Mr. FoW, the Nigerian-Americana artist blending hip-hop and R&B, just dropped his latest LP, Soul Boi III, and it’s already got people talking. Released on July 13th, this project gives us a taste of what’s coming in his full album next year. Houston’s Mission Control Studios is where the magic happened, with fellow Houstonian Chief Aleel handling the mixing and mastering. This LP is soaked in the city’s vibrant music scene.
Today, we’re getting up close and personal with Mr. FoW. We’ll explore the stories behind the music, his inspirations, and what he wants to say with Soul Boi III.
Q: Let’s start with the basics. What’s the story behind Soul Boi III?
Mr. FoW: Soul Boi III is a snapshot of my life right now. It’s about my personal journey and where I’m at creatively. I spent a lot of late nights in the studio, pouring my heart and thoughts into these songs. Think of it as a taste of what’s coming next on my album. Some of these tracks, like “BushioHOVa” and “PrecIOUs,” have been with me for a while. It felt like the perfect time to let them out into the world. With everything going on, I wanted to create music that connects with people on a deeper level.
Q: It sounds like the world’s current state plays a role in your music. Can you elaborate on that?
Mr. FoW: You got it. The world’s a crazy place right now, lots of uncertainty and noise. But music has this incredible power to cut through all that chaos and bring people together. That’s my goal with my music – to create something that really touches people, something they can feel in their souls. Maybe it brings them peace, maybe it makes them think, or maybe it just helps them vibe out for a bit. Whatever it is, I want my music to be there for them.
Q: So, you’re not just making music, you’re also a big advocate for mental health. How does that play into your artistry?
Mr. FoW: Mental health is close to my heart. It affects everyone, including me. Music’s like therapy, it’s healing. If my songs can make even one person feel seen or understood, then I’ve done my job. For me, music and mental health advocacy go together. It’s about empathy and making the world a little better, one song at a time.
Q: Let’s shift gears a bit and talk about your latest work. How was it collaborating with Chief Aleel on Soul Boi III?
Mr. FoW: Working with Chief Aleel was fantastic. He’s incredibly talented, and we just click in the studio. He knows how to elevate my sound, turn a good idea into something truly special. We spent hours refining each track, making sure every detail was perfect. It was a true collaboration, and you can hear that teamwork in the finished product.
Q: Tell us about the collaboration with Duchess on “mDNA.” How’d that happen?
Mr. FoW: I’ve known Duchess for a while now, and she’s seriously talented. Her voice is raw, soulful, and just pulls you in. When I was working on “mDNA,” I knew I wanted something unique for the first half. The Duchess was the perfect fit. We got together, and the creative energy was instant. Sometimes in the studio, everything just clicks, and this was one of those times. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we made.
Q: How do you choose which songs make the cut for an EP or album?
Mr. FoW: Deciding on the final tracklist is always tough! I usually start with a ton of ideas, then it’s all about narrowing it down. It’s like sculpting, chipping away until you find the perfect shape. I consider the story I want to tell, how the songs flow together, and what I hope people feel when they listen. Some tracks are obvious winners from the start, others might need to wait for their moment. It’s a balancing act, making sure each song adds to the bigger picture.
Q: Your music’s been featured in some major publications like Disrupt Weekly and 24 Hip-Hop. How does that recognition feel?
Mr. FoW: Recognition is always nice, don’t get me wrong. But honestly, it’s not about the awards or the press for me. It’s about connecting with you guys, the listeners. That’s what fuels me. Of course, I appreciate the support, it keeps me going. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the music and the people who vibe with it.
Q: Last question: Do you ever feel like you need to chase trends in the music industry?
Mr. FoW: Nah, not really. I’m more about making music that feels true to me, not chasing the latest thing. The industry changes all the time, but I think if you stay real, people will feel that. Trends come and go, but good music sticks around. That’s what I’m after – something that’ll last.
In Conclusion
Mr. FoW is a multi-talented artist with a bright future. Soul Boi III is a testament to his creativity and his commitment to pushing boundaries. With his upcoming album on the horizon, there’s no doubt that we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the years to come.