Drill’s ever-growing evolvement in New York wouldn’t be such a success if it wasn’t for one of the key members of its sound in Fivio Foreign. After emerging to the masses in 2019 and building close ties alongside the late Pop Smoke, Foreign’s sound has gone from strength to strength as he climbs up Hip-Hop and Drill’s talented ladder.
With a string of anthems from “Big Drip” to “Zoo York”, Fivio’s catalogue is already stacked for the memory books and he’s only getting started. His distinctive ad-libs are now making waves worldwide, and The Bronx rapper has plans to takeover on a wider scale.
We’re able to catch some downtime with the rapper who is ready to talk music and his London experiences.
“Zoo York” was a reminder that New York has marked its blueprint all over Hip-Hop. Every era has had icons. Grandmaster Flashed paved the way for Biggie, Hov, and Nas. These superstars then became 50 Cent, A$AP Rocky and now Fivio Foreign. The question remains – Why is New York so consistent in producing elite artists?
“I think just the willingness of people who are ready to try new things. There’s so many different cultures and personalities. There’s so many different artists that people like. That’s got a lot to do with it”.
Drill has emerged at the forefront for New York’s next generation. The next wave of talent has started to incorporate a genre which has already grew to a significant stature back home in the U.K. New York is giving its flowers and hope to do the same soon enough stateside.
“I feel like for me, U.K Drill is more out there. In the U.S, there are songs that are making it out here from the U.K. Numbers wise, the drill rappers are coming up in U.S, but U.K Drill is sturdified! They have more numbers”.
Fivio realises there is a talent all over the board now. Competition comes from New York and now extends across the waters. With his last album being B.I.B.L.E. in 2022, we asked the East Flatbush native if there are any projects currently in the works.
“I got something called Pain and Love which is dropping pretty soon. 2023 for sure!”
Before Fivio Foreign drops his next body of work, we touch on working with ArrDee and who he currently has on the top of his playlist. Fivio’s selection is expansive and features a catalogue of artists from around the world. Music seems to be more and more diverse as the years go by, and the New York artist has been keeping his ear open.
“I’m currently listening to Mil East, he’s from New York. Of course, Pop Smoke. I’m heavy on listening to Lil Tjay. I like Lil Baby. I listen to Central Cee and Tion Wayne. I f*ck with Dave heavy! I know him and Stormzy are legends. I been listening to “Clash”! I like Digga D too. He cool”.
We educate Fivio on the recent Split Decision which he intends to add to his ever-growing playlist. This is an artist who will dedicate time to hearing new sounds and monitors how music goes around the industry. Foreign believes this is key in keeping relevant in music.
“I think study. Study your sh*t! Make sure you’re giving the people what they want. Find out what the people want, study and see what’s hot. Work hard and keep doing it!”