Submitted by Mike Williams — Managing Editor (@imikewilliams)
Being the son of someone in the military, you get used to two things: moving a lot and having to make new friends. When Marcus Legette — better known as King F.A.M.E. — moved to Atlanta, he didn't know what to expect. What he found was a place that helped shape the start of his music career.
Legette was born in New York and also lived in Hawaii. Then at 15 he made his last move to Durham. That's when his music started to take off. Still living in the Triangle, he's ready to represent for the Carolina music scene.
Here are my Seven Questions with King F.A.M.E.
Q. First, your rap name is interesting. The acronym, F.A.M.E., stands for "[expletive] All My Enemies." That's self-explanatory. But what's the significance of "King?"
"The 48 Laws of Power" (by Robert Greene) says to act as royalty and be treated as such [Law 34]. When it's all said and done and people look back at history, I want to be remembered as a king.
Q. Do you think you have any real "enemies," or are they more like haters? Where do you think that hate comes from?
I believe haters are synonymous with enemies because anyone trying to deter my success is an enemy — because it interferes with my money, which jeopardizes my livelihood and family.
Q. You lost your mother when you were 15 and had to move away from your home. What was it like moving to a new place after such a tragic loss? How does that experience influence the kind of music you make?
I can't lie. Losing my mother at such an important time in child development kinda threw me off for a while and made me feel like I needed to find my place.
I had to move from Atlanta when this happened, but raised there gave me a different perspective on music because it is such a music capital. Growing up in that environment while Outkast, Xscape, Jermaine Dupri and TLC were coming up really shaped my idea for what a musical soundscape should be.
Q. In your latest single, "Jupiter," which is getting good radio play, you seem to be trying to channel a vibe LL Cool J had. Is that a lane you want to fill for female hip-hip fans in North Carolina?
Yes! I feel like no one is catering to the female fans, as far as hip-hop artists are concerned. Not to mention, who doesn't want to come to a club full of beautiful women? You HAVE to cater some to the female demographic.
Q. Earlier in your career you encountered some legal trouble that put your music on a brief hiatus. What happened and, at that point, did you think you would be able to do music again?
I got arrested for having a controlled substance in a vehicle with intent to sell. It was kinda bad timing because I was on the phone with a rep from Capitol Records when I got pulled. I knew I would still be able to do music, but I was looking at some time. I pled guilty and only had to serve the 30 days. Thankfully the Lord had a different vision for my life and my faith in Him pulled me through.
Q. Seems like you were moving with the wrong crowd. What would you tell young people about who they choose to be friends with?
Sometimes your environment shapes your outlook on life and the decisions you make. The company you keep will ultimately determine your long-term success so if you hang with those that aren't about progressing, it's going to hold you back. My goal is to surround myself with positive people and energy because I'm not letting anything get in my way anymore.
Q. Tell me about your company, Groundbreaking Entertainment. What's that movement all about and what's next for you in 2012?
My company is an artist development and management company (brand and talent). I feel like with the current state of the music business, (not focusing) on artist development, we can fill a void in the current landscape of the industry and be a bridge that brings the artist closer to their ultimate goals.
In 2012 I plan on dropping my mixtape, "Hall of F.A.M.E," and my album, "Rise 2 F.A.M.E." Lord willing I will be one of the breakthrough artists of 2012 for North Carolina. Video production for my single "Jupiter," has started so that's coming soon.
