Upcoming 100: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Fokie Dope: That’s a hard one because I’m honestly influenced by everyone. I guess those that had the biggest impact would be Jay, Nas, The Lox Gucci, Ye, Counting Crows, Queen Latifah Ice-T, and Lupe. Lol, my bad if that’s a lot.
Upcoming 100: When/How did you become interested in music?
Fokie Dope: My father ... really my entire family has always been heavy into music but more so from the listener’s perspective. I was raised to have a general sense of appreciation for things so I just sort of naturally gravitated to it. I can’t remember a time not being into music. If I didn’t make music I’d write about it or report on it. I figured out around 13 or so that’s what I wanted to do. My cousin got me into hip-hop-heavy. I always loved music but she really got me into hip hop.
Upcoming 100: How does the song "Money, Women, and B.I." differ from your other songs?
Fokie Dope: I think money women and bi is probably the most unique song from my library so far. I think it captures the feelings, emotions, and tone that I was going for. I’m trying to put you in the mindset of a dude that will risk his life to hustle and make a better life for himself and others. That’s also caught up in the demons and vices that come with that type of life and the long-term effects that it can have on your mental.
Upcoming 100: What skills/personal attributes are most important to being successful?
Fokie Dope: I think obviously my rhyming ability helps me stand out. I can tackle any type of song and feel comfortable and get my shit off. But I really think what it might be is my ability to connect with people. If I’m up to or down I treat the people the same. And I think that comes off and I think that is the basis of my support.
Upcoming 100: How important do you think video or other visuals are to your music?
Fokie Dope: I think visuals are very important but I’m honestly an album cut guy. So I’m all about discovering gems. I love a good video and I think especially for a new artist being visual is very important. But I like the deep thoughts a project might carry...and those don’t typically get videos.
Upcoming 100: What do you hope to achieve with your art?
Fokie Dope: I want my audience to be encouraged to accomplish their goals.
Upcoming 100: What advice would you give to new artists entering the industry today?
Fokie Dope: Learn the business. Because every artist is a business. A brand, an advertising platform. To leverage that properly you gotta do your homework. Don’t be lazy.
Upcoming 100: What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon, about your sound and style?
Fokie Dope: I try to blend all my interest into the music I make. For example, I’m big into movies so I put little sound bites in there that I hope resonates with some of the listeners and helps them connect to the overall theme of the song they’re listening to. I’m also very honest in my music. I don’t exaggerate much and I don’t try to glorify any tales of wrongdoing I might spin...I was never the biggest criminal or biggest hustler...my moves have been ground level by design...” stay low, get off and hustle anything”....that’s the motto me and my fam loved by to survive. So I try to present that to my fans in the most artistic way I can.
Upcoming 100: Has your music career/journey had a deliberate direction or did it simply evolve organically?
Fokie Dope: I have a very deliberate direction...I feel like I have the skills and acumen to get me into rooms most people can’t get in. So I’m going to leverage that to the best of my ability. I come from the streets, used what I learned in the streets to thrive in the corporate world and I’m going to use what I learned from the streets and the corporate world to thrive in the music industry.
Upcoming 100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
Fokie Dope: www.fokiedope.com www.fokiedope.com
