Member Since: 23/12/2007
Band Members: FOFIF
Born Shaun Lamar Lewis on July 23, 1986, in Long Beach, California, he mainly resided on the Westside with his mother but often went back and forth between his parents. His father Daniel Lewis worked as an engineer at Cal State Long Beach and was a very strict disciplinarian. "He doesn't show much emotion, but not in a cold-hearted way. He showed love in his own way, like saying, "go to school, get a job, no hanging out" cause he didn't want me to end up like my older brother". And at my dad's house if church was open we had to be up in there, part of every play... it wasn't freely". His mother Sheryl Cox worked as a bus driver at the Long Beach Transit for fourteen years. "She wasn't as strict as my dad was. She was more lenient because she didn't have that many rules but she always wanted what was best for me too". His stepmother Thesbe Lewis was also very lenient with him, as well. "I would ask her when pops wouldn't let me". His father having been on his own since the age of sixteen, FoFif never had the opportunity of meeting his grandparents on his dad's side. His mother's parents resided in Las Vegas and during visits to that set of grandparents house he usually got what he wanted. He has twenty-nine siblings on his father's side, in all. In addition, on his mother's side he has three sisters. He met the mother of his daughter six years ago, Chaun Lewis. His four-year-old daughter is Lyric Lewis.
FoFif does not recall having very many friends growing up, if any, that he would name. "I usually was by myself. There were regular kids outside and we played, but nobody worth mentioning". He attended many different schools growing up but, for the most part, the schools that he attended the most were Williard Elementary, Washington Middle School, and Poly High School. "As a child I was horrible. I did things I knew I should not be doing and I did not listen to nobody. I was uncontrollable. I got kicked out so much". One of the activities that he did enjoy during high school was P.O.W. where he learned boxing. His hobbies were also low rider like model cars and building bikes. He is also had attended college in the area of engineer recording.
His first occupation was as a pizza deliveryman. "I wanted to be an artist before that. I needed to do something that would not jeopardize me, being free. However, honestly, most of it did come from the streets. It was an older brother of mine, Terrell that got me interested in music. Growing up with my brother, everybody called me Snoop's lil brother cause he was called Baby Snoop. I liked it cause they knew my brother, but I did not like it cause I felt like I got a name and it aint Snoop's lil brother. So I always wanted to get out from up under his wing". Although, he says that he has not always had the support of his parents behind his career decision, he does now. "At first, my dad said, "you better find a plan B, because a lotta people rap. Go to school". And my mom really didn't know about it as much as my dad. But now both my parents want to be updated on how it's coming." As a child, he also admired Lil Wayne. "Not so much his lyrics but because he was put out when he was eleven or twelve". Lil Wayne, still remains to be one his favorite rappers, along with T.I., "he did a lot of stuff that I was doing, running from the authorities, still getting road blocks to this day, not letting it slow him down," and Joe Budden, "he's under-rated, being looked over".
To improve his status as an artist within the last year he has put together a 7 song EP entitled "The West LanLord. He is the Executive Producer on which he also did features with local artists. His immediate career goals are to get signed with either an independent or a major label. "It doesn't matter, either, or... Independent is more hands on. More revenue at the end of the day. Major... not so much hands on, less money". His long-term goals include opening his own studio and having his own imprint. FoFif says that he has another side to him that caters more to the hood but you will find that in his solo songs his focus has been on the women. In addition, he clearly states that his image conveys that through his music. He confesses that it has strictly been for the women and that he knows how to treat them. As he demonstrates in songs such as "Thinking of You", Show You Some Thangs", "Flashlight", "Something Special", and Grown and Sexy".
His live performances to date have been at the BB King Rhythm Lounge Showcase and the Knitting Factory Showcase. He has also had radio play with "Show You Some Thangs" on Slip and Slide Radio, as well as on blog talk radio. "Thinking of You" has also had radio play on L.B.C.C. college radio. He accredits the making of those two songs to be the most memorable moments that he will never forget. "I was so excited about those songs. Saying things that women would want to hear. I felt it was the start of me making the right records". What has been his most disappointing experience, thus far, has been not having the right tools to get him to the right level. "I don't like when something is out of my hands". Moreover, opposite of that, he says that living has been his most greatest achievement. "Being able to wake up everyday, having me here with my family, instead of incarcerated".
FoFif highly acknowledges that he is influenced by what he listens to. "I haven't bought west coast music since Snoop's "Last Meal" C.D. with No Limit, so I don't sound like I'm from here. People looking for an artist over here..., looking for a west coast artist is gonna make me stand out. It could be a good thing and a bad thing". The self proclaimed "Dantana of Rap" is making strides with his new single titled "Show you some thangs". The Long Beach California resident is making moves in hopes of getting more recognition from the industry heads.
Review Song: "Show you some thangs"
This song is hot, definately sounds like something you'll hear on the radio. I think the singing in the hook complimented FOFIF's lyrics, which I have to admit are on point. The beat compliments the song because it doesn't get in the way and allows the song to flow. The song is directed mostly at the female audience, which is a smart move (we see you! LOL) but it still has that edge that allows the guys to also feel it.
The sonic quality of the song is up to par and that's always a good sign. The only constructive criticism I could really give is to find different concepts for the songs. I mean we have all heard a song like this before. Overall, is a song that a lot of people could relate to and that it's always a positive.
I give this song a 4 out of 5.
Hit Him Up!
http://www.dreambighustlehard.com/profile/FOFIF NU SINGLE LIKE YOU COMING SOON FEAT WOOD N HOT DOLLA
Influences:
Record Label: unsigned
Type of Label: Indie