fat tony, born anthony lawson obi, is a local rapper from my hometown of houston, tx. he’s well-known around here for his live shows and has been deemed one of URB magazines ‘next 1000 artists.” not to mention, he was the winner of the 2008 houston press winner for the hottest underground hip-hop act in houston.

he’s currently writing and recording for his upcoming album, RABDARGAB. most of you outside of houston probably don’t know what the fuck this is, but there used to be a kid’s commercial to promote reading lists in schools and shit that basically stated:

RAB = READ A BOOK
DAR = DO A REPORT
GAB = GET A BUCK

wild as hell. i got the chance to ask him a few questions to introduce you guys to some southern knowledge. hit the jump for the interview and a download of tony’s 2008 mixtape.

Roshan Bhatt, weworemasks: First off, what’s the significance behind your moniker, Fat Tony? For the record, you don’t look very fat.

Fat Tony: I was birthed Fat Tony Obidiyah Geofferey Jones. From the vagina to the recliner, I was blessed with the name from day one. Never let go of the it even though I rapped under other aliases from time to time such as “A.O.” and “Hamster Cunt.” If I had a $1 for every time I heard someone say “Nigga you ain’t fat,” I’d be reasonably wealthy, and most likely ballin’ the fuck out.

WWM: What was it like starting a hip-hop career in Houston?

FT: It was like waking up out of a surreal, lucid happy dream and being dropped into a juvenile detention center. Saw and felt much immaturity & inexperience, some egos, a few inspirational helpful fellows and a lot of wishful thinking. Definitely helped get my feet wet as a much younger Fat Tony and was well-received (plus motivated) by some memorable friends. It took being involved in a few different groups and styles to grow into what I do these as Fat Tony. The only constant is change.

WWM: Are you a fan of Houston hip-hop, as far as what got popular back in 2005? What about the stuff that stayed underground (i.e. Z-Ro)?

FT: I love Houston rap. 2005 pop Houston rap was cool and all (every major artist had at least one single I was pretty into), but it never hit me as hard as southside Houston music did during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. The local favorites like Z-Ro and Slim Thug have been tight to me, but I’ve always been into pretty much the same group of Houston affiliated folks. UGK, Screw, Devin would be my top favorites far as albums go, but it’s a bunch of singles I fucked with very tough. Yungstar’s “Knockin Pictures Off The Wall,” Fat Pat’s “Tops Drop,” Hawk’s “You Already Know,” Scarface’s “Fuck Faces”… All the hits.

WWM: Do you feel the need to distance yourself from this type of hip-hop? Judging by the sound of your music, you’re going for a more intelligent and positive approach — is that true?

FT: I’m going for a more tight ass music approach more than anything. I’m not distancing from anything, just making what I want to express. It’s “positive,” but making a big deal out of such a thing is a bore. I’m here to entertain and wreck.

WWM: What do you feel that you have to bring to the table of the hip-hop community?

FT: A different voice and good artistry in my character, a will to fuck things up and make beauty out of boredom…but more than anything I feel I’ve got to bring good records. Actual songs that people can enjoy whether they relate to, just get entertained by it, learn something new from it, or (if I’m lucky) all 3 of those things.

Also, The fight for tight ass music. The fight for more originality and individuality. The fight for less preaching on rap records. Pretty much an all-out war for music that doesn’t blow.

WWM: Who or what are your biggest influences in hip-hop? This could be emcees, producers or even non-musical.

FT: UGK, Q-Tip, Nas, Jay-Z, Houston rap singles and E-40. Rappers that are just straight characters like Lil Wayne and Ghostface. Even Busta when he was in his heyday.

Production wise — Pimp C, Q-Tip, Three 6 Mafia, The Neptunes, Kanye, Timbaland and J Dilla on the Slum Village “Fantastic” albums. My tastes have changed throughout my life but these folks have always been consistent favorites.

WWM: Your last mixtape was a joint venture with The Tipping Point (note: a local Houston sneaker boutique) and Fly 68. How was it working with them?

FT: Titillating. All night sessions. A few friends came through bearing gifts. Really helped get our spirits in order to make a rad CD. Everyone involved in it had a good ol’ time making it pop off. Especially with the skits!

WWM: Considering your music is more positive lyrically, (see: Love Life EP) who would you like to collaborate with most that’s making music currently?

FT: The throwed musicians. The real artists that actually write songs and want a wide audience to get with it. Those that understand completeness and song writing, but haven’t forgotten what a good pop song is. Rappers that can actually wreck and be interesting, not drivel. I’ve heard enough redundancy for one lifetime. The-Dream, Kanye, Lil’ Wayne, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Big Boi, E-40, Bun B, Ghostface, The Neptunes.

WWM: You’ve been known for your energetic live shows. What do you enjoy more, recording or performing, and why?

FT: I love recording for the art and technique of it, but nothing hits me like performing. Connecting with folks face to face while I’m wildin’ to my shit being loud as hell. There’s nothing like it. I kinda miss that shit when I’ve been too long without touching a stage.

WWM: If you could start over and do anything differently, would you?

FT: Travel more early on strictly for music reasons. Whether it was for performances or seeking opportunities. Moving around definitely boosts my drive every now and then. Too much of the same can make things stagnant for the creative process. Total bummer but, you know, things get better when my focus is right.

WWM: Any last words for the readers of weworemasks?

FT: Love your life. Don’t settle for bullshit music. Or settle for any weak work, period. Quality, always. Buy “RABDARGAB,” the debut full-length when it’s all over your internets and my merch table.

fat tony’s web presence:

add fat tony on myspace.
follow fat tony on twitter.

download fat tony’s mixtape, in conjunction with the tipping point and f68:

-grizzly