From youngest battle rapper for Grind Time, (The World’s No. 1 Rap Battle League) to recent collabs, Farnum has a lot of years in the rap game.
As we close out November, this week’s #ArtistOnTheRise is Tampa Bay’s very own, Farnum. Farnum, previously known as Lil’ Farnum, transitioned from battle rap to commercial rap. The grilled up genius stays in the studio and has been in sessions with everyone from DJ Khaled and Lil’ Yatchy to Gunplay and Dizzy Wright. His grind is undeniable and his music is lyrically dope. Keep an eye out for new music coming soon! But first, check out some of our interview below.
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•Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up a fan of bars but have always been a fan of the saucy shit! Drake can make a hit out of anything, Cole talks to the soul, 50 is a business god, Migos & Young Thug innovate, and the new kids like Pump & Ski Mask just do what they want.
•How do you feel about where hip hop is and where it’s going ?
Change is good. Hip-Hop is forever evolving! If it didn’t it would die like disco. It’s in the hands of us, the young people. We won’t kill it, but we are definitely going to change this shit.
•How did you get your start in hip hop?
My older brother was 10 years older than me. So as a kid I grew up listening to No Limit, Snoop, Hov, G-Unit, Em, etc.. and was always a fan. His friend started a little battle league when I was like 12 and I went and learned how to freestyle and all the other shit, a year later got picked up by Grind Time.
•How would you describe your sound?
VIBES!!! My new shit is super wavy. Definitely new school, but don’t get me twisted I still have bars in there. You’d never know I was a battle rapper… which was the goal lmao.
•How has being a battle rapper influenced your mentality as an artist?
Battle rappers are cursed and can’t make records!!! I love them to death.. but damn lol. I can bar anyones life away, but thats an alter ego that never comes out anymore. This music is fun, it makes you feel dope, I slip clever shit in there but thats about it as far as battle influence.
•Do you think it’s had a positive affect on you becoming a mainstream artist?
For sure Minnee, I appreciate all aspects of the art. It made me sharp, witty, and helped me build relationships with a lot of important people. It’s my foundation.
•Aside from being a rapper, what other creative endeavors have you or did you engage in?
I sing, act, did radio, and direct videos. I’m just a creative person. I feel like all big artists are. I suck at drawing though lmao.
•How do you feel as being a videographer yourself, affect your creative vision for your own videos when someone else is behind the camera?
I work a lot with my boy Brent Mendoza, he does all my visuals for me. Bro is super dope. He has a dope eye and is creative just like me. I usually come up with the treatments for my videos but he is always involved with the process.
•What is your favorite track/EP that you have made to date?
My newest project! It’s honestly true to myself. I like to wild out and have fun, and that’s what I do here. I had a lot of fun making this project and I think people will receive it well.
•What are some current projects that you are working on?
I haven’t announced it yet, but shit.. I’m here, I might as well. My new project dropping next month is called BUBBLEGUM TRAP.
•Where can your fans go to find and listen to your music ?
My shit is everywhere. All steaming stores, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Youtube, Soundcloud, etc.. Just search Farnum!
•So Farnum, shout out your social media handles so listeners can check you out: IG, Twitter, & Snapchat is @FarnumGrindtime – Facebook is Farnum Tampa (They played me on my name! Haha)
