Shortly after discovering the work of New Jersey rapper Fatboi Sharif earlier this summer (through the music video above), I found him giving advice on which John Waters film to watch next. I’ve spoken with many rappers, but not many seem to be cinephiles quite like Sharif, whose knowledge and inspirations/influences run deep. This is apparent on his 17 song deluxe release of Gandhi Loves Children (out through POW Recordings). Fully produced by Roper Williams, it’s an inspiring and inspired project full of opposites and contrasts. Dark and funny, haunting and beautiful, dreamy and real. A stream of conscious fever dream. This is made all the more apparent with Sharif’s slew of cinematic music videos scattered throughout this interview. We emailed back and forth and talked movies, music, Forensic Files, and more. Don’t snore.
I like the idea of beginning the conversation with a discussion of film. Since we first connected with John Waters, would you like to start about your history with his movies?
I first got put on to his films with Cry Baby and Serial Mom. I used to love those as a kid [laughs]. His style was always ill and unconventional. I recently saw Multiple Maniacs last year for the first time and was shocked.
When did you first find yourself branching out and digesting media that's perhaps more underground / strange / surreal?
I would say since a small kid my mind has always been altered. I was a huge fan and connected to horror flicks and other things of that nature. Coming up I was super into watching X-Files, reading UFO novels and studying ghost magazines and also big into what would be considered now crime television such as Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, Autopsy on HBO and for some reason I would always watch the trials on court TV [laughs]. All big inspirations for me to this day.
What other films have grabbed your attention over the years?
It was always the same film wise for me. I always connected the most to films that would be considered a little off kilter by regular Hollywood standard but who gives a shit about regular standards [laughs]. Some essentials for me that I still love to this day are Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining, Gummo, KIDS, Natural Born Killers, The Holy Mountain, Fantastic Planet, Jacob’s Ladder, Apocalypse Now, Lords of Salem, Pi, Donnie Darko, Requiem for a Dream.
All to this day inspire me with just the creativity and the worlds that are created, crafting and the maze that it gets you lost in that's so powerful once it's over you can’t wait to enter it again. I always aim to do that with my music.
Your deluxe release dropped at the beginning of July through POW Recordings. I'm not familiar with their entire roster, but POW artists like Chester Watson and Kent Loon and The Outfit, TX all seem to embody high energy expressionism that closely balances art and rap while not being "art rap". Does this strike a chord with you? Can you speak on this a bit?
Much love to the entire POW Recordings roster, we got a lot of great music coming from there with all different types of artists with complete different backgrounds but together it sounds like one musical puzzle that you completely get into. Salute to Jeff Weiss. When he reached out to do the deluxe we had many convos about it and from the beginning it was amazing how he got the vision and didn't wanna do anything to altar the vision I already had in mind for what I wanted to accomplish from the original. POW gives the artists complete control over their vision and is always supportive, professional and makes happen what they say. It's been a real dope experience with the entire staff over there with dropping the deluxe.
Photo cred: Derek Balarezo
Your 17 song full-length tackles super heavy topics while also maintaining a menacing and snarky grin. Have you always had an interest in blending the light with the dark? Humor with violence? Tragedy with comedy?
Absolutely. To me, you cant have one without the other. It literally gives a full spectrum of how society reflects itself in my eyes according to me or how I see the reflection on the mirror.
What/when was the first song recorded on this album and what/when was the most recent song recorded on this album? How did you know when you were done?
It's crazy you asked that because the full album as y’all heard it was about three years in the making. We actually started the project a few times and stopped for numerous reasons before we finally locked in and set everything in stone. The actually first track we recorded for tragic and the last was white noise. We had a certain message and picture we wanted to paint for the album as a whole and once we knew that was accomplished the album was complete in our eyes.
What's the rest of the year looking like for you?
For sure, I have two more projects this year I plan on releasing and a bunch of different features that's being cooked up as well. Finishing up a bunch of albums that's top secret at the moment so stay tuned.
Do you have any advice for new artists working on their craft?
For all new artists I just wanna say always put the music first, always find new ways to connect with your audience and creativity is key.
Any final words / shout-outs / closing thoughts?
I just wanna thank you for your time, much love to my brother Roper Williams WAIT UNTIL THEY HEAR THESE NEXT TWO ALBUMS WE GOT. SMH LORD OH LORD. I CANT WAIT. Salute DJ Boogaveli, Drive By, Pootie. The entire state of New Jersey and the entire POW Recordings.
