Boston Rapper to Rock LSC

Boston hip-hop artist Moufy will be rapping his way on the Lyndon State College campus this Thursday in the Alexander Twilight Theater at 7 p.m.

In an phone interview with the Critic, Moufy talked about coming to Vermont, his musical idols, and how he felt when the Patriots lost the Superbowl.

How did you get interested in rap?

My junior year of high school. I got asked to leave high school, so I had from March to May where I was kicked 'outta school and I just had a lot of down time, dealing with a lot of frustration, so I just began writing. I always loved music, especially hip-hop.

You affiliate yourself with "Star Gang," can you explain to people who might not know Star Gang, what it is? 

Star Gang is just the name of my crew. My crew and my fans, I got my own name, Moufy, but that's just what my camp, my fans are called.

In September you did a video with David Ortiz, what was it like working with Big Papi?

He's a great guy, he's very down to earth. It was just a great experience overall. "Pops Chips" just sent us an email and the opportunity just came up.

Your pride for Boston is obvious in songs like "Boston Lights." What is your favorite thing about the city?

There's a lot of things I like, but I like the pride [people] have. We appreciate Boston, we just went to a Sock's game and met the coach. The coach is really great.

So you're a big fan of Boston sports?

Oh yeah.

 How disappointed were you when the Giants beat the Patriots in the Superbowl?

(laughs) Oh, that was tough. That was really, really tough. Really tough. I'm still a little bit sore-I gotta move on.

Your brother, Jose Fortunato, went to LSC. How do you feel about coming to perform at the college your brother attended?

I'm excited because my brother told me a lot about it.  There's a really strong connection to that school. I know some people up there through my brother and I want to make it a really great show, nah mean? Plus I just really like Vermont in general.

So, you've played a lot of shows. Do you still get nervous before you go on?

Nah. Honestly, like nah. I just do it really, try and give I my all. If I have my health, and if I have enough energy, then I don't really get nervous.If I give it my all, that's all I can do. You nah what I mean? Just gotta' pump it up, pump it up.

Do you have any pre show rituals before you go on stage?

Well, I meet up with my team, we all huddle up and we just thank the opportunity, then we go on.

Who is your biggest musical inspiration?

I don't really have just one. Jay [Z], 'Pac, Biggie, Kanye, all had a great career. It's hard to pick just one.

Anything you want LSC to know?

Let them know we're excited and we thank LSC for the opportunity.

The Music Business and Industry Event Management class is organizing the event, but according to MBI major and event planner Christina Cadorette, it really started with the students.  

"[Students] created a Facebook group and started rallying people to create interest. Our event management class noticed and realized we could do something that the student body was excited about."  

To get into the show, students must present their I.D. and have a Moufy wristband. Students can get their wristbands free of charge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in the ATT lobby.

Why the wristbands?

"We wanted to do something that would be seen and create interest," Cadorette, who designed and ordered the bands, explained. "The idea was thrown out in class."

 Rappers Freddie and Dunn will warm up the audience for about 30 minutes before Moufy performs. But don't expect any alcohol at the show to warm up, none will be served.

Cadorette believes bringing Moufy to campus can lead to bigger acts.

"We're hoping this will lead to more shows in the future. The class is showing the campus, public safety, and SGA that students can run a successful show. We have a lot to prove."