Thursday, August 28, 2008
By John Benson
At a time when hip-hop is under constant scrutiny for misogynistic lyrics and female exploitation, there’s a new vocal R B act out of Atlanta that hopes to start a trend of respect when it comes to the ladies.
Meet Final Draft — D-Nyce, Playboy, Fashun, Lucky and Choirboy — which is using its debut single “Why” to define its deferential image.
“Final Draft is a group that respects women,” said Fashun, 21, calling from Atlanta. “We don’t like to degrade women in any of our materials. And ‘Why’ is a song about us trying to find the courage to talk to this girl. It’s a situation when you like someone, but you think they’re too good for you and you don’t really know how to approach that person.
“So you have to find a confidence in yourself to talk to that girl. That’s just how our personalities are really. That’s how we are in our own relationships. We respect women, and I think it’s a reflection of us.”
Actually, that respectful reflection is the theme behind “Why,” which is already at No. 16 on the R R chart. It’s going to be a busy fall for this quintet. Not only is its debut album (featuring Lil Wayne “Lollipop” producer Deezle) due in stores later this fall, but the act is scheduled to perform on a Verizon Tour alongside a few established groups. There’s also a MTV reality show that will occasionally find Final Draft on camera.
In the meantime, the five-piece is on a promotional tour, which brings it to Youngstown on Sunday for a special appearance at the WRBP-FM 101.9 JAMZ Family Reunion.
“When we come out, we’re going to definitely represent for Youngstown and show how we do it in Atlanta,” said Fashun, whose stage name reflects his sense of style. “So we’re just going to give everybody a good show and plenty of excitement. This is our first time in Youngstown, and we definitely want to make sure we make an impact when we get there so they know who Final Draft is.”
He added, “I say we have a universal sound. It’s not really an Atlanta sound. It’s something everybody will feel no matter where you come from.”
Considering in concert the act often includes material ranging from The Temptations and The O’Jays to New Edition, the lineage of Final Draft is obvious. Still, Fashun feels his vocal act is doing something different.
“Yeah, it’s a very unique style,” Fashun said. “Final Draft, we’re definitely trying to make our own home, so if maybe down the road when we’re done with the game and there’s another group like it, they’ll know who paved the way for them to do the same thing.
“So what we’re trying to do is just start a new sound, which is of course incorporating some of the old sounds and adding some new flavor.”
Despite the fact Final Draft is often compared to highly successful ’90s vocal acts such as Boyz II Men and Jodeci, Fashun isn’t feeling any pressure?
“No, we actually find that’s a good thing for us to get in the same category as a legendary group such as Jodeci or Boyz II Men,” Fashun said. “So for us it’s a privilege to be in that same bracket. What it does is make us want to work harder so therefore we don’t mess their name up, and we do them some justice by inspiring us with the sound that we have.”