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Formerly known as Symon Feenixxx, FNX is now rising from those ashes as a new artist, focusing on clean rapping and serving his local community. “Rubber Bands” makes a strong statement about the artist’s headspace as he goes into his debut EP release. The yet-unnamed release from Factory Underground Records will feature guest spots from Chino XL and Crooked I.
At the core of FNX’s music is his story – one of perseverance, positivity and overcoming life obstacles. Born Kenneth Shuler, he was raised out of poverty in Norwalk by his young mother, overcoming childhood homelessness and battling depression and finding a passion for self-education. FNX would eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of New Haven and master’s degree in organizational leadership from New Hampshire College. The artist is also an official advocate of the George Washington Carver Foundation of Norwalk.
FNX promotes self-discovery through his music by honoring, while at the same time breaking down, the stereotypes of hip-hop culture. This idea is summarized in “Rubber Bands,” a song that embraces the hip-hop imagery of rubber bands used to organize piles of money, but flips the meaning on its head. The ironic twist in the lyric is a small hint at FNX master plan: to educate his listeners about financial literacy, the subject of an actual course he now teaches.
“Flaunting wealth runs deep in hip-hop culture. I teach people to reinvest their money. I want to help families to break free of the debt cycle,” says FNX.
As a “clean” rapper, FNX is again going against the norm by avoiding profanity and use of the “N-word” in his music, something he hopes will help his message resonate with listeners of all ages.
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