FESE

Fese Habull: Taking Over the Hip- Hop Industry One Mixtape At A Time “This is what I want to do,” said Fese. “I was told that if you have a plan B then you have self doubt. For me there is no Plan B, so I’m giving rap music my all.” Fese, whose official name is Haafiz Muhammad, has redefined the aesthetic of unsigned Philadelphia rappers with his latest mix tape “The Scumiest Winter” released in November of 2009. The album, which features songs like “Rebound Off” and the...

Fese Habull: Taking Over the Hip- Hop Industry One Mixtape At A Time “This is what I want to do,” said Fese. “I was told that if you have a plan B then you have self doubt. For me there is no Plan B, so I’m giving rap music my all.” Fese, whose official name is Haafiz Muhammad, has redefined the aesthetic of unsigned Philadelphia rappers with his latest mix tape “The Scumiest Winter” released in November of 2009. The album, which features songs like “Rebound Off” and the “215 Anthem,” is a reflection of the rappers’ distinct roots in both Atlanta and Philadelphia. Both cultures are intertwined into his music, giving Fese an original edge in the music industry. The young Fese knew that rapping was for him after hearing the classic O.P.P. by Naughty By Nature. Writing his first rhyme at age 11, the rapper relied on imitations and improvisation to create his own style of rap. “My mixtape from ‘PA to GA’ united the two different styles. With each song I bring a different flow- either from the South or up north. I take the realness of Philadelphia and the dance-hall scene of Atlanta and create good music,” said Fese. Now with much more knowledge about the music industry, the rapper uses his intelligence and passion to soar in the musical world. Currently reading “48 Rules of Power” by Robert Greene, about the art of success Fese clearly doesn’t take his career lightly. Styled in a simple brown sweater and jeans, Fese age twenty-two takes pride in the details of his appearance, wearing a diamond encrusted watch and gold wristlet. But, sitting in Temple’s frenzied SAC, Fese seems to blend into the crowd of college students. Although not a Temple student, the rapper can regularly be seen sitting on Temple University’s Liacouras Walk conversing with students or at local parties promoting his mixtape. “I am a reality rapper, I rap about what people can relate to. I want to be almost your friend, not that star on stage,” said the rapper sincerely. Not yet signed to an official label, Fese currently has a digital distribution deal with Stay Wit It Entertainment, which allows fans to access his music through iTunes. Eager for more, Fese has been meeting with labels like Def Jam, Universal, and even G-Unit, with hopes to rival big name rappers such as Jay- Z and Fabolous. “The Scumiest Winter,” his third mixtape and the sequel to “Scumbag Music,” has already proved to be a success among his prime fan base in Philadelphia. The idea behind the title came after Fese was called a scumbag by an unknown individual and created an acronym, SCUM (“successful creative urban minority”), to better suit his image. Audiences seem to adore this scumbag as his premiere single (from an earlier mixtape) “4 Wings” is currently number four on the mixtape charts-which allow mixtape artists to be heard on nationally syndicated radio stations. “I love 4 Wings. The video was shot right here on Temple’s campus. Fese isn’t afraid to use Philly as his backdrop and he’s influenced my opinion on the music business,” said Temple freshman and rapper Brandon Smith. Fese partly accounts his success to his brother, Abdul Muhammad (stage name DJ Damage), a popular urban DJ for 100.3 The Beat. As young boys the two had dreams of being a duo act, like Kid N Play. But Damage soon found happiness in DJing. Now ten years later, the two have become an unstoppable force in the Philadelphia rap circuit. With Fese producing the music and DJ Damage playing it at local parties. Audiences all over the Philadelphia area can’t get enough of Fese. “Being from Philadelphia, Fese is well known. His music screams Philly,” said Temple university sophomore Tondalaya Jefferson. Aware that the majority of his demographic hails from the Philadelphia area, Fese is unafraid to be labeled as a Philly rapper, because his songs cater to all demographics. “I don’t know who Fese is. I’ve never heard of his music,” said Delaware native and Temple student Iyana Lester. Yet Fese, is optimistic about his music reaching fans outside of the Philadelphia area. “I like my mixtapes to sound like an album. I make songs for the young girls, the homeboys and even parents. My music will set me free from that label,” stated Fese. The multi-talented rapper, producer and writer spends most of his time in his own studio within his house located in North Philly. An average day includes being in the studio from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. rapping to self-made beats. With over two-hundred songs that he recorded himself, Fese is ready for all the success sure to come his way. “Being independent in this game is necessary,” said Fese. “I make my own beats, I record myself. I don’t need anybody in the studio. To be successful in this business you have to be eager.” And eager Fese is. Already recording his fourth mixtape, and opening for popular rappers Freeway and Meek Millz, Tuesday at the Philly Home Jams concert sponsored by 100.3 The Beat on South Street, Fese continues to put his all into his music and the industry.