While you may never have heard of Fenix or his music, chances are excellent that you know his true identity, that of junior Kenneth Rivera.
Rivera, who has been writing music since his sophomore year of high school, is busy conducting his most ambitious music project yet: a mixtape, which he has named Heart and Soul.
“Hip-hop nowadays is changing and it’s becoming more about the status,” Rivera explains, “so mine is more about the movement upwards and the revolution. I figured I would bring hip-hop back to its roots.”
His alter ego’s name, however, looks to the future.
“I have come from practically nothing and have risen from the ash – I have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am today.”
Drawing from inspirations like Nas, as well as personal experiences, Rivera’s lyrics are fresh, exciting and original, with ideas coming from various locations.
“A lot of inspirations come from emotion, a lot of them are dreams, some are even ideas that came up in sociology class last semester,” said Rivera. “We talked about a lot of things involving social class, involving the dichotomy between blacks and whites.”
While the lyrical process is all Rivera, the musical side is a complete collaboration between friends and famous faces.
“There are a couple of instrumentals made by Will Brown, also known as Willis Beats,” Rivera said. “Some of them are made by my friend Raphael from Florida and others are recycled beats from artists.”
Over the years, Rivera has met such obstacles as personal hardships and the ever-nefarious writer’s block. “There have been plenty of times where I tried to put down the pen, but it just keeps coming back,” said Rivera. “Sometimes you just need an outlet and I think music is my greatest outlet, aside from theater.”
Rivera, who was seen as Ferdinand in last semester’s MainStage production of The Tempest, is no stranger to Conn’s music scene.
His website’s homepage – which welcomes visitors with the phrase “Fenix in the Building” – features a picture slideshow of Rivera rapping, recording and writing his music. A bubbly and warm personality, Rivera has also emceed for various events, including Orientation’s open-mic night and last semester’s SAuCtion. He is also involved with 3-Peat, a music production club recently passed by SGA.
Rivera refuses to focus on the profit aspect of music.
“I don’t need to be a superstar,” he said. “I just love music and I love to write. Even if it’s just something that I do on the side, I don’t think I’ll ever give it up.”
When asked why his mixtape is free, Rivera explained, “I really want people to listen to the mixtape so it can grow in popularity. I’m giving them out to whoever wants a copy just so they can hear it.”
During our interview, Rivera clicked on a link on his website to his rap “Homecoming.” While the song heavily samples the Kanye West song of the same name, the lyrics are deeply personal to Rivera’s own life. Listening to Rivera’s vocals on the Internet, his voice seems full of intense emotion. However, as the real Rivera sang along to his own lyrics, his voice was softer, looser and more comfortable. It’s easy to tell that Rivera is proud of where his work has taken him.
Aided by his collaborators and friends in the music world, Rivera seems confident and prepared for his music’s unofficial debut.
“I’m going to sell t-shirts. I have a Facebook fan page. I just started Twitter, so people can follow me to promote.”
His website features links to listen to some of his tracks. Listeners and fans can also contact Fenix and comment on his work, as well as request a free mixtape.
To learn more about Kenneth Rivera and Heart and Soul, check out www.fenixhiphop.com. You can also become a fan of Fenix on Facebook and follow Rivera on Twitter. His first concert will be held in Cro’s Nest in May.
