Fat Tony likes rap from everywhere, a factoid inherent in how he crafts his music. His recently released Smart Ass Black Boy is a testament to his limitless intake of rap, like the inverted formula of A$AP Rocky – Houston turned loose on New York rap. We're guessing though that next to Fat Tony's copy of Jeff Chang's Can't Stop Won't Stop is Azerrad's Our Band Could Be Your Life.
Citing straight edge as an early influence, transitioning into pop punk like Screeching Weasel and Jawbreaker, and finally adopting the DIY ethos of Minor Threat, Fat Tony threw his first rap show at age 14 based on what he learned from those bands. It's a mentality that's kept the barriers at bay, particularly on the day we filmed Tony at the 4Knots Festival. He was the only hip hop act booked alongside acts like The Men, Hunters, Marnie Stern, and White Lung.
Fat Tony's Smart Ass Black Boy is out now on Young One.
