FNGR FOOD

Chevious Smith is a rap prodigy here in Austin, TX who goes by the name Ifé Neuro. Ifé has a breathtaking amount of talent as an artist deeply rooted in Hip-Hop. By far, the most incredible ability Ifé possesses, is how he is able to tell and teach meaningful lessons in all his rhymes. Neuro hails from South Carolina, and is building an empire from the ground up with Sunday Dinner Records. If you’ve heard his 2019 project, Butterfly Genesis, then you know Ifé Neuro is the real deal. Neuro is to be considered as a scholar, and a student of Hip-Hop. He is a highly intelligent and profound philosopher who is lightyears ahead of his time. Rightfully so, Ifé has become one of the most sought after artists to collaborate with due to his highly articulate nature, and his motivational drive to only be the best.

As of today, Ifé has a new EP out titled Cornel East. With only a 6 minute runtime, this highly polished and smooth boom-bap production is laced with various biblical, and black history references; as well as the always sharp and righteous writing one can expect from Ifé Neuro. Neuro took time to speak to FNGR FOOD about how he plans to be one of the greatest there ever was, and explains what mantras he abides by on his path to success. In this exclusive interview, Ifé also shares with FNGR FOOD his views on Hip-Hop culture in Austin, and insight on the values of self-belief.

“I’m also heavy on affirmations and using ‘I AM’ instead ‘I think’, or ‘I hope’. Whenever you say ‘I AM’ something, you’re commanding and stating whatever you’re trying to accomplish or affirm.”

Ifé Neuro

FF: Hi, Chevious! How have you been? How has life been treating you?

IN: Life for me is always beautiful. I’m extremely thankful to wake up in my right state of mind each day; it’s truly a blessing.

FF: Have you been pretty busy these days?

IN: It’s been pretty crazy with work and recording, but honestly I’m thankful for each and every opportunity given. My thing is stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.

FF: For sure. So- jumping subjects here- but I’m really curious as to where you’re from?

IN: My hometown is a little town in South Carolina named Greer; very small compared to Texas. I have so much love for my city, because it made me who I am today.

FF: Your rap style is so refreshing and unlike anything I’ve heard in a long while. It’s definitely refreshing to hear in Austin. How long has it taken you to develop your style?

IN: Honestly, each day I start at zero. My thing is study the greats until you become one. I watch countless interviews as well as study albums. Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle is amazing. The flows, cadence, pronunciation, and breathe control is phenomenal. I feel that if you’re going to do something, then do it all the way. It’s important to study those before you; they’re the blue print

FF: You do a lot of research as you’ve told me before. What all do you normally like to read up on in order to inspire your writing?

IN: My favorite reads are very specific to spirituality. Big Sean is always sharing what he reads, so when he mentions a book, I immediately go see what it’s about. Books like Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, Four Agreements, and As A Man Thinkth are some of my favorites. Everything is mind and the tongue. Learning what you say and think over yourself. The only thing that separates you from anyone is belief. Having this burning desire to accomplish that goal you have no matter the circumstance. I’m also heavy on affirmations and using “I AM” instead “I think” , or “I hope”. Whenever you say “I AM” something, you’re commanding and stating whatever you’re trying to accomplish or affirm. An example would be like: “I hope I’m successful” no, “I AM successful”, it’s a difference, and overtime, you start see and feel the change.

FF: I love the fact you’re putting knowledge in the hands and minds of black people through your music. That’s so valuable. You provide so much meaningful knowledge of our culture that we all should be conscious of.

IN: I think it’s important to know who you are and where you come from. A good friend of mine said the most talented people are the most oppressed. Throughout history, our people have created and improved many things. Mos Def’s album, Black On Both Sides, for example, has this song called “Mr.Nigga”,and it’s such an amazing song. Mos and Q Tip tell different stories, and scenarios of the stereotypes placed on our people. We’re beautiful people, and by sharing knowledge, you can break so many generational curses.

FF: So this EP is called Cornel East, this is just a little taste of what’s to expect from you in the future, right?

IN: Yes, it is! We have many things planned, and we’re just getting started. I can’t say too much, but when it’s all said and done, I’ll be going down as one of the greats.

FF: I can tell you have a lot of amazing things planned. I know you find it more important to take your time with releases rather than feeling pressure to put things out for the sake of it.

IN: A lot of the great artists like Michael Jackson didn’t release music often. In fact, he released Thriller in 1979, then came back with another album in 1982. I’ve grown out of just going with the motions and releasing. At Sunday Dinner, we don’t do what everyone else does, and that’s what makes us different. For some artists, releasing music often works, but that’s not for everyone, and it’s really trial and error. At the end of the day, you have to find what works best for you as an artist.

“I can’t speak on others’ passions for the genre. I know what [Sunday Dinner] is doing, and the type of sound we’re providing. This isn’t a phase or anything we’re doing to pass time. In real time, you’ll see who’s here to stay.”

Ifé Neuro

FF: I want to see you in some rap battles. We gotta start that up somehow once we can start going outside again. Why do you think we don’t really have that kind of thing happening in Austin? We have so many underground rappers here that could all be getting together to boost the Hip-Hop culture.

IN: Honestly, battle rap is a different realm. I’m not sure how people would react to that. Though, I’m not from here; music in general is still fairly new. Everyone is trying to build, and find different spaces to display their art. As a fan of music, though, I think that would be dope.

FF: How do you feel about the spirit of Hip-Hop here in Austin? Is there room to grow in that craft in this city? Do you think people in Austin care about the genre?

IN: Honestly I will say this, we all can strive to be better artists, performers and leaders. We haven’t arrived yet, so the mentality for me is work until my idols become my rivals. I can’t speak on others’ passions for the genre. I know what [Sunday Dinner] is doing, and the type of sound we’re providing. This isn’t a phase or anything we’re doing to pass time. In real time, you’ll see who’s here to stay. Regardless if it takes 10 days, 10 months, or 10 years…the goal is, and forever will be, to accomplish the goals we’ve set for ourselves.

FF: You’re definitely one of my favorite story tellers here [in Austin]. Your wisdom and lyrical content is so awesome to hear and witness.

IN: Thank you so much for that! I strive to grow and tell a story not seen by others. I offer a perspective that challenges what we’ve been told. Anyone around me for any time period will be great, because that’s all I know and will tolerate.

FF: Lets talk food for a second. What have you been eating a lot of recently? Do you cook?

IN: It depends on my work schedule, and how I’m feeling. Sometimes, I just want to fade to the house, order from Door Dash and call it a night. One of my favorite food trucks is Don Japanese, that spot is so fire!

FF: What’s your favorite food?

IN: My favorite food to cook is shrimp. Honestly, you can never go wrong with any type of seafood. Being from the South, and going to college in Charleston, SC, I was spoiled heavily!

FF: I love seafood, as well. I can eat it any day of the week. Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to answer some of my questions. I’m rooting for you, and I know you’ll win. Is there anything else you want to say?

IF: We at Sunday Dinner want to say thank you, and we appreciate all that you do! Thank you for betting on yourself and creating a platform/space for artists. We’re here for you, and whatever you need just say the word!

Stream Cornel East here