ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: FasciN8
Meet FasciN8, the rising rapper from Elyria, Ohio, blending clever bars with raw emotion. Inspired by Lil Wayne and J. Cole, he’s been spinning on iHeart’s REAL 106.1 and cooking up Hidden Gems Vol. 2. Catch his podcast Them Hidden Gemz UNCUT, where he brings Cleveland’s talent to the spotlight!
What sparked your love for hip-hop? Was there a moment when you knew, “Yeah, this is my path”?
My brother used to try and get me to rap with him during the 50 Cent, Eminem, Ludacris era, but I didn’t start writing until I was a freshman in high school. Since then I knew I wanted to be a rapper, but getting positive reactions from friends and strangers gave me that confidence to grow into who I am now.
How has growing up in Elyria, Ohio, shaped your vibe and your music? Any hometown stories that sneak into your tracks?
Growing up in Elyria really gives you a familiar and unique experience into music , that has molded me to who I am, which is reflected in my music.
Who are your top musical influences? If you could sit down and jam with any one of them, who would it be?
Listening to lil Wayne’s punchlines making the stank face, and relating to J. Cole going to college coming from poverty has inspired a lot of my music. It’d be crazy to sit down with J. Cole and experience making a record from the ground up with a crazy sample
Your music dives into resilience and self-discovery—what’s a life lesson that’s made its way into your lyrics?
My song “Hurtin’ Inside” dives deep into hard experiences. Life’s not easy, it doesn’t stop for no one.
You blend old-school storytelling with modern beats like a pro—what’s your secret sauce for that perfect mix?
When making new music, I try to get out of my comfort zone and not to do too much, but still remaining authentic.
What’s your creative flow like? Are you more “notepad and pen,” or do you let the beat tell you what to do?
I am a good balance of both. I feel some beats go so hard, they need to lead the way. Other songs I look for a vibe to get certain energy off.
What’s been the biggest “pinch-me” moment of your career so far? Something that made you go, “Wow, this is really happening.”
Last year I had an appearance on iHeart’s REAL 106.1 Cleveland’s HipHop and RnB spinning my track “Get In Line” off of my last album “Hidden Gems Vol. 1”. Following a radio interview inside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Insomniac. It was a surreal feeling sitting on the other side of the glass. Watching people walk past and peek in curiously was dope.
What’s the dream for FasciN8? A world tour? A collab with a hip-hop legend? Let us in on your vision.
I want to make enough money to fund a few business ideas I’ve been holding onto for years. Also, traveling around the world finding talent, and featuring them on my Podcast “Them Hidden Gemz UNCUT”.
If you could create a track with anyone—living or gone—who would you pick, and why?
I would have to go with the one and only true goat in my opinion, the king of pop, Michael Jackson. From growing up hearing my mom play all of his of songs, the raw talent, the shock factor, and stardom that would come with that, while challenging me as an artist, I think the pop hiphop mix would be crazy.
What makes the Ohio hip-hop scene pop, in your opinion? How do you see yourself repping your city?
There has been many artists to make it out of Ohio, from Bone Thugs, Kid Cudi, Trippie Redd, MGK, Doe Boy, Chip The Ripper, and many others. My style would be a great addition to various vibes Ohio rappers offer. Cleveland is full of talent, and I would love to showcase it to the world.
Any local artists or creatives in Ohio you’ve teamed up with or want to vibe with in the future?
I work with many artists from the Cleveland area. SunnOfRa is Co-owner of Them Hidden Gems LLC, featured on my recent single “Angels Sing”, he’s also the producer of “Hidden Gems Vol. 1”. I am planning a “Hidden Gems Vol.2” to be a collective album with dope Cleveland artists.
What do you want your fans to feel or think when they hear your music?
I want fans to feel mind blown from crazy bars that make them hit the stank face. I want the pain and joy in the stories to be felt. I want people to have a vibe for anything life throws at them, inspiring them to keep moving forward. Have fun and sing along.
What’s your favorite way to connect with your audience? Are you all about the stage, social media, or both?
Social media is needed for growth in this game, but I really love making personal connections with people. Whether it’s at one of my shows, networking at someone else’s show, or just being out politicking with people. I’ve experienced better elevation through relationships created face to face.
What’s a fun fact about you that fans would never guess? Any hidden talents or quirky habits?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, which lead me to becoming a Controls Engineer, programming PLCs and HMIs for Industrial companies. I also love to cook, and sell plates out of my house.
When you’re not making music, what keeps you energized and inspired? Any hobbies or downtime rituals?
Fitness! I cannot explain how important health is. Wealth is worthless without it. From playing basketball, lifting, outside jogs, to the swimming pool and the sauna. Exercise will boost energy, focus, confidence, mental health and self discipline. Nothing like a good routine to stay polished.