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Bringing Swagga Back
Photo Credit: Eric Evans
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Written by Trent Bastian
Orlando Ferguson, better known as Young Finesse around Menlo-Atherton, has been quick to make an impression by performing at Menlo-Atherton’s homecoming rally. Orlando differentiated himself from the orthodox acts that usually dominate Menlo-Atherton rallies. Junior Casey Eason certainly embraced the change, stating “He put on a raucous performance and got the crowd into his songs the entire time.”
Young Finesse began recording and writing hip-hop at the age of 12. When he moved to San Jose from Iowa in 2005 his cousin Bonkaz, another aspiring recording artist, influenced him to explore the industry. He says his music is influenced predominately by the works of Nas, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, and Wu-Tang Clan; he also listens to rock groups like The Killers, Foo Fighters, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Orlando started performing in 2008 in various locations around San Jose, and he still journeys back to a studio in San Jose even though he “loves Menlo Park”. I sat down with the aspiring superstar for some questions:
Q: What is your official name?
A: I’m better known as Young Finesse but it’s transforming into Oh! Marvelous.
Q: Who do you most emulate as a rap artist?
A: There are a lot of great artists I look up to, but I want to form my own image in the game.
Q: What made you get into the rap industry?
A: I have always had the ear for music, when my 5th grade teacher introduced us to the poetry unit, I figured out what I wanted to do in life.
Q: Do you have any relatives in the game?
A: Yes, my older cousin Bonkaz is currently signed to Akon’s Kon Live Distribution, and he is also cousins with Joseph Simmons, son of Rev Run from Run-DMC.
Q: Besides music, what other hobbies do you have?
A: Having a good time with my friends, but I love doing new stuff.
Q: Any lucky ladies that you have your eye on?
A: At the time, not right now (chuckles), I want to focus on my schoolwork and education.
Q: Back to the rally (more chuckles), what song are you performing?
A: I’m performing a three song compilation mixed into one track, Now Ride, All My Life, and I Got My Swagga Back.
Q: One of those has to be your favorite song, which is it and why?
A: “I Got My Swagga Back”. I like the beat, and Michael Marshall; the person doing the hook made it a very recognizable song.
After the highly supported performance at the rally, Orlando hopes to gain more attention in the Menlo-Atherton area. The 493-seat monster otherwise known as the M-A PAC could very well be the next venue for Orlando’s fresh performances. He plans to pursue his music career and attend a four-year university. He hopes to eventually earn a record deal.
Only two months after moving to a new school and being virtually unknown, Orlando Ferguson is M-A’s new sensation with true potential and intellect. If you want to hear him again, find him on the green and support his music by purchasing a 25-song mixtape for three dollars. If you’re unable to find him, visit his myspace.
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Photo credit Leah Worthington
WEEKLY CAPTION CONTEST:
October 28th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
He is good!!!
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October 28th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
The swagga left when Latu graduated, I’m being dead honest, every since she left, M-A just dont feel right!
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*deedeebabyy CUHZ!!! Reply:
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
hahahahaha you funnyyy
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November 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
Hey this song slap though cuhz cuhz….. i love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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