Meet Figgy Baby, an LA-based rapper, performer, and a community builder. That’s right, a COMMUNITY BUILDER! The Family was charmed by both his good nature, authenticity, and genuine lyrics. Below we discuss music’s healing powers, breakdancing in mid-air, and his upcoming second album.

Check out our review of his album, Mixed Race Mixtape, and listen along on Bandcamp.

How long have you been making music?

I wrote my first verse after my friend’s sister was killed senior year of high-school and although that was my entry point into writing, I didn’t start recording and producing music until mid college about 8 years ago.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My own experiences and perspective. Because that’s the only thing I know and can speak 100% truthfully on. With that being said, I constantly work to broaden that perspective and engage in a diverse range of experiences, thus allowing my art to pull from limitless inspiration.

What keeps you motivated to keep on creating?

Survival. I wake up every morning and get out of bed, feed myself and work because this process allows me to have reasons to. Once you create purpose for yourself and understand what fulfillment feels like, you only want more and to spread it to everyone else.

What was the intention with your latest album?

I wrote that album for my own healing. To deal with my insecurities around growing up in a mixed-race and immigrant household. And once I wrote it, I began to understand it’s importance beyond me. To share a non black or white perspective of human experience, that shows the very complicated and often undiscussed truths that so many of us cling to.

Where do you see you and your music going in the next few years?

I see myself working on my 3rd or 4th album, with a large and committed fan base, touring internationally! 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be (doesn’t need to be music related)?

I would fly, but only cause that would elevate (no pun intended) my performance game ten fold lol. ALSO, breakdancing in the air?! Come on!! That be wild!

What kind of messages do you try to get across with your sound?

That there is room for every person’s story and that no single perspective should dominate the masses. Humans are special because of our infinite potential to progress and our incredible range to feel and I want to remind my listeners of that.

What was the last concert you went to that really inspired you?

I went to my homie, G Yamazawa’s album release show a few months ago and being able to see someone who I actually know thrive and command an audience as well as he did is so amazing. It reminds me that you don’t have to be some highly produced super star to make an impact to a room of people, you just have to be vulnerable and raw. 

Who is your favorite member of The Family Reviews?

Meghan! Cause she gave me the best review and seemed to resonate with my work the most! Appreciate you, girl! 

Any final comments?

I’m so excited to announce that I am currently working on my second full length album! This project will focus on and be rooted in the vulnerable and complex experiences of men and masculinity. Reimagining the potential of both those identities. It will include a very different sound than my first album and feature collaborators from all over the country and internationally. Release date pending. Follow my process everywhere at @figgybaby Thank you and te quiero, mama!