Houston Loves You: A Weekend With Fat Tony

Houston – If you’re going to go to Houston, TX, you’ll want Fat Tony to show you around.  As I was told by one gentleman, “Fat Tony runs Houston yo.”  Luckily, I had Anthony Obi, better known as Fat Tony, to show me around this weekend.  Though I’ve seen him many times in Austin and Los Angeles, seeing him perform in his element was a completely different experience.  Making a name for himself since his high school days, putting on shows, he’s become a Houston staple and the vibrant hip-hop scene has proven to be the perfect place for Obi to flourish.  Saturday’s performance at Cactus Records showed just how much Houston loves him back.

When I speak of him performing in his element, I got to witness not only his performance at Cactus but also an impromptu performance at a house party.  Though wine and Jungle Juice had been sipped and joints were being passed around, Tony performed flawless renditions of “Sleepover,” “Hood Party,” and more.  “Hood Party,” a song that addresses gentrification in the 3rd Ward, the area Tony grew up in, was especially exciting to hear knowing I was technically in the “hood” and as the lyrics stated I was the “white people” who know “it’s a good party.”  Though friends surrounded Tony, it was clear to see the excitement those friends had in seeing him perform.  They knew they were witnessing a special moment and that one day, he will no longer be able to perform at a small house party—though he would never give off that vibe.  As much as everybody loves him, he loves them all the same and is humbled just to have people who listen.

Cactus Music is Houston’s best record shop and a launching pad for local artists.  Tony worked there in his younger days so once again, he was stepping in to a family environment (though I’m not sure where he can go in Houston that doesn’t make him feel like family).  The large front room was packed with on lookers who did not just come for the free beer.   The event was put together in honor of his new 7” featuring new tracks, “No More” and “Love Me.”  The record was cleverly packaged as a fake hip-hop gossip magazine cover and limited issues were sold at the event.  Out of 50, only 5 were left behind.  Though his knowledge of hip-hop runs as deep as his lyrics (extremely deep), his performances appeal not only to hip-hop fans.  Anyone can find something to like about Fat Tony, whether his clever or sometimes emotional rhymes, his friendly persona, or even his brightly thrifted wardrobe.  In this particular performance, he recreated his music video for “No More,” including the attractive feline.  She slunk around the stage interacting with Tony and shaking her head no as the lyrics boomed, “Don’t wanna bang bang skeet skeet no more/No more no more no more.”  Buckamore who was featured on the track also joined Obi.  Tom Cruz, his constant collaborator, joined him on stage for a verse in a latter song but mostly held up the 7” as a plug.

My weekend culminated in a DJ set at The Flat where no one could resist the $6 lone star and shot deal or Tony’s Beyoncé medley.  The way he mixed 90’s hip-hop and R&B with Drake verses felt like the perfect vibe of his own music.  Even in a club where he was not performing, the people gravitated towards Tony, allowing him to set the perfect tone for their night.  He has a way of making people come together and really, isn’t that what hip-hop should be about?

Go HERE for more on Fat Tony.

 

 

Ilyse Kaplan

Ilyse Kaplan

Growing up in Boston, MA, Ilyse Kaplan was an avid music fan so she followed her passion to Los Angeles.Unable to decide whether to be Penny Lane or William from "Almost Famous," she combined their best assets--William's writing skills and Penny's fashion--and joined her guitarist boyfriend Southwest.Though missing her old haunts like The Echo and The Satellite, she has warmly embraced the Austin music community and looks forward to sharing the hidden gems she comes across wandering aimlessly down east 6th st.Her record collection holds no boundaries from 60's Yeh Yeh girls like Francoise Hardy to her imaginary hip hop boyfriend, Drake.From the kings of morose, The Smiths, to the reigning queen, Taylor Swift.Having written for publications such as Variety, LADYGUNN, and Filter in the past, she looks forward to reporting Austin's Best New Bands live from the scene.
Ilyse Kaplan

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