2 Heavy: The FREDTHEGXD x IAHHM Interview
Returning to the IAHHM platform is TOP 50 ARTIST FREDTHEGXD… Dropping off new music, discussing 2Heavy, THEGXDEMCEE EP, Favorite Artists, Inspiration, future projects and more in the exclusive interview.
FREDTHEGXD is a 21-year-old rapper from East Charlotte and a member of rap collective 2 Heavy. Balancing rapping and singing, his musical style and flow is relaxed and captivating. His music can be enjoyed playing in the background or as the main attraction. His debut project NOT FOR SALE was released in November of 2016, and showcased his versatility with songs like “Do Not Disturb” and “Tokyo Drift.” In March of 2018, FREDTHEGXD released a joint EP with Champion Sound artist, DamarTheEmcee, titled THEGXDEMCEE. The six-song project highlights his growth and ability to master any sound. Find all of FREDTHEGXD’s music on SoundCloud and subscribe to both SoundCloud and YouTube (2 Heavy Worldwide) for NEW music. Check out the full interview below and be on the lookout for a bunch of new material coming from 2 Heavy and FREDTHEGXD. Peep the full interview below! #FREEGAME.
https://www.instagram.com/fredthegxd/
https://twitter.com/fredthegxd
“Golden” x FREDTHEGXD
https://soundcloud.com/fredthegxd/golden
“Wide Awake Freestyle” x FREDTHEGXD
https://soundcloud.com/fredthegxd/wide-awake-freestyle
Not for Sale FREDTHEGXD
https://soundcloud.com/fredthegxd/sets/not-for-sale
“Rolls Royce Freestyle” x FREDTHEGXD
https://soundcloud.com/tuheavy/fredthegxd-x-inf-rolls-royce-freestyle
THE GXDEMCEE x FREDTHEGXD and DamarTheEmcee
https://soundcloud.com/championsound3x/sets/thegxdemcee
“Ups & Downs” x FREDTHEGXD
IAHHM x FREDTHEGXD INTERVIEW
WHERE DOES DRAKE RANK IN YOUR BEST OVERALL RAPPER LIST? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PUSHA T BEEF DID FOR BOTH PARTIES?
As far as just rapping, the bottom half of the top 10. I think Drake can rap but there are other rappers that are way better. His true benefit is in being a dual threat
FAVORITE HIP HOP GROUP OF ALL TIME?
My favorite group is Tha Dogg Pound fasho.
WHAT HAS THE HARDEST OBSTACLE AS AN INDEPENDENT RECORDING ARTIST BEEN?
The toughest thing I had to deal with was learning how to record. When I first started I had never recorded at all and I didn’t have anyone around to teach me. I figured it out with time though so its all good.
WHAT PLATFORM ARE YOU USING TO DISTRIBUTE YOUR MUSIC AND WHY?
At the moment I’m just using Soundcloud. I make a lot of music and by the time I’m ready to release songs, sometimes the beats have already been purchased. No lease = no streaming services.
WHAT IS YOUR STANCE ON KANYE WEST?
Genius. Underappreciated. Of course, he’s controversial, he always has been. I think if people took a less emotional approach to what he says, they would better understand.
HOW MANY ARTISTS HAVE YOU COLLABORATED WITH LOCALLY?
Outside of people that I personally know, about 2. I’m all for collabs though, but only with people that take themselves seriously or it’s a waste of my time.
HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU ABOUT MAKING A LIVING FROM MUSIC? ARE YOU A STUDENT OF THE GAME?
My self-confidence has grown tremendously since I bought my own mic last year. I started to make real strides and narrow down what my “sound” is. I spend a lot of time watching interviews or reading material from those in the game at all levels. New artists, execs, managers, A&Rs especially.
WHAT IS LACKING IN HIP HOP MUSIC THAT YOU THINK YOU CAN CHANGE?
Originality and versatility. I also have a personal standard for my music and I’ll never conform to the trends (but I am aware of them)
IN ORDER, RANK YOUR TOP 5 PRODUCERS IN THE GAME RIGHT NOW?
Metro, Cardo, Southside, Sango and Wiz da Producer.
FAVORITE ALBUM SO FAR THIS YEAR?
Jay Rock Redemption album, that’s a hood bible.
IN ORDER, RANK YOUR TOP 5 RAPPERS IN THE GAME
Kendrick, Thug, Future, Cole and Freddie Gibbs.
IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANY SINGER MALE OR FEMALE FOR A JOINT ALBUM WHO WOULD IT BE?
Sade 100%
DO YOU THINK THE STREAMING ERA IS HURTING OR BENEFITING ARTISTS THESE DAYS?
I think they tried to strip the artists of power by taking away physical copies. Once you realize that and take a step back, it’s more direct to a consumer than ever, which help the artists.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS FROM YOUR AREA?
Stay focused if the music is what you really want. Put the time in, 1000 songs is better than 10 any day. Then apply yourself outside of the studio. everything else will work itself out.
Where are you from?
East Charlotte, NC.
-How did the crew get started?
Everyone went to 1 of 2 high schools. Either Harding, West Meck, or both. We all were just friends first and everyone ended up doing music sooner or later. Once we realized we all made music that sounded good collectively, 2 Heavy was founded.
-When and how did you get into music?
I always loved music, when I first heard Fuck The World by Lil Wayne it felt like he was describing my life even though I was like 8. His storytelling was so vivid. Around age 12 my homie Wiz used to make beats on this PS2 game called music maker, I used to write to them but basketball was my thing so I never took it seriously. Fast forward to 2015 I went through a break up and decided to channel my emotions through a pen. I haven’t put it down since.
-How did you choose your rap name?
OB from 2 heavy gave me that nickname in high school cause there was a rapper named Fred The Godson. I made fredthegxd my username on social media and once I decided to rap it just fit.
How will you change the industry?
I just want to influence artists to realize they’re in the driver’s seat and stop taking these terrible deals. Labels are already being forced to respect artists more because the need for a label lessens by the day.
-What motivated or inspired you to record your last project?
The last project I released was THEGXDEMCEE with DamarTheEmcee from Champ Sound. He has been the homie since way back so we have a natural chemistry in the studio. The project just came from us making a lot of music together and being frustrated with current circumstances.
-Has there been any time in your journey where you felt like pursuing something else instead of music?
Of course, I think it’s only natural to weigh your options. I have a high risk tolerance though if I feel the risk is worth the reward, so music is perfect for me.
Whose side were you on.. Biggie Or Pac?
Pac. I got love for both, but Pac.
If you had one song of yours to perform on national tv which would it be?
I have a unreleased song called Sunset, it’s the perfect song to show off my singing and rapping ability. The subject matter may even make the people shed a tear or two.
If you were offered a perfect distribution/sponsorship from every major company in america which company would suit you and your brand the most?
I found out about Johnny Shipes from being a Joey Bada$$ fan. Joey was talking about how he had a 85/15 or 80/20 distribution deal and how he retained creative control. At the time I was naïve to the business side of music so I didn’t know that was possible in 2018. Ever since then I knew the importance of leverage at these label meetings.
-What is your favorite movie? Favorite actor?
Favorite movie is He Got Game. Favorite actor at the moment is Lakeith Standfield. There’s so many talented black people in film though even off the screen, it’s beautiful to see.
-Tell me some of your biggest and/or most enjoyable moments so far?
I ended up performing at this event last November that was lit. I wasn’t scheduled to perform but DJSlim336 was doing the DamarTheEmcee set, so he added my song. I was a tad drunk because I wasn’t planning to perform but I think it was my best performance. People still bring it.
Another experience would be going to Kinston to see Jackie Spade perform. The whole sound was there, we was in VIP, definitely a night to rememeber.
-What equipment and software do you use to record/produce?
I have a Genesis MXL mic. My homie BC had it and I loved how warm it sounded so I had to buy one.
-Name 3 things that make you unique as an artist?
Versatility, work ethic and vision. As a creative, it’s easy to become discouraged with your situation because you know your purpose is way bigger than school, a job, etc. I’m able to pair that vision with the work ethic it takes to make it happen, which has made me far more versatile over time.
-Where do you see yourself going with this? What are your big plans?
I’m willing to go as far as the people take me. I’m cool just having a cult following because I like my privacy. But if the people say I’m a star who am I to disagree?
-Any projects in the works?
Always. 2 Heavy is in the process of cooking up our compilation project. Me and Yeso from 2 heavy have a joint project done. I’m working on what will likely be my first LP coming 2019, but I don’t feel restricted creatively so I have a couple guest verses on the homies projects too.
-What are your rates for features?
Honestly, I haven’t set a price yet. Like I was saying earlier if you take yourself seriously as an artist I’m down to work. I want to monetize my talents of course so if I had to set a price I would say sell your house lol. I’m in it for the love.
-Whats the best way to get in contact with you if we need work done?
Direct all inquiries to 2heavyworldwide@gmail.com
