FRED KNUXX (December 2004) | Interview By: Nima

      Dubcnn.com got the chance to speak with Long Beach, G-Funk pioneer's Foesum! They spoke to us about growing up, the "G-Funk Era," Independent Vs. Major deals, past and future releases - including details on the DVD, tour plans and much more! We have both the transcript and the audio for you to check and please feel free to send any feedback regarding the interview to: nima@dubcnn.com

 

Huge thanks to Fred Knuxx for taking time out to answer the questions fans wanted to know! (Interview was done by email in December of 2004)

Questions Asked By : Nima

 

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dubcnn.com: Where are you from?

Delaware. The first state.


dubcnn.com: How did you get your stage name?

When I was young, me and my boys were coming up with mafioso type names and I came up with Freddy Knuckos. As I got older I just shorten it to Fred Knuxx and it just stuck with me.


dubcnn.com: How long have you been in the business?

I have been rapping since I was like 7. But I took it serious like 9 years ago.


vWho has influenced you the most coming up and why?

Rappers that influenced me coming up were Nas, Mobb Deep, Jigga, NWA, Snoop, MC Eiht, DJ Quik, Biggie, Pac, Bone etc....There are more but those were the ones that inspired me to rap because they were like the hottest cats to me coming up.


dubcnn.com: Are you in a group/ crew? If so what is the name?

Yea....StarCore is the click nicca? Its basically the squad I roll with. We all do our own thing. 2 rappers and a comedian. Shout to Proud, SLS, and The Gift.


dubcnn.com: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

On Top of the game. Really just doing what I love. Making Music and getting my StarCore Movement out there.

dubcnn.com: If you could collab with any artists dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would want to do a 4 coast collab with Bone, Andre 3000, Tupac and Nas. I think that would be a dope song. Dj Quik and Dj Premo would do the track. Thats hott right there.

dubcnn.com: What do you feel about the state of Hip Hop/Rap these days?

Right now its at a stand still. Its Open up for anybody to come and change the game. We still have the same people doing the same thing but there is no one that really stands out. It seems like alot of new cats come out trying to sound or be like the ones that are already on top. Hopefully I can change that.

dubcnn.com: Every rapper brings a different flavor to the table, what do you bring?

I just do me...Alot of people talk about keeping it real but I just keep it honest. Thats the only way I can do it. I dont talk about stuff I dont do or got because the streets listen...What ever you popping on wax, you best believe people are gonna want to see that in the streets. And if your nothing like what you say you are then that makes you a fraud or better yet an actor. Its just easy for me to be honest when I spit. I can look myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am and not a lie I created.


dubcnn.com: If you could change one thing about the business what would it be?

The fakeness. Its a business now and not a artform that we used to love. Its alot of pressure for artist to be what the label wants them to be or sound like instead of just letting an artist be an artist. Everything just seems more political. I guess thats the the world is accross the board though. Everything is about POLITICS.


dubcnn.com: As a Rapper, what advice would you give to someone that is coming up?

Never give up, Believe In God, and faith in yourself no matter what anyone says or do to you. Always strive to be better.

dubcnn.com: What is the one thing you would like to accomplish before you retire?

Being in the elite class of rappers. 10 years from now when people ask who was one of the best rappers, my name gets mentioned. Also to be settled in life and have businesses to support my family and friends. StarCore Nicca!!!