FREESTYLE'S INTERVIEW

FREESTYLE'S INTERVIEW AREME: Name/Age/Hometown: FREESTYLE: Mfon Essien. Born 1980. Ikot-abasi LGA, Akwa-ibom state. AREME: Who is freestyle? FREESTYLE: A songwriter, a recording &performing artiste, a producer &acoustic engineer, a United Nations Young Ambassador for Peace. The C.E.O of Make Somm Noize entertainment. AREME: Before you got into Hip-Hop what were you doing? FREESTYLE: I was into Software Developing &Programming. Having studied at NIIT prior to my admission to the University of Lagos. AREME: What brought about the name “fr3style” FREESTYLE: I used to spit un-rehearsed verses spontaneously back in high-school &initially, before I defined my unique style and rapid-fire delivery, I could switch styles &pretty much sound like anyone I wanted to. AREME: Was there a moment when you realised that hip-hop is what you really love doing? FREESTYLE: Yes, of course. I started out as an avid listener of artistes like Andre 3000 of the duo, OUTKAST & Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Subsequently, I became a critic and eventually, I had a go at it. It’s solely a passion-driven hobby-turned-career. AREME: With your style you could have easily blend with American hip-hop, what prompted you to rep the mother land? FREESTYKE: Identity is a very important factor. It’s what makes you unique. Even though rap is somewhat more pre-dominant in the western world, if we don't rep where we're from, who will?

AREME: What will you like to see changed in the music industry? FREESTYLE: Pride. Oversize egos that bring about unhealthy competition (beef) and prevents collaborations amongst artistes as well as the corruption that has eaten deep into the core of society, where-by bribe has to be exchanged before service/promotion is rendered. AREME: It has come to our notice that you are working on next album, when is it dropping? FREESTYLE: When it's finished. AREME: Any insight into what the content might look or sound like? FREESTYLE: A blend of afro-beat, dance-hall, techno, rap and r&b. AREME: What do you think separates you from other artists around at the moment? FREESTYLE: Besides the immense grace of God, my unique rap-style, rapid-fire yet distinct delivery, catchy sing-along hooks &choruses, ability to handle &constructively manage controversy. AREME: Who would you consider your peers or competition when we talk about hip-hop in Nigeria? FREESTYLE: None. Life, indeed my career, is a journey whose ups & downs are unique to the individual. Even though I started out with a group, the ability to re-brand or re-invent oneself has kept me &my music, vibrant &appealing to the fans. AREME: How have you dealt with the business side of things? With the promotion and generally getting your name out there? FREESTYLE: Since my re-emergence, I have re-branded from Freestyle to Fr3StyLe Essien for identity. As for the business side of things, I have been blessed with competent associates &partners that handle that. Individuals such as Eniola Tueje, Jethro Abara (J-Smith), Emmanuel a.k.a Majesty, Ezinne Umeh, Alex Mouth, Enobong Kennedy, etc, have all been extremely instrumental to my documented progress in recent times, and since success is a concerted effort, I'm open to discuss fresh business ideas &explore possibilities with anyone who has something to offer. AREME: Who did you listen to growing up? & Who are you listening to today? FREESTYLE: I grew up listening to Notorious BIG, Fela, Jay -Z, Outkast, and Plantashun Boiz. Now I still listen to all of them, replacing Plantashun Boiz with Tuface Idibia & adding a lot of fuji and Movado to the list. AREME: If you could collaborate with any artist(s) (Dead or Alive), who would it be? FREESTYLE: Fela, AREME: Do you have a favourite Sauce Kid track? FREESTYLE: Yes, two actually. AREME: If so, what is it and why? FREESTYLE: "Edondeymadt" for the simplicity and quality of the production as well as the crazy concept &lyrics and "Under-gee" for the groove of the instrumental. Props to IKON and Don Jazzy, respectively. AREME: Any advise for upcoming artist(s)? FREESTYLE: Stay focused on God &perfecting your craft. And please, no pride. It won't take you far. AREME: Words that describe your fashion style? FREESTYLE: Jackets, shades, fresh-to-death kicks. Simple, colours &shades that compliment my complexion. AREME: Favourite designers/brands? FREESTYLE: Louis Vuitton. Hugo Boss. AREME: Any Shout Outs…: FREESTYLE: The fans, without you guys there'll be no celebrities.