The promising UK-based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Fobiah releases a powerful and refreshing narrative with his latest 5-track EP, 'Late Bloomer.'
Fobiah earned his name from a friend after he transitioned from graffiti to music, which inspired a lifelong journey with his craft at hand. Fobiah began rapping in 2008 but didn't begin releasing music until 2012 after an epiphany that music was his true calling during a college exam.
Now releasing one of the most conceptual projects we've heard to date entitled 'Late Bloomer,' we're honestly impressed with the lyrical mastery and relatable theme that Fobiah has placed into this dynamic and powerful record, as it's not one to forget.
We begin our venture into the EP by gracing the introductory track and interlude, "Intro." The piece isn't a song but more of a conceptual 30-second introduction to what we should expect from here on out. As Fobiah begins to ask, "Hey Google, what's the meaning of late bloomer?" he's met with a prompt response, "According to LinkedIn, a late bloomer is a person who fulfills their potential later than expected. They often have talents that aren't visible to others initially," where Fobiah giggles to himself in reflection.
Hitting play on track number two, "Work (feat. Alié)," the piece opens with Fobiah's sole vocal that talks about what his work means to him, which is a place he can explore his thoughts and experiences with the world. Then, as the fluttery sonics begin to drift in from the background, they drop into a mesmerizing alternative hip-hop atmosphere through crispy drum breaks and dreamy background melodies. We adore Fobiah's primal and exciting flow, as he delivers all the passion and power one can ask from such a talented hip-hop artist.
Reaching track number three, "Confession (feat. Katherine Kathleen)," this track kicks off with a voicemail message from Kathleen, who attempts to explain herself and how she handled a particular situation. Without a beat drop or any instrumentals, we realize that this is yet another conceptual interlude. We adore how Kathleen wears her heart on her sleeve to remind someone of her non-stop love for them and how she yearns to make amends with someone so close to her heart.
Drifting into track number four, "Feelin' (feat. Alié)," this song opens with the most blissful woodwind instrumental that brings us into the celestials above. As the happy and crisp hip-hop drums begin to bounce through our speakers, so do Fobiah's heated bars that expand on his ever-flowing emotions. We adore his intimate and vulnerable performance, especially as he touches on the lessons of his past that guide him towards a better future. We can't get enough of this reflective approach that Fobiah offers, as it's incredibly engaging and keeps us hooked the entire way through.
Reaching the EP's final and outro track, "Arena," the song opens like a breath of fresh air through dazzling synths and vocal chops that later drop into a contemplative and mid-tempo hip-hop beat. We must mention how much we appreciate the old-school vibe of Fobiah's beats, especially in this hit, as he summons all the courage to deliver a fiery and engaging rap over the top of his stimulating sonics. He continues to rap about his ever-changing moods and figuring out how to execute his talents in a way that will move the listener. Well, Fobiah, you've done it; we're thoroughly impressed with your dense and reflective bars that genuinely move mountains.
Catch a hip-hop listening experience like no other with Fobiah's latest 5-track EP, 'Late Bloomer,' now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Always a pleasure to catch up with you at BuzzMusic, Fobiah. Congratulations on releasing your highly conceptual 5-track EP, 'Late Bloomer.' What inspired you to write this contemplative and reflective EP?
I very much appreciate that. It may be a small project, but your words are appreciated. What inspired me? Honestly, that is my go-to subject matter 70% of the time when I start the writing process. I tend to listen to the instrumental a few times and let my subconscious start writing. It just ends up being personal and reflective. I also think being open in general (within good reason) adds to my writing process. Now add that to an instrumental that speaks to you on the same frequency as I'm feeling subconscious. I begin to write about my fears, doubts, troubles, anxiety, and challenges. It's an outlet for me to get it out in the open and then reflect on how I'm feeling and why. After that comes the resolve, the antidote if you will. It was supposed to have seven tracks on it, but I wasn't able to get the two tracks cleared in time.
Was it challenging to write such vulnerable and personal bars for 'Late Bloomer?' Or was it easy for you to be so open during your songwriting process?
Nah, not difficult at all. I get the most enjoyment out of it. Because it's all attached to an emotion, I tend to write my best work from it, just like some of your favorite artists. Your best work comes to you when you're honest. It holds such value to you that you can't afford to not, to be honest. Of course, it's all relative too. So something that you write truthfully will resonate with someone else in the same way or similar. Plus, fooling yourself about your feelings won't do you any favors. Being vulnerable is probably the strongest place you could ever be in.
What was it like working with Alié for your collaborations on 'Late Bloomer?' Did he produce these tracks? What was your experience like with him?
Boy, working with Alié has always been amazing so far. The way she sings, thinks of melodies, ideas, takes control when she's in her element, and bounces of the energy in the studio is just a sight to see. Saying this, these tracks are her first tracks that are she's recorded in about 10+ years. As soon as I heard her sing and saw that the confidence wasn't where it needed to be, I had to help her see that she has an amazing voice and talent, so I kept asking her if she would jump on a track with me. She agreed, and it turned into six tracks (some on my mixtape). As for producing the tracks, she didn't (although I would love to hear her production). My experience with Alié is harmonic. We appreciate each other's work, talent, and drive as well as respecting each other's creative process. We bounce ideas back and forth, seeing how we can make things work. It's what you need in a collaboration. Plus, it helps that she's a close friend of mine.
What did you want your audience to feel and take away from your EP, 'Late Bloomer?' What thoughts did you want to trigger?
That's a very good question. Damn, that's a good question. I think appreciation of the art and work. Being able for them to sit back and relate to it, take it in, feeling vulnerable. As for "thoughts that I want to trigger….." I don't have that level of exception from my work. I'd never been happy if I set out with that mindset. They can build on what they take from it and what it means to them, I don't mind, as long as I was able to achieve what I wanted.
Would you say that emotional, vulnerable, and personal projects like 'Late Bloomer' are a staple for you? Do you normally release music that's practically straight out of your diary?
I would say that's a fair evaluation. It needs to come from you in the first place for it to be authentic and real. Life will show you different things and challenge you along the way to test you. So writing about it poetically becomes natural as you reevaluate it with a grown mindset. Look at some great artists, and you'll see the same thing. Read their lyrics without the music, and it's a poetical summary of an experience they've been through. I would say yeah, my release of music would come from my diary. I mean, who's doesn't? People love a captivating story, and they can always tell whether or not it's authentic.