With the resurgence of golden-age Hip-Hop acts like Common & Pete Rock, LL Cool J and MC Lyte dropping stellar projects that are not only just charting, but even more importantly showing and proving their relevance in the game that they helped to cultivate, it seems only fitting that other notable vets of this era should also take heed to.
Enter Chip Fu, born, Roderick Roachford, 1/3 of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, rap trio, Fu-Schnickens, largely known for their hit singles; “Ring the Alarm,” “La Schmoove,” featuring the late Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest, “True Fu-Schnick” and the Shaquille O’Neal assisted “What’s Up, Doc?,” returns with his premiere solo offering, “LIKE US,” taken from his forthcoming EP, Invisible Footsteps.
Our Chip Fu interview dives into the forthcoming project, going separate ways from the trio, and much more.
Parlé Mag: First things first, let’s hop into this lead entry, “LIKE US” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?
Chip Fu: Well, it was a song for the album and we decided to put it out just to get a good response or to see how people would react, and the response is just what we wanted; nothing but positive feedback.
Parlé Mag: “LIKE US” comes courtesy of your new solo EP, Invisible Footsteps, conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
Chip Fu: It represents all those that thought I was not focused on music anymore. People don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. But all this time I was still working toward my goal, but people just didn’t see.
Parlé Mag: How then does Invisible Footsteps either differ and / or compare to what your fans and followers alike already both know and love you for as 1/3 of the Fu-Schnickens?
Chip Fu: It’s still going to be energetic, but from a mature person’s point of view. Now I can give concepts from my point of view to make it make sense.
Parlé Mag: Elsewhere on the project you teamed back up with your “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)” co-star, Shaq — What all can be expected from this collabo?
Chip Fu: Yes, we did a song called “Warning,” which is a Reggae song that I think everybody is gonna love.
Parlé Mag: Why exactly has it taken this long for you to finally decide to drop an official (solo) body of work?
Chip Fu: Unfair contracts.
Parlé Mag: That said, what all else had / have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your lengthy musical hiatus?
Chip Fu: Just working on my craft, and what else I can add to the game. Lots of people don’t know what to expect from me, so I figured I’d focus on a different approach musically.
Parlé Mag: Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Roderick Roachford?
Chip Fu: It started at age 11, my brother introduced me to Reggae music and Hip-Hop. His childhood friends was UTFO, so they always was around the way. When they finally made a record, that’s what sparked it for me!
Parlé Mag: Now you’re from East Flatbush, Brooklyn, correct? So growing up in the “Little Caribbean,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Chip Fu: Anything that sounded different at the time that could influence me. Artists like Shinehead, Yellowman, Slick Rick, etcetera, helped me to conjure up different flow patterns and techniques.
Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and style?
Chip Fu: My style is free flowing / sound will always be different and cutting edge ‘cause now I have the time to try different things; while I was in a group, I only did what I was supposed to and play my part.
Parlé Mag: What particular string of events actually led to your initial linking up with Moc-Fu and Poc-Fu and the eventual formation of Fu-Schnickens?
Chip Fu: Poc and Moc went to high school, and Poc and I grew up in the neighborhood; we all had a dream, and decided to put our heads together to make it happen.
Parlé Mag: When and how did Jive Records enter into the picture?
Chip Fu: They saw us perform at Howard Homecoming, and followed us around the city when we had performances and competitions. That all lead to getting a contract.
Parlé Mag: What caused the group to eventually disband?
Chip Fu: Growing pains at the company, and us wanting to try different things on our own. But, the company wanted us to do things their way. So, we decided to part ways.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Chip Fu: It’s a different energy that people will get. It’s creative music that makes you want to dissect, and feel happy to come across some creative music.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Chip Fu: Busta (Rhymes), Eminem, Pharoahe Monch, for the obvious reasons, they are dope.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Chip Fu: Madison Square Garden, because of what it represents to New York and to artists.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop?
Chip Fu: A change is happening, and I’m just gonna sit back and watch… can’t fully answer that question until the smoke clears.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Chip Fu: Studying always…and practicing.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Chip Fu: Wake up, thank God to see another day, hug my wife, walk my dogs, then check on my worksites, then get to writing for a few hours. Sleep and repeat.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Chip Fu: Fans are family…I treat them just as such.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Chip Fu: Favorite part, the music / least, the business.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Chip Fu: Study your craft and the business.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself
Chip Fu: Running my own company doing music and film.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, what’s up with Moc and Poc? And, what are the odds of a full-on Fu-Schnickens reunion; either on stage or wax?
Chip Fu: Performances only. Moc and Poc are good. But I think we ended on a high note, and don’t want to tarnish the brand. So performances only.
Parlé Mag: Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Chip Fu: INVISIBLE FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY! BLAQ INK! We focused.
Parlé Mag: Any “parting” words for our readers?
Chip Fu: Go get the single “Like Us“ out now, and check out the video!!
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