Black Fortune on New Music, DMV Life & "On My Block" Placement
In case you didn't know, Black Fortune is kind of a big deal. From counting up 1 Million+ streams and cultivating a highly engaged fanbase to having his hit "OsshWop" featured in Netflix's popular "On My Block" series, the DMV native is well on his way to the top of the game.
His recently released single, "Nothing To Lose” follows Black Fortune’s well-received 'OsshRock Deluxe' mixtape. Released last year, 'Osshrock Deluxe' features songs like "OsshWop" and "Gorillaz" that put him on the map and introduced him to the masses beyond his hometown and the DMV area.
During all the Coronavirus madness, Black Fortune took some time out to chop it up with us for the latest installment in our 2020 interview series. Tap in below to learn more about his story, musical influences and life in the DMV area. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Coming from the DMV, that has birthed so many Hip Hop legends like Timbaland and Pharrell must’ve been inspiring. What was it like growing up in such a historical place?
From the actual DMV area, I think the legends are like Wale and Chuck Brown - people like that who have their roots in the DMV and have influenced the community, culture and music specific to the DMV area.
With respect to music, growing up there was super lit. Growing up we would hit the Go-gos, which has a large influence on everything from music, dance, style and just growing up in that area in general. Go-gos had everything lit.
So, it was mad fun growing up there outside of all of the street bullshit that would go on as well. You had to watch out for all that and make sure you made it out. But I think the DMV has some of the best music, style, women, and food out of anywhere, so it's dope to be from there and grow up there when I did.
Speaking of DMV, your 2018 release “DMV Anthem” is hype AF. How did you know your area needed that energy?
That's just the energy I bring. That's something that is unique to me and what I bring with my music. I know what’s going on musically in the DMV, but I don't let that affect the music I make really. I just be doing me for real.
Your rhyming style is very versatile. How have you developed your style and flow over the years?
I don't like to stick to one thing. I think I'm great at a lot of different styles from rapping to singing, so I just try to do it all and all that comes naturally to me. I've never have had to force anything or a style. I've been doing music for a long time, since I was young, so I've had a lot of time to practice and develop my style and sound. And I am going to continue to make versatile music.
Which 3 albums have had the most profound impact on your life? Why?
3 albums of all time I would say are Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Biggie Smalls’ Ready to Die, and all of Lil Wayne’s Carter albums. Those are who I grew up listening to. I was inspired by their styles in different ways and brought some of that into how I make my music. Each of those were the greats in their own ways. Those are who I looked up to musically.
Another one of your bangers, “OsshWop” is currently going up on “On My Block” Season 3. How did that song placement come about?
It was the abundance lol. I don't know for real. My managers just told me one day that it was going to be on and I was psyched because that's one of my favorite shows and one of the best shows out. Everyone I know watches it, so it was great to have one of my biggest songs on there for everyone to see and to put on for my area.
Working on anything new we should keep an eye out for?
I got a new project dropping in the spring (pending this coronavirus). But I've been working on this project for a while, making sure that it's great. I like making sure my quality is at the highest level. I also got some more big singles and videos dropping before too with some lit features you got to follow and stay tuned for. I'm ready to take over for real.
If your fans could only describe you in 1 word when telling their friends about you, what would you want it to be?
GREAT. That's what my music is and that's what I inspire to be and create only great things. Everything I do, I want to make sure it's great. So other than being like a lit artist, I would say describe me as great.
