We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed hip-hop artist Fredo Ruthless; greetings and salutations, Fredo! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?

With me getting out from prison in the middle of the summer, it’s been a work in progress. But now, I’m focused and getting ready to release more Music and perfecting my craft.

Major congratulations on your recent and very personal freshly-minted single I’m Back! Can you talk about the meaning of this new single to you?

The meaning behind “I’m Back” was really just trying to show a fan of the old me and what they have been missing while I was away.  Also what motivated me to get back into music right away was my support system and the people around me that I have a big influence on. I’m back home now and really just trying to show the world who Fredo really is and show that through my music.

I’m Back was released courtesy of the NLess Entertainment label. What makes NLess the perfect and only choice as the home for you and your music?

They roll with me through thick and thin, that’s my first home. They have supported me from the beginning and have helped me not only with my music but my personal life as well. I first got introduced to NLess through DJ Larry Live, he had heard one of my singles called “Drug Addict” and he DM me on Instagram. He had told me that they wanted to bring me to Memphis and the rest is history. I was mingling with the label and then I got signed.

How is I’m Back similar to some of your past music such as Drug Addict? How is it different?

“I’m Back” is different because now I am a little older and wiser. The sound and lyrics are a lot more industry-wise. I’m also entering a new chapter in my career and life where I’m just focus on my music. It is similar because its still me. I still have the same grind and motivation to keep putting on for my city and elevating in my career.

NLess has an impressive roster of artists in its ranks such as Moneybagg Yo and BIG30. Any chance that fans will see some collaborations between you and some of the other musicians on NLess?

Fasho! Would definitely like to lock some things in with Moneybagg Yo, BIG30, Drac Baby and really the whole label. Me and Dee Mula already got some stuff in the works.

You hail from the beautiful city of Nashville, TN. How do those roots inform you as a musician?

Nashville is a music city so I’m just trying to bring a different rap culture to the music city of country. We’re known for being a country city, so I’m just trying to show the world that hip-hop still exist in Nashville and I’m the latest independent emerging rapper coming out of the city.

Who inspires you musically?

My older brother Reece inspires me since I started music in 2016.

With the release of the new single, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you in 2023?

Yes, they can! The project will sound like a little bit of everything. It will be kind of  unorthodox for my fans.

What does your touring/performing schedule look like in the coming weeks and months?

We are still working on that right now so more to come on that.

Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene – The Five Heartbeats, 8 Mile, This Is Spinal Tap or Krush Groove?

I’ll probably have to say The Five Heartbeats and Temptations.