ and/or compare to previous Fattz efforts?

Bazooka Joe 1.5…The only project I feel you can compare it to is the the first Bazooka Joe because that’s when I started to feel and see growth as an artist. The “Bazooka Joe” series is to prove the growth…To separate from previous mix-tapes.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

I always wrote rhymes my whole life. I’ve always wrote raps as long as I can remember. It got to a point where I would hide them — my brothers and sisters would find them — and as the youngest in the house I was nervous about them reading my rhymes. They were very critical! My brother listened to nothing but the best lyricists, so when they told me it was good, I knew I was good.

 Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

Method Man, Big Pun, Nas, Kool G Rap, AZ, DMX…The list goes on. I mainly listen to rappers that I can relate to what is going on in their music; there is depth and substance.

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

It’s real life stories and situations of me and my friends. It’s also an outlet to escape and talk about things through the music that you wouldn’t normally speak on.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

I was chubby growing up; they called me “Fat Man!” Getting older, it just turned into Fattz. My first name is Joey.

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

I feel like a lot of artists now just try to copy each other; like if such and such makes a song, the next five artists want to make a similar song. I personally feel like I have my own sound, delivery, and different rhyme schemes. There is nobody like me.

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

Plenty…It’s frustrating! Especially in a smaller city that’s very divided on a music level. People would rather support someone they don’t know with less talent, versus someone with talent that’s from the same place as them and shared the same struggles! That alone can be frustrating. Plus, the market is over-saturated with artists, so it makes it harder to get taken seriously.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Inspiration, motivation, and a smile. We probably share some of the same stories, but I really just wanna continue to make good music and get it to the masses.

Longevity, what do you feel has been the ultimate key to your success thus far? And, of course, what will continue to sustain you in this grueling business of music?

As far as longevity, I feel like as long as I step in that booth, I get better. It can last forever. Music is timeless and I think that also keeps it fun and interesting for the fans to be able to say, “Let’s see how he stepped up on this one.”

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

Absolutely! I have five beautiful kids and a fiancé that I wake up to everyday that gives me all the motivation I need. They excel in school, sports, dance, etcetera. I have to make sure I’m great on my end, not only to match their work ethic, but most importantly (to) be a man they can be proud of.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop?

Not really impressed! I feel it’s too gimmicky and, overall, watered down. You got guys/gals rhyming or rapping about things they don’t even have, seen, or even know how to spell in some cases. I feel music should have some substance.

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

One artist I would like to collaborate with is Method Man, because he has always been a favorite of mine and is still that dude till this day.

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

One venue? I would have to say a sold out CONSOL (Energy Center) arena right in my hometown [Pittsburgh, PA]. That would be unreal!

Also, is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention? And lastly, do you have any “parting” word(s) for our readers?

I don’t think I have just a single song that defines me. My life is just too complex from where I came to where I am. But, that’s something that may be next on the list…Maybe a movie to show it all. FREE YOUNG!

…Lastly, check me out on Twitter: @zookaboi, Instagram: @bazookajoe412, or www.joeyfattz.com.