INTERVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FARON BROWN
Though he is still in high school, Faron Brown aka FAM$, has plenty of knowledge to share. Born into a military family, Brown has lived in several states, but he considers Virginia to be his home. Inspired by both underground and mainstream rappers, Brown hopes that his songs will be enjoyed by everyone, and he wishes more of Virginia’s talented artists-himself included-will become more recognized in the near future.
What does your name stand for, and why did you choose it?
It means Forgive All My Sins, and I chose that because sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. It’s part of life.
How did you get into rapping?
When I was in middle school, I met my friend’s dad, who was a popular musician in Germany, and I really admired his music. He gave me some pointers and helped me get started. In seventh grade, which was 2009 to 2010, I entered the school talent show, and everyone love it so I stuck with it.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the rap and hip-hop community in Virginia?
It’s pretty dope. There’s a group called L.M.G., and they are doing their thing in the underground scene. Then of course there is TREY SONGZ and CHRIS BROWN on a higher level. I think Virginia has a lot of talent, but it is not being heard the way it should. VA needs more people to come up and make a name for themselves.
What is your song “Virginia Love” about?
It first started out as a spur of the moment song, but I wanted to make it a song that people could vibe to and get a feel for Virginia life.
What about Virginia life do you want people to get a feel for from listening to that song?
Just how it’s a diverse area with lots of different people and a lot of opportunities. I was born here, but when I was younger we moved around a lot because my parents were in the military. I love it here more than any other state that I have lived in.
Where did you get the inspiration for “U.O.E.N.O *freestyle*”?
The songs that I wrote before this have not been very hard hitting, but with this song I wanted to hit ‘em hard so more people will be interested in listening.
So are you trying to make your music harder from this point forward?
I want them all to be different so there is a variety of songs that can appeal to any genre of rap. I want to be liked all around and not just in a particular circle.
Do you have an upcoming mix tape or any other projects you are working on right now?
I’m working on a mixtape called Life Soundtrack, which will have something for everyone, from the melodies, to the chorus, to straight rapping. I want it to be something you can bang to, drive to, and rock out to with your headphones on. It will cover everyday situations, so I hope it will be easy to relate to.
I saw on your Twitter page, that you post a lot of horoscopes for Cancer. Do you use any of that in your music?
Definitely! I started reading them, and stuff was coming up that made sense to me. I check it every day and take things how they are supposed to happen.
Are there any other rappers, bands, or DJs from Virginia that inspire you that other people should check out?
BLACK COBAIN is really good. He is doing stuff with WALE. I am also good friends with NATIVES. I have known them since sixth or seventh grade, and also like I mentioned before, I really look up to LMG.
