Published: Thursday - May 4, 2006
Words by Anne van de Sande
Fred Knuxx (Photo: StarCore Ent.)
When you look on the hip-hop map, Delaware will be the size of a tip of a ballpoint pen, and most likely be overlooked because of its distance from the larger city of Philly. The local scene of the state is oversaturated with rappers, but Fred Knuxx claims that the small state has talent just like anywhere else. Although this up-and-comer seems destined to break through the confines of Delaware, he feels that his local scene needs to band together and support each other, instead of trying to overstep each artist's every move. "First, we need more unity out here. It's just everybody is competing to be that breakthrough artist instead of realizing there is strength in numbers. Like my man Anartic P from Ill Strip said, 'We need to start showing up at each others shows, showing love, support each others projects and just respect each others movement,'" says Knuxx.
Fred's earliest memory of hip-hop dates back from the time when he was a five-year old toddler and heard Slick Rick's "Children's Story." During elementary school his mates were playing tag, while Fred befriended his paper and pen, where he wrote his first verses. Through the years, he developed his style by taking a deep approach at writing, inspired by rhymes of Nas.
Fred used to be part of a group called The Franchize, but decided to go solo because it was a way to focus on his own destiny. Mixtapes were the perfect utility to reach the mainstream masses, but getting involved in the underground mixtape culture was not an easy process. "I had a lot of doors shut in my face at first, but I just stayed persistent," says Knuxx. "A lot of DJ's fronted and acted Hollywood on me out here because they didn't show love to Delaware artists, so I got internet savvy and realized there are DJ's worldwide that feel me. After that, it's been a wrap. Now those same DJ's that fronted on me show me love because they see I'm more serious about my grind."
And the grind has been paying off. Since releasing his first mixtape, Best of the Best, Knuxx has seen progress in his career, garnering various interviews, collaborations and radio spots, and even being recognized by DJ's who never gave him the time of day just a year ago.
Now, after establishing his own company, StarCore Entertainment, Knuxx is hungry to reach the next level. But instead of keeping 100 people around him, the rapper only keeps a select few to help him move forward into the industry. "I don't want to have a lot of rappers on the roster because I'm not in the position to advance anybody's career but my own right now," said the rapper of his StarCore company. "I don't want 1,000 people on board and the boat is sinking not going anywhere."
Scouting Report
Major labels draw up high demands when it comes to recruiting new artists. Fred Knuxx seems to possess all qualities necessary to make A&R's lend a listening ear. With a well-balanced list of attributes, Fred puts himself in a position to appeal to various audiences. His affable appearance will yield an army of female adorers. And whether he broaches political situations, spits over eight Wu-Tang beats or transforms himself into a comedian, he makes sure that all tastes are catered to. If anyone should open doors for the local scene and put Delaware on the map anytime soon, Fred Knuxx is the one to do it.
Contact
MySpace - Myspace.com/FredKnuxx Site - FredKnuxx.com
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