I’m money inclined, but won’t switch from rap – FerbTheKing

FerbTheKing is an independent rapper who hails from Rivers State, Port Harcourt. He is the 5th of 6 siblings and currently studying at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

His first major project, a 7-track extended playlist titled Hot Boy Shit was released on the 2nd of April 2021, which is currently available on all streaming platforms.

In this interview with Soltesh Iyere, the rapper speaks on his beginning, how he intends to stay focused with his hip hop to create global music that influences his generation.

Tell us a bit about your background?
My name is Dickson Marcus born on January 5th, 1999. I’m from Rivers State, Port Harcourt, and I grew in Port Harcourt as well. I’m the 5th of 6 siblings. I am currently studying at Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

You have been in the entertainment industry for a few years, how would you describe your struggle over the years?
It’s been quite tough, probably because I’m an independent artist, and I’ve been pulling strings myself to make things work, but nothing good comes easy, so I think it is what it is.

Who are some of the artists you’ve been able to collaborate with over the years?
Well, I’ve collaborated only with Parkito, he’s probably been my guy from way back, and we’ve got quite the same vision on the music journey.

You just released your EP, what’s the project all about?
Honestly, the project came to me as I’ve got access to a recording studio, and most times I just call a producer and decide to jump on a beat, but mostly it depicts fragments of my experiences.

What project do you want to embark on now?
For now, I don’t have any project in mind probably because I’m still trying to make this current one I’ve got heard.

When did you decide to become a musician?
Actually, I’ve always wanted to be a musician, from primary school I started having an interest in music because at that period my older brother was a well-known rapper in the neighbourhood and he mostly plays hip hop songs so in a matter of time I picked full interest in it.

Who influences you in the music industry?
My influencers may sound pretty off considering my sound; I would say The Weeknd, Tyga, Tory Lanez, Trippie Redd.

What do you think the future holds for the Nigerian music industry?
There’s a lot of undiscovered talents just from my perspective I’ve seen guys doing crazy stuff with sounds, there’s pretty much a lot the future holds in the Nigerian music industry.

What was your parents’ reaction to your decision to go into music?
They weren’t surprised because my older brother picked up being a musician first, and he was strongly discouraged, but when it got to me they realized they couldn’t stop mine.

If you’re not doing music, what will you be doing?
Honestly, I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing music, maybe acting

Do you have a record label deal?
No, I don’t. I’m pretty much focused on being independent, I’ve mostly been independent.

Many rappers switched commercials later to make more money, what’s your take on this?
Well, it’s probably because they were money inclined, I’m money inclined too, but I’ll wait to see how much I can get from doing what I’m good at.

Who are the top artistes you want to collaborate with?
I’d like to work with Nasty C, Rema, Trippie Redd, Tyga among others.

As an artist, you must have had your fair share of police brutality?
It’s very embarrassing, and it has inflicted fear in most youths when they come in contact with officers who brutalize civilians to extort them of their money, I’ve been a victim severally, and it’s not a good experience.

Did you take part in the #EndSARS protest?
I didn’t partake in the protest. I was not available at the time.

Your advice to upcoming artists like you?
Self Perseverance is key. Imagine what you want and figure out a way to get it, nothing good comes easy, you always have to put in work.