Getting Real with Mr. FoW: The Neo-Contemporary Artist Crafting Hip Hop with a Soul
Mr. FoW isn’t your average Hip Hop artist. This neo-contemporary creator weaves raw energy with soulful vibes and a sprinkle of storytelling magic. His sound is unique, his ambition is undeniable, and we were excited to catch up and dig a little deeper.
Q: Alright, let’s cut straight to the good stuff. You call yourself a ‘Nigerian-Americana’ artist—what exactly does that mean?
Mr. FoW: It’s about owning my roots. Being born to Nigerian-American parents, there’s always this duality that shapes who I am. My music reflects that blend of cultures and experiences.
Q: A lot of hip-hop is about ego, about bragging. Your music feels different—what’s driving you?
Mr. FoW: Man, don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of healthy confidence! But for me, it’s not about empty boasting. It’s about the hustle, the ambition, and making an actual impact in the world. I want people who listen to my music to feel empowered, like they can take on anything.
Q: Speaking of ambition, tell us about “Bush Boi.” This album is fire, but what’s the story behind it?
Mr. FoW: Appreciate that! “Bush Boi” is all about embracing the unconventional path. It’s saying ‘Forget the mold, I’m creating my own space.’ You can be smart, driven, and still rough around the edges. That’s the spirit of a Bush Boi.
Q: This neo-contemporary thing, it feels like a movement in music right now. What drew you to that space?
Mr. FoW: I love hip-hop and R&B, but I’m always craving something more, something unexpected. Neo-contemporary lets me play, to experiment, to push boundaries without feeling boxed in. If my Alt-X Hip-Hop and R&B music makes you feel something, then I’ve done my job.
Q: There’s a real focus on storytelling in your music. Why is that so important to you?
Mr. FoW: I want my songs to stick with people. I don’t want to put out throwaway tracks. I want listeners to think, to connect their own experiences to the music.
Q: Let’s talk about the grind. You’ve had some major successes, but have there been moments where you wanted to throw in the towel?
Mr. FoW: Countless times. I’ve played shows with practically no one in the audience, dealt with shady industry folks…you name it. But that’s where grit kicks in. You learn, you pivot, and you keep moving forward. Success isn’t just about hitting it big; it’s about getting back up every time life knocks you down.
Q: You mentioned grit. What other qualities are crucial for your success, would you say?
Mr. FoW: Patience is huge. This industry is a marathon, not a sprint. Then there’s kindness—that cutthroat attitude gets you nowhere in the long run. And the biggest one? Believing in yourself, even when no one else does.
Q: With everything you’ve got going on, how do you actually switch off and recharge?
Mr. FoW: Traveling is my reset button. Experiencing new cultures, and different ways of life… that’s where I find balance and new inspiration.
Q: Before we go, any words of wisdom for the young artists and entrepreneurs out there?
Mr. FoW: Hold onto what makes you different. That’s your superpower. Embrace it, own it, and don’t let anyone try and dull your shine.
There you have it! Mr. FoW is a voice to keep your ears on—his music is catchy, his message is authentic, and his drive is contagious. Make sure to check out “Bush Boi“, and if you’re ready for some hip-hop with a serious dose of soul, this is your guy.
Images are artist-submitted
