The Woman, the Myth, the Legend…Fore9gn. Thank you, Fore9gn, for taking the time to share your insights with us.
Los Angeles has been a mecca for music talent over the last 100 years, with artists coming worldwide to record. As a native Angeleno, how do you feel that your hometown has influenced your musical style?
I’m from Rowland Heights, a majority Asian and Hispanic populated area in Southern California, between the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. It’s not known to be a mecca for music talent like LA, but many of my peers from my hometown greatly influenced how I created my sound because they only listened to underground rappers.
What was your inspiration behind the latest single that you are releasing?
The latest single I’ve released is a collaboration with Marikylle called ROLL DICE, inspired by the moment we created the song itself. If you listen closely, it sounds like a public conversation between two people who’ve been through trust & loyalty issues, forming a bond throughout the song.
Can you share your creative process from the studio to the video for your videos?
My creative process is very unpredictable. It varies from utilizing any resources I have or feel like using at the moment. I’ll be recording on my iPhone or at a homie’s home-based studio. Recording on my iPhone or even editing on my iPhone as well. I’ve paid $70 an hour at a studio and $800 at most for a video so far, but I’m hoping to find a set team to make all my music with.
You are not your average artist; you have made it your mission to incorporate music into your entrepreneurial ventures. Can you share with us how you plan on expanding your career in a business mindset, not just musically?
I plan on turning myself into a full-on brand as well as creating a diverse movement full of people who are like-minded and enjoy a mix of genres with lyrics that have a substance that vibrates motivation.
Without singling anyone out, who are your top three choices of artists and/or producers that you would love to work with in the future and why?
I do not have a list of anyone I prefer to work with producer/artist/industry-wise because many of them are now dead in recent years. Although I would have to say that my top three would be Nipsey Hussle, MF DOOM, and XXXTentacion, mainly because of how impactful their lyrics were when I listened to their songs. They also had fierce deliveries in the way they presented themselves.
What do you feel your chosen career path would have been if it weren’t for music?
If it weren’t for music, I would be your local Sally’s Beauty Supply store cashier, or I’d have a job in the cannabis industry.
Why is music so important to you? Is there a specific memory you can reflect on that impacted you so much that you said, ‘this is my path?” If so, what was that?
Music is important to me because it’s used for many positive things throughout my life. It wakes me up in the morning, the white noise in awkward silences, an escape when I need “Me” time and a great network.
What would be your dream Los Angeles venue to perform at, and why?
Unfortunately, I do not have a dream venue. The only venue I’ve heard of in LA is the Staples Center which might have been updated to say “CRYPTO.”
What do you want to accomplish in the next three years with your music?
An EP/Album I can take a road trip listening to, an EP/Album I can listen to while working out, and an EP/Album I can SLEEP to.
What is the most powerful message you want to share with your fans?
The most powerful message I’ll share with my viewers and audience is that learning to be calm in chaos will train your gut to win in life. I have made many mistakes early in my childhood, reacting to every situation, but I have used my creative arts, such as music, painting, and drawing, to collectively get me through the harshest times.
We opened up by asking how LA has impacted your musical style; how do you think you have most impacted Los Angeles through your music?
My music isn’t big enough to impact LA right now, but it’s a work in progress, and I hope to come back to you within a year with a different answer on this one!