Nigerian-American rapper Fat Tony (born Anthony Lawson Jude Ifeanyichukwu Obiawunaotu; nickname: “Obi”) was raised in the Third Ward neighborhood of Houston, Texas. And at 27, he’s become a powerhouse in the hip-hop scene, with heavyweights including Bun B, OG Ron C, and A$AP Rocky, as well as comedians Eric Andre and Hannibal Buress, all backing his game — a unique breed of comedy-infused, punk-inflected rap delivered during electrically charged live performances, and three studio albums to date.
While his music is at the forefront of Southern rap, Tony also defies any preconceived notions of how Southern rap should sound. His music is humorous, observational and vanguardist, grounded in experimental beats and a “chopped and screwed” sound (think trippy tempos, heavy bass, and a dynamic lyrical flow). It’s like DJ Screw with an old-school hip-hop, punk, and alternative twist.
Most recently, Tony joined forces with producer P. Morris to create a three-song EP, sampling everyone from TLC to 2Pac to The Ramones. The record’s goal, he says, is “embracing brevity.” (“We can say more by saying less more often,” he adds.) So here, in that spirit, is an exclusive first listen of his latest EP, Look, premiering on i-D.
What excites you about this new EP? And what’s your favorite track on it?
I’m excited to work with producer P. Morris and try new things musically. I love short songs and each track on this record is as short as it gets. The goal was to be direct, straight to the point. No frills. My favorite song is “Confessions,” which features me crooning on a track for the first time. It’s a love song in an age when admitting affection is more nerve-racking than confessing wrongdoing. When I feel love, there’s nothing to be shy about.
What was it like to work with P. Morris?
We worked on this EP for about a week at his home in Highland Park, Los Angeles. I’d arrive in the early afternoon, full off a vegetarian breakfast burrito from Dino’s in Lincoln Heights, then we’d take a stroll to get coffee. Iced Americano was usually the weapon of choice. Once we were back in his home we’d sit in his bedroom chatting, listening to music, and throwing ideas back and forth. Each beat on this EP is built off multiple samples — from TLC, Usher, 2Pac, Ramones, J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” and more. We scoured YouTube for the best quality recordings to rip and flip into something new. The songwriting was pretty stream of conscious.
What do you hope your listeners get from your music?
I want them to feel joy. That’s what music has always done for me. Even the saddest songs have helped me out of a dismal state. I want every individual to finish my record and think to themselves, “Maybe it’s not so bad after all.” Instilling hope is the key objective.
You once said, “Laughter might open someone up, make them vulnerable to receive the message I’m putting out there.” Comedy seems like a pretty important vehicle for you.
I’ve always loved humor in all forms, from stand-up to film to memes. Laughter is a great icebreaker. Some of my favorite funny people are Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Larry David, and Louis C.K. My first favorite actor was Jim Carrey for a reason. I recently found a notebook from first grade where I wrote loose outlines for films and he was always in the lead role.
Tell us about the punk bands you sometimes play in.
The folks I play with all have primary music projects but we get together to let loose. I play bass and sing. Our last outing was a Halloween show in Houston where we covered our favorite Ramones songs in full Ramones gear. It felt good to sing in a leather jacket and sunglasses, for a change. I’d love to play more rock ‘n’ roll with friends. I really value the physical release I get from playing an instrument.
How do your southern and Nigerian-American roots influence you?
I’m extremely proud to be a disciple of the Houston rap scene and I’m here to ensure our legacy evolves. My Nigerian-American roots remind me of my father’s determination to give himself a better life. I rapped extensively about our relationship in the song “Father’s Day” from my album Smart Ass Black Boy. He was a teen soldier on the losing side in Nigeria’s Biafran war. He was injured in the war and witnessed atrocities that still haunt him today. When the war ended he saved up a bit of money and moved to the U.S. He put himself through college, taking on menial jobs, then eventually worked his way up as an engineer in Houston’s oil and gas industry. I’m thankful every day for his sacrifices.
Who are some up-and-comers we should look out for?
SMTH from Brooklyn is a rapper to watch, for sure. Crazy rhyming in the purest sense. He’s no up-and-comer, but I’d recommend Taz Arnold’s solo output. He’s a member of SA-RA and recently produced songs for Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Ty Dolla $ign’s latest album. Taz’s Soundcloud is full of bugged out, funky songs. And I’m a big fan of the bands AJ Davila y Terror Amor, White Fang, No Parents, Dress Code, and The Memories.
What’s next?
I’ve got more music coming throughout 2016. I’ve partnered with producer Kyle Mabson to form a new project called Charge it to the Game. Our first record is an EP titled Urban Hall of Fame and will be released on Wavves’ Ghost Ramp label. I also have a new LP MacGregor Park with production from Tom Cruz, Caleb Stone, iLL Faded, and more coming this year. And I’ll be on the road, as usual. See ya at the next show. :-*
Credits
Text Naomi Melati Bishop
Photography David Casarrubias