Putting Boston’s hip-hop scene on the map is soon to become Moufy’s next accomplishment. This Boston Native has been making moves lately; a song collabo with David Ortiz, Big Papi of the Boston Red Sox, and getting his music played at the New England Patriots game. Despite some issues, we both ran into low battery trouble, Dirtylaces got the chance to catch up with Moufy. Read more after the jump!
Moufy, born Jeffrey Fortunato, grew up in the Orchard Park Neighborhood of Roxbury, Boston. As a mischievous kid with a fascination for street life and a tendency to mouth of to older kids, the nickname Moufy was fashioned. Early influences included anything his older cousins listened to such as Pac, Biggie, and Jay. Moufy coyly admits that like most people in his generation, he also had a G-Unit stage. His musical influences and array of experiences at multiple schools has played a crucial role in shaping his unique style of music.
In high school, Moufy was exposed to a learning environment that was much different than the neighborhoods he lived in. He attended Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, a well-endowed private school located in Cambridge, and lived in a public-housing apartment across the river in Orchard Park. For Moufy, the two entirely different worlds were juxtaposed together on a daily basis. With insight on the diverse cultures, he found a way to bridge the gap between urban and suburban Boston with his music. The experience has had a positive impact. “I think it gave me the ability to have a wide range. I can detract from other cultures to know what other kids like”, explains Moufy.
Moufy’s debut mixtape, City Dreamin, released February 21, 2011, showcases his ability to diversify his flows allowing audiences to hear the different personas of this Boston dreamer. Moufy describes the mixtape as “rough, gritty, and lyrical. It’s a rappers kind of mixtape”. On the track, “Twist it and Light it”, Moufy has fun with the beat to give off a laid back chill vibe. “Miss Newton”, a deep heartfelt tale of a young girl headed down a dangerous path, reveals his story telling skills and talents as a songwriter.
Back in August, Moufy dropped his 2nd mixtape, Boston Lights. For him, the project translates into a personal testament of where he currently stands as an artist. Some of the songs are laid back while others have that in-your-face intensity and lyrics that spit out deep emotion. The mixtape highlights his development as an artist, his brash confidence, and malleable flows. The track, “Boston Lights”, an anthem for Boston, is jam packed with pride, energy, and raw emotion. Starting off with a clear declaration of reppin’ Boston, “Bitch, I rep Boston”, the song smoothly transitions into a strong yet touching confession of the pain and adversity he’s experienced in the city.
With his vision and versatility, Moufy has won over the respect of hip-hop fans in Boston. Moufy has received nothing, but praise for the genuine tribute to his city. “It is very gritty, but has a wide appeal. People rock with it because it is real emotion”, Moufy states. “Boston Lights” serves as a voice for the youth growing up in all parts of Boston. “The song resonates with a lot of people. They have the same emotions, the same feeling about the city, but they just can’t articulate it in rap form”, explains Moufy.
After landing the cover of the Boston Globe, selling out multiple shows, including an appearance at Collegefest, and releasing two mixtapes, Moufy has had to readjust his mindset. Music is now his life. Understanding the uncertainties of the music industry and the importance of following your gut instincts has helped with the transition. “I’ve changed a lot in the way I think. I am always thinking strategically. I’m always thinking how we can do things different musically”, Moufy states. Conversely, his creative process doesn’t require much. When it comes time to think about lyrics for his songs all he needs is the beat. “It’s really just the beat. I need to be alone. It brings things out of me that are on my mind or what I am feeling. The beat gets into my mind then I write down what it is telling me to say”, Moufy explains.
At Collegefest, a two day back-to-school event in New England that attracts well over 15,000 college students each year, Moufy rocked the stage and took pictures with screaming fans. His favorite part about performing at Collegefest, also one of the most rewarding aspects for his music making, is the relationship formed with the audience. “Connecting with the fans, being able to perform my songs, and have a connection with the people there that listen to my music. That’s the greatest moment”, Moufy confesses.
Moufy’s next performance will be November 18 in North Adams, MA.
For more, check out Moufy out on Twitter: @Moufy617
Download: Moufy – Boston Lights [mixtape]
-Jill ArielleFollow @jillarielle
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