By DJ YRS Jerzy
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Oakland is held down by a lot of veterans and Mistah F.A.B. is right up there with all the legends. Mistah F.A.B. has had all types of success over the course of his career, which dates back to 2003. Ten years is a long time to sustain such a presence in a business like this and Mistah F.A.B. is still going strong.
Last month, Mistah F.A.B. released his most-recent mixtape, Hella Ratchet, which saw him deliver more party music. Coming from the birthplace of hyphy, Mistah F.A.B. felt he owed his fans that project. He included new energy on the tape, collaborating with both Ty Dolla $ign and Iamsu! along with many more.
Mistah F.A.B. spoke to Hip Hop Vibe about his Hella Ratchet mixtape. In his conversation about the tape, Mistah F.A.B. talked about his work with Ty Dolla $ign. Mistah F.A.B. also talked about the Oakland hip hop scene and the new talent mixing with the older talent, pushing it forward, and his position in the game.
Read the entire interview below:
What was the concept behind your new mixtape, Hella Ratchet? The new mixtape was just to give some of the core fans some of the Mistah F.A.B. music they have been missing. This is the hyphy, party, ratchet, music that I had branched away from. The fans were asking me for it, so I gave it to them.
How long did it take you to put this project together compared to your other releases? Personally, I can do a project overnight. Time has never been the issue, it’s just been whether I want to do one or not.
When you put a project out, what are your goals in regards to how you want to impact the masses? I just make the music, this project was special because it was something I chose to do for the fans, but I usually make the music I want to make and it depends on how I feel at the time.
You featured Ty Dolla $ign on the record, “Another Bitch,” how do you feel about that track? I like that record, it’s a nice record, and I like Ty Dolla $ign. Traxamillion is one of my favorite producers and he did the record. It was good to get back in the studio with him after all the success we have. A lot of people like the record and we might do a video for it.
Ty Dolla $ign is having an amazing year, as are several newer West Coast artists, does it remind you of the era when you were coming up? This new run for the new guys is amazing. What happens is that when one artist blows up from an area, they go after more. So, the success of Tyga and Kendrick Lamar opened doors for Iamsu!, Ty Dolla $ign, Problem, and many more. Their success has placed a lot of industry attention on the West Coast.
As a whole, how are you feeling about the Oakland hip hop scene and the new artists coming up? I love my city and I love the artists in my city. I’m glad people are finally paying attention to my city and I wish everyone well, both the veterans and the newcomers.
You did feature one notable up-and-coming Oakland emcee in Iamsu! on Hella Ratchet, do you see a bright future for him in the industry? He’s a great artist, very talented, very creative. There is no limit for him and he is his own limit. Wherever he wants to take himself, he can do it. He has a great team around him, management, PR, and the HBK Gang are taking over. Whatever he wants to do, he can do it, so it is good to see guys like him get a chance in the game.
When mentioning the Oakland hip hop scene, obviously Mac Dre has to be mentioned, can you speak on one of your fonder memories with him? He was just a great guy. There’s not much more to be said besides we miss him dearly and I wish he could’ve lived to realize his potential and reach his greatness.
How can we connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? My Twitter is @MistahFAB, Facebook is FabbyDavisJr, my Instagram is fabbydavisJr1, I always try to talk to my people because I am a people’s person, the people’s champ.
Follow DJ YRS Jerzy on Twitter @IAMDJYRSJERZY.
