FATNICE is a multifaceted hip-hop artist whose sound and story bridge Chicago (Harvey/Dixmoor respectively) roots with a two-decade creative journey in Philadelphia. Rising through the city’s vibrant underground scene, he built a reputation performing locally and internationally as a member of the collective Prophets of Ghetto and the group 84, while simultaneously establishing himself as a prolific solo artist. Known for his lyrical depth and versatility, Fatnice moves seamlessly between roles as an emcee, producer, and songwriter, also showcasing a melodic edge through his singing alias, Mojo Green. His work reflects a fusion of raw authenticity and artistic evolution, positioning him as a dynamic force in independent hip-hop culture.

How did you get your Artist name?

Two good friends of mine Damond and Jashed were making fun of me trying to do a set of push ups. They started calling me Fatnice as a joke. I liked the sound of the name and ran with it. Before that my name was Bigtime, after the Heavy D and The Boyz album title.

How did you get into creating?

I come from a family that encouraged me to be adventurous and to have a sense of style. My uncle Skeeta got me interested in writing poetry as a child and I wrote my first poem at 9 about being in the Boy Scouts which lead to the roses are red violets are blue type of poetry which lead to a more sophisticated style once I was introduced to Hiphop by my aunt Niecy. My aunt Lillie was die hard in ensuring that I was culturally adept by taking my cousin, sister and I to movies, road trips out of state, which enhanced my creative writing ability. I also had a spanish teacher, Ms. Hairston, who encouraged me to get involved with spanish poetry reading competitions that enhanced my performance confidence and abilities.

Where are you from?

That's a loaded question as I like to say I am from many different places being that my family moved around a lot. I was born on the west side of Chicago and raised a bit in the Roseland section of Chicago. We moved to Harvey, Illinois, my 3rd grade year and by Junior High we moved to Dixmooor, Il. All these places I mention as they had a great effect on the man I am today.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

Blackness was all around so I had a sense of community and knowledge of self from a very young age. Chicago is very rich in black culture and I experienced all of it through field trips, solo excursions on the bmx, or just simply riding in the back seat of the car looking out the window traveling from the southside to the westside with my grandmother to church on a Sunday. My junior high years I attended the great Gwendolyn Brooks Junior High School and one of our fieldd trips was to visit Ms. Brooks at her home in Blue Island. We all got to meet her and touch her and she told me that I would be a poet. That lives with me still.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I read, read, and read some more. One of my favorite places was the Harvey Public Library where I spent countless hours reading everything from Aesop Fables to The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I also went to every rap concert that came through Chicago thanks to grandmother and mother who unselfishly made sure I got to those shows before I had a car. Even now I am advancing my skills via reading and studying footage of some of my favorite artists like EWF and Kool and The Gang religiously.

What does your current setup look like?

My studio is a museum of creative sources ( to use a Spike Lee term from his most recent exhibit). My space is filled with artifacts, memorabilia, ephemera, etc. that spark creativity upon entering. I am currently using Serato Studio to produce beats.

Who inspires you?

My grandmother is my greatest inspiration. She is the reason I dared to do all that I do and be who I am from pursing higher education, to becoming a social worker, all while simultaneously being an artist. She was the one that not just told me but showed me I can do it all and more.

What is your goal when you create?

It really depends, my creativity serves as a therapy for me as well so mostly the goal is to relieve/manage stress however there are times when the goal is to create to develop projects.

Why do you create?

To put it simply, it's fun! I also create to challenge myself and to ensure that I can function at what my idea of greatness is!!!

How has choosing your creative path affected your life?

The path choose me and has affected my life in every way especially in the aspect of creating possibilities for self and others.

Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?

The only obstacle is the self and learning to get out of your own way is the true test.
I remember leaving Chicago to start my first year of college at Clark Atlanta University and not having any where to stay. Although no one wanted me to leave because I didn't have a residence I was determined regardless. My grandmother and mother purchased a trunk, a one way plane ticket to Atlanta, and stack of $20 dollar bills and I was on my way. Upon arriving to Atlanta I sat at the airport for six hours and developed a plan. I had somewhere to stay within the next hour and a permanent residence on campus within 2 weeks.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

Devotion by Earth Wind and Fire is my everyday go to song as it reminds me of why I do the work I do as a school social worker. The lyrics to the song express what I do daily: Through devotion/blessed are the children/praise the teacher/that brings true to many......

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

I am living my dream in real time right now!!!!

What would you tell someone else with a dream?

I tell people daily to not just see the dream but to be it. Having a dream is an understatement but living the dream takes focus, dedication and an optimistic rebelliousness that is second to none.

Tell us about your most recent release

Being Nice Mattas is a full length hiphop experience written and produced collaboratively by Fatnice and Meat Matta blending sharp lyricism and soulful production rooted in authenticity. The project balances boom bap grit with modern textures bridging golden era hiphop with fresh innovation. Themes include resilence, community, self-reflection, and celebration of culture.

Share a link to your most recent release

http://fatnice.bandcamp.com/album/being-nice-mattas

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/fatnicemc

Twitter

http://www.twitter.com/fatnicemc

Facebook.com

http://www.facebook.com/fatnicemc

Website

http://www.fatnice.com

Photography credit: Shawne H. Bailey