Using the pseudonym Curtismith, the proudly Filipino lyricist Mito Fabie has been building a body of work stamped with a storytelling style of smooth beats and clever lyrical flow.
This rapper on the rise draws on personal experiences and ideals that belie his 22 years.
As a result, his songs are highly introspective, unfolding like journal entries that reveal layers of his persona. He is nothing like the typically assembled musical acts that grace national television.
Curtismith’s talents have not gone unnoticed. He has impressed the celebrated business leader and philanthropist Richard Branson by rapping a verse inspired by the billionaire—before Branson himself.
He has also bagged an endorsement deal with clothing brand Human, fronting its campaign along with model-athlete Maureen Schrijvers.
It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world
catches up.
Curtismith sits down with To Be You to talk about his musical beginnings and what he’s up to.
Impulse
Tell us about the moment you realized you could actually rap.
My parents have good taste in music, but neither of them sing and they never forced me to play an instrument. I always had an inclination to African-American culture for some reason, though.
One night, when I was 14, I got the impulse to start rhyming and decided to record myself. I heard it the next day, and although it was pretty bad, I thought to myself, “Hey, I can do this.” So I just kept going from there.
What’s your creative process like? Tell us about the journey of how your ideas turn into actual songs.
I have to experience something first. Then I have to look for a beat that can capture my emotion as genuinely as possible. That’s how my favorite songs are usually made.
‘Keep it real’
What is the most important message of your music?
Keep it real and follow your passions.
What are your career goals?
To succeed in my endeavors, show people how they can do it, too, and hopefully, to help them achieve their own goals.
What’s your favorite album of all time?
“Section 80” by Kendrick Lamar.
If you weren’t rapping, you would be…
Scheming.
Any new projects we should watch out for?
I have a new EP entitled, “Soully, Yours,” which will be out between November and January, so hopefully people look out for that. I’m also going to out up a website and make music videos, so it’s a pretty exciting time for me.
Photography Toff Tiozon
Styling RJ Roque
Grooming and hairstyle Syd Helmsley
Sittings editor Luis Carlo San Juan
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