From Marine to Rapper: Fitzy Mess on Underground Hip-Hop and Social Media
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Underground Hip-Hop?
- My Journey as a Marine Veteran Rapper
- The Appeal of Underground Hip-Hop
- Mixing it Up: Attracting a Diverse Audience
- Releasing My First Album
- The Challenges of Creating and Releasing Music
- The Impact of Social Networking on My Career
- The Bastards Canteen Experience
- Where to Find Me and My Music
Introduction
In this article, we will delve into the world of underground hip-hop and explore the experiences of Fitzy Mess, a Marine veteran turned rapper from Brooklyn, New York. From the definition of underground hip-hop to the challenges of making music, Fitzy will share his journey and shed light on the appeal of this genre. We will also discuss his first album, the impact of social networking on his career, and his experiences at the Bastards Canteen, a veteran-owned bar in Downey, California. So, let's dive in and explore the vibrant world of underground hip-hop!
🎤 What is Underground Hip-Hop?
Underground hip-hop refers to a genre of music where artists create purely for the love of the craft, without the primary focus being on commercial success or fame. It is driven by a passion for the art form and a desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Fitzy Mess defines underground hip-hop as music made by individuals solely for the purpose of making hip-hop itself, devoid of any ulterior motives such as making a substantial profit or gaining extensive views on social media platforms.
🎖️ My Journey as a Marine Veteran Rapper
Fitzy Mess, a Marine Corps veteran, discovered his talent for rapping during his time in the military. Although he initially rapped for fun amongst his friends, it wasn't until he composed a rap about the Marine Corps as a birthday message that his musical journey took off. Despite his reluctance to share it with the public, his friends insisted on posting it online, which unexpectedly went viral and garnered nearly 500,000 views. This unexpected success motivated Fitzy to pursue a career in music, and he eventually released his first album, "I Love LA," on the Marine Corps Birthday.
🎧 The Appeal of Underground Hip-Hop
The appeal of underground hip-hop lies in its authenticity and rawness. Fitzy Mess predominantly attracts military veterans; however, his music transcends boundaries and appeals to any rap enthusiast. By mixing songs about the Marine Corps with regular rap tracks, Fitzy ensures that his music resonates with both his target audience and anyone who appreciates the genre. His ability to connect with listeners through his lyrics and deliver a unique blend of storytelling and rhythm is what sets underground hip-hop apart and attracts a diverse fanbase.
💽 Mixing it Up: Attracting a Diverse Audience
While Fitzy Mess primarily caters to military veterans, he is keen on expanding his reach and sharing his music with a broader audience. He believes that if you love hip-hop, his music should resonate with you, regardless of your background or military experience. By ensuring a mix of tracks that appeal to both his niche audience and the general rap enthusiasts, Fitzy creates a unique blend that allows him to connect with an array of listeners.
🎵 Releasing My First Album
Fitzy Mess released his first album, "I Love LA," on the Marine Corps Birthday. This project was a significant milestone for him as he aimed to celebrate his military background while also appealing to a larger audience. However, the road to releasing the album was not without its challenges. Fitzy faced rejections from stores due to artwork issues, which caused delays and frustration. Despite the setbacks, Fitzy persevered and successfully released the album to critical acclaim.
🎯 The Challenges of Creating and Releasing Music
Creating and releasing music comes with its fair share of challenges, even in the era of social media. Fitzy Mess highlights the difficulties he faced during the album creation process, including approval rejections and the need to align the album's title with its overall sound. These obstacles serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work required to bring a musical project to fruition.
🌐 The Impact of Social Networking on My Career
Fitzy Mess acknowledges the transformative power of social networking platforms in his career. In the pre-Facebook era, becoming known as a rapper required pounding the pavement, distributing mixtapes, and seeking radio play. However, with the advent of social media platforms, the landscape has changed entirely. Artists now have the opportunity to share their music directly with audiences worldwide, potentially going viral and building a dedicated following. Fitzy expresses his gratitude for the opportunities that social networking has provided in enhancing his visibility as an artist.
🍻 The Bastards Canteen Experience
Fitzy Mess holds a special connection with Bastards Canteen, a veteran-owned bar located in Downey, California. This establishment provides a unique atmosphere for veterans seeking a sense of camaraderie and a place to reconnect with like-minded individuals. The canteen is adorned with military-themed decor, showcasing pictures of veterans and unit memorabilia. Beyond the military ambiance, Bastards Canteen offers excellent food, service, and a welcoming environment for anyone looking to enjoy a casual drink.
💻 Where to Find Me and My Music
To stay updated on Fitzy Mess' latest content, Facebook serves as his primary platform for sharing music and interacting with fans. You can find him by searching Fitzy Mess on Facebook. Additionally, he is active on Instagram as @fitzy_mess831 and on YouTube as Fitzy Mess. Fitzy's first album, "I Love LA," can be found on various streaming platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon, and Tidal. Simply search for "Mess Em ESS" by Fitzy Mess.
【FAQ】 Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is underground hip-hop?
A: Underground hip-hop is a genre where artists create music solely for the love of the craft, without being primarily focused on commercial success. It is driven by passion and authenticity.
Q: Who is Fitzy Mess?
A: Fitzy Mess is a Marine Corps veteran turned rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He gained popularity after a rap he made as a birthday message went viral, leading him to pursue a career in music.
Q: Where can I listen to Fitzy Mess' music?
A: Fitzy Mess' music is available on various platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon, and Tidal. His first album, "Mess Em ESS," can be found by searching his name on these platforms.
Q: Does Fitzy Mess only appeal to military veterans?
A: While Fitzy Mess attracts a significant number of military veterans, his music extends beyond this niche and appeals to any rap enthusiast. He aims to connect with a diverse audience through his unique blend of storytelling and rhythm.