FSG Rell Talks Pennsylvania Hip Hop, Finding His Sound & The Meaning Of Music
Posted by By FlyingJoint at 18 October, at 22 : 15 PM Print
FSG Rell is a Pennsylvania rapper with catchy bars and a bright future. While PA is known for the rough and rugged chart-topping sound that consumers have devoured since the early 2000s, he looks to add his name next to the greats with a forthcoming collection of his own timeless music. And with a grassroots following, Rell is gearing up for a breakout 2021 filled with new music and projects. Today, we sat down with the new sensation and talked about his rise, what PA Hip Hop means to him and goals. Get familiar with FSG Rell below.
Where did the name FSG Rell come from?
The name FSG Rell came from people calling me that, mostly from my peers. I used to go by “TheKing” but then I read something about how everyone that calls themselves that dies before the age of 55. I’m not sure if it was true but once I found that out I quickly adopted what people called me as my artist name.
You’re from PA? Where exactly in PA and what was it like growing up there?
I’m from Pottstown, PA. It’s about 45 minutes from Philly. A part of what people call “The County.” Growing up in Pottstown is just like growing up anywhere else, the only difference is that Pottstown is small. Everything happens just as it would in a big city but on a smaller scale. People from all over somehow seem to discover. I remember when I first heard that I was moving to Pottstown at 8 years old, I asked “What is a Pottstown?” It amazes me how people from all over migrate to this little city.
Were there any musical outlets where you are from? Talk to us about your journey and what it took to get where you are at now?
Honestly, where I’m from, there aren’t a lot of places dedicated to help people in the area be creative, including music. Coming up I didn’t know of any music outlet where I’m from. There may be now but not one that I’ve heard of. My journey to being where I am now taking a lot of motivation and discipline. There’s plenty of days where you have to scrape up money for studio time, buying beats or just trying to find the right person to help push your career. Plenty of days where you want to stop searching for beats, days where you’re stuck on a beat and want to give up. Fighting the urge to go out and spend the night out in the clubs with your friends so you can save up for things you want to do in music. These are the least of the things I deal with daily on my journey.
Right now I know I’m doing better than the average artist but I’m nowhere near where I want to be. So that’s how I look at it, I’m not proud of myself. Honestly, I think I’m playing with my own potential. I need to do bigger features, bigger producers, everything bigger.
If you could describe your music style in 3 words what would it be?
If I could describe my music style in three words, the words would be: Energetic, charismatic and catchy.
For any new listeners, what are 3 songs that they must listen to from FSG Rell?
For new listeners, 3 songs I would say are a must-listen from me would be Gucci Prada Fendi, Soul Food, and BTG. I would say to listen to these three songs because these three songs do the same thing in a different way. They showcase my bars as well as carrying my energy with catchy phrases which is a recipe for success.
What message do you look to depict through your music?
The message I look to depict through my music is for people listening to be a go-getter. I want people to listen and be influenced to be their own person knowing that the good and the bad come with that.
5 years from now, where do you see yourself in life and music?
5 years from now I see myself owning a few businesses, not married but involved. Five years from now I see myself in music-making the breakthrough that I needed to become world renown.
What is your favorite bar of all time (Your Music)?
Why they acting like my shit ain’t forever
You can put me top 5 in, every single era
I learned from my predecessors so I’m heavy in endeavors
Gotta few that’s on my back but I move lighter than a feather
These bars are from the Intro off my last album More Than a Rapper titled “2021 More Than a Rapper.” These are my favorite bars of mine of all time because it’s a clear reflection of how I think on my day-to-day. When I say, Why they acting like my shit ain’t forever. You can put me top 5 in, every single era. I’m referring to people that refuse to give me a chance. I know my music quality is there. I k ka I have what it takes. I know what’s going on right now is nothing along the lines of ordinary. I feel like my body of work, especially after my last album can stack up to being top 5 in every era respectfully. I may not have the accolades but my body of work is there. When I say, I learned from my predecessors so I’m heavy in endeavors. Gotta few that’s on my back but I move lighter than a feather. I’m referring to learning from rappers, athletes and entertainers before me that you need multiple sources of income because you never know when your time is over being in the spotlight. In the world we live in, the spotlight doesn’t last long so you need something to fall back on once you get on. The second half of that is me saying I have people that I’m carrying on my back, feeling the weight on my shoulders that many are counting on me but making it look easy.
Is your music an outlet? What drove you to the music industry or creating music?
Music is most definitely not just an outlet for me but THE outlet for me. I’m not good at communicating with others when something makes me angry or disappoints me. Writing music is the perfect way for me to describe how I feel. What I can’t gather words to say what I want, later on the road I’m able to make songs out of. It never takes away the pain but it alleviates it. What drove me to the music industry is that I love doing music, I fell in love with the whole process as well. Learning parts of the game here and there means the world to me. I love doing music and I want me doing music be the way I take care of my family.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Some of my musical influences are Aaliyah, TakeRisk Mugga, Jagged Edge, Tupac, 50 Cent, Gucci Mane, Jhene Aiko, Leaf Ward, Drake, D1Donn, Meek Mill and Lil Durk.
When did you start making music?
I started making music around 13 years old, nothing too serious. A couple of notebooks of rhymes that’s all. It escalated to freestyling then into making actual music as I got older.
Who are you top 5 PA artists of all time?
Leaf Ward, Meek Mill, Eve, Taylor Swift and Cassidy.
Top 5 favorite artists of all time?
50 Cent, Aaliyah, Jagged edge (group), Lil Durk and Drake.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Three of my biggest musical influences are 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Lil Durk. 50 cent is one of my biggest influences because his journey shows perseverance, his aggressive style really speaks to me. He might be one of the first gangsta rappers to make a successful love track with 21 Questions. The grit is something I respond well too. Lil Wayne is a part of my three biggest musical influences because of not only his amazing career but also his unselfishness. At the peak of his powers he welcomed with open arms knowing his potential. Later on adding Nicki Minaj, Tyga and many others. I think this is Lil Wayne’s greatest claim to being the goat. I don’t know of any other artist that has co-signed for so much talent so hard. He is the reason why I love to see others thrive without an ego. He showed me the value in winning with others while building a bond. Last but not least, Lil Durk is one of my biggest music influences because of how he reinvented himself. Some people wouldn’t have been able to do that, but he allowed himself that wiggle room to get creative. He adapted between the 10’s to the 20’s and that is very impressive. His music right now is personally my favorite at this moment in time. He speaks what’s real, what’s relatable and how he came to this point is more than respectable.
Do you associate yourself with other PA or tri-state artists? If so, who?
At the moment I do not associate with any PA or Tri-state artists at the moment. I like to do songs with others but as I’ve come further and further in this industry I like to keep the songs to a minimum, maximum 2 songs with somebody now. I respect and liked working with all the artists that I have worked with but for now on that’s my thing.
