Featured artist: Fossil – Fossil adds fuel to the fire

As part of our ongoing “Rap’s New Generation” series, today we sat down with the upcoming underground artist Fossil from Rochester, NY to talk about his recent music, his upcoming projects, his career advice and his overall experiences being in the music industry and he did not disappoint…

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Fossil! Let’s go back to the beginning of your career. How did you decide to become an artist?

Fossil: I decided to become an artist because here in Rochester, NY. I deal with a diverse audience of every culture, being sprung into poverty, seeings as the economy isn't great over here for young adults. As a child my parents were addicted to crack cocaine, and still are to this day recovery, my father with only one month clean. So this has allowed me to gain exposure into the life of a criminal, because having drug addicted parents at 10 and a 4 year oldbrother to provide for, you can't give up as easily as you may want. So I would steal, Rob houses, stores, or do as much chaotic damage that I felt was right to provide for my brother, while taking out my frustrations of the responsibility at such a young age. With that said I can't say it's broken me any. If anything it's granted me with a stronger sense of self, and undenied strength and presence in the room.

I remember somebody I rapped for on the street said "remember your expectation of yourself is different than what others expect from you". A quote that can be interpreted in differnet ways, it's made me realize that I am happy being myself, making the music that involves my life, and emotional state at that time. I want to be as personable, and uplifting as possible, most of the time, other times I'm as depressed as ever. I have my moments.

– Fossil

What about concerts? Do you play live?

I've performed at local events. It's allowed me to grasp a consiounse view of how people view me, and the energy I give off.

Best punchline you ever wrote?

I'm not going to go into details with lyrics because I feel as if each song carries a different tone and message.