Interview With Fabrashay A

On November 24th 2010, Fabrashay A dropped his long-awaited mixtape entitled 'The Art Show'. Although he'd been around (having dropped a previous mixtape, some freestyles, and a guest appearance on L.e.'s 'The Measure'), not a lot of people were familiar with him and how talented he was until now. So while coolin' in Sole Classics, I decided to conduct an interview with the homie in an attempt to provide not only the city, but hopefully the STATE and beyond, with some insight as to who he is and what he stands for. 

So 1st off, how did you get the name?

Fabrashay A: Well, growin' up, my grandma used tell me I was different. She always looked at me as artsy, and would call me 'Faberge' like the Faberge egg. So I just changed the spelling to what it is now. I threw the 'A' at the end because one of my nicknames comin' up was 'Auto'.

Even I didn't know this, fam! *laughs* How long have you been apart of the Milk + Syrup camp and how did you all meet?

Fabrashay A: I actually went to high school with Don and Ralph (both from Milk + Syrup), so I've known them for a while. I always used to rap, and L.e. did too, so it was Don who introduced me to him like "Yo, he's dope" and we just been killin' every since.

Speakin' of L.e., on 'The Art Show' there's a freestyle you did over the 'Light Up' track by Drake. You spit somethin' along the lines of "I been feelin' a tad bit of pressure now that Le around". When I look at you two, I kinda see a Jay-Z/Kanye West, big brother/little brother thing. Do you feel there are any pros & cons of bein' around L.e. as an artist?

Fabrashay A: The pro's of bein' around Le as artist is that he's so good. You know that whatever he drops is gonna be serious. So if anything I'm inspired to go harder and make the best music I can make because the bar will definitely be set high. As far as cons? I really don't see none. I feed off of him as we all do each other, and just try to make great music

So other than of course, L.e, who are you influenced by musically?

Fabrashay A: My number one influence is Jay-Z, hands down. But I'm also influenced by artists like Lupe Fiasco. I think Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd is dope, also Paramore and AZ

I feel it. That's pretty diverse...Explain the title as well as the overall concept for 'The Art Show'

Fabrashay A: Basically, I just wanted to express to people that art was more than just grabbin' a paintbrush and paintin' on a canvas. There are so many different forms of art. Graffiti, pain, love, just to name a few, are all art forms. I myself am an art form. I actually wanted 'The Art Show' to be a concept mixtape, but I didn't wanna run the risk of bein' boxed in, which happens to some artists. Overall, I just feel like the art in rap is lost and I'm tryin' to bring that back.

We definitely need that, G...Do you have a personal favorite song or songs from 'The Art Show'?

Fabrashay A: Really, it's hard to choose. I put a lot of work and time into each and every track on here. I kinda look at 'em like a parent does their children. But if I had to choose, I'd say 'Free' because it's one of the more personal tracks on the tape, 'Phenonenon' which is produced by my homie eSines (S & S), and 'World Is A Ghetto'. But like I said, I like 'em all.

'Free' is dope. Every time I put a chick up on the tape, they always seem to mess with that joint pretty tough...Alright, so another question; How do you think the rap scene in Columbus, Ohio has changed from 5 years ago? And where do you see it 5 years from now?

Fabrashay A: I really couldn't tell you how it's changed from 5 years ago. And that's mainly because I never really paid attention to what the other artists were doin'. And I say that with all due respect, but I was just too wrapped up in my craft to notice anybody else...As for 5 years from now? I feel like the real is here. Columbus can really make a mark in the game. If we can somehow manage to support each other and push each other, we can go a long way and really be major.

Agreed. We need more fans and supporters and less 'Mr. Me Too's'. Just like L.e. said "everybody rappin'". We'll see what happens though...Let's talk production. The production on 'The Art Show' is solid from start to finish. If you could lock up in a studio and knock out some tracks with any producer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Fabrashay A: I would have to say Just Blaze. But not the current one, I'm talkin' more like the Just Blaze from The Blueprint era. And I would say Dilla, but the way music is now, I don't think people would be checkin' for any Dilla beats, as great as they may be

No doubt. R.I.P. Dilla...As previously mentioned, 'The Art Show' dropped November 24th. Sum up the tape in 3 words

Fabrashay A: Man, *laughs* you got me on that one, fam. Lemme think...Dope ass tape. Yea, let's just say that.

Dope ass tape, indeed. You can download 'The Art Show' right here on Kingsrowe as well as over at www.milkNsyrup.com

You can also follow him on Twitter at @FABRASHAYAPLUS