Lil’ Fizz: Hurricane Fizzo

Written by Todd Davis

September 2007

Rapper/Actor Lil’ Fizz, born Dreux Pierre Frédéric, is most commonly known for being a member of the multi-platinum boy band quartet, B2K, along with solo star, Omarion, J-Boog, and Raz-B. Lil’ Fizz is now signed as a soloist to Fo’ Reel Entertainment [Nelly, St. Lunatics, and Ma$e], and can currently be seen on MTV’s Celebrity Rap Superstar…

Todd Davis: How come Omarion has been the only real visible member since the dissolution of B2K in January 2004??

Lil’ Fizz: I can’t really speak on what anyone else is doing, but for me there was a good part of my absence where legally I was tied up, and also it was really important for me to step up and make mature decisions about my future.  I have learned a lot since I first came into the business, and I want to apply those things to my next steps.  I felt it was important for me to just sit still for the most part.

TD: So, by sitting still what exactly have you been doing following the well publicized break-up?? L.F.: I have been here in L.A., trying to stay close to home with friends and family. Really just taking time to reflect on things, and trying to be smart about my next move.   TD: When did you first contemplate recording and releasing a Lil’ Fizz solo CD?? And, how did you wind up inked to Fo’ Reel Entertainment?? L.F.: I have always wanted to be in the industry, and I knew eventually I would have to establish my own individuality. But, really I was offered a solo deal before B2K really got going, it just wasn’t the right time. My opportunity to step out finally came after the break up. The opportunity to work with Cudda (Love, who along with rapper Nelly head up Fo’ Reel Entertainment), came after the B2K split. It was around the time Ma$e was planning his comeback, and he and Cudda were working on some things. I was (at) a Beyonce’ concert and I got a call from my boy telling me that Cudda was interested in talking with me. I left the concert, went to the studio to meet with Cudda and Ma$e.  The next day, Cudda called me back in the studio to record with Ma$e. After that, he expressed more interest in working with me on a more permanent basis. After my legal situation was done, we met again and started planning Pay Day.  TD: One, why has this project been delayed for so long?? And, two, whose idea was it to make it available online only?? L.F.: Pay Day was not necessarily delayed. My legal restrictions prohibited me from moving right forward. The idea to offer the EP online had two basic purposes; One, the EP is a sample of what the full length LP will be that I could get to my fans who were eager to hear something in the fastest way possible. I and (my) team decided we would use the online opportunity for me (to) reconnect with my fans prior to the physical release. We also felt that since my fan base are mostly a younger demographic, the best way for me to touch them would be through the means they use everyday; the internet. I think it’s important to try new and creative methods of promoting yourself, and using a heavy online presence has proven to (be) effective. TD: What does Pay Day mean to you?? L.F.: Pay Day represents my intention to be successful. It’s like the reward after working so hard.  Kind of in the same way that you wait for what someone might feel like, when their birthday comes around, like it’s finally here!!  I worked really hard, and went through a lot to get to this point, and now I feel like it’s time for some get back if you will.  TD: Is this solo EP much different from your previous role in B2K?? L.F.: This solo project is about me stepping out, and proving myself. I have a chance to do me. Pay Day is different from B2K in the sense that that Pay Day is all rap. It has swagger and attitude. It’s just me, and this time I was able to express myself and be freer to experiment. In regards to comparing my project to anyone else’s I’m not sure that’s a fair assessment. Even though B2K was a group together, we all have different personalities and styles. I’m sure everyone’s situation will represent them as who they are, as mine will represent who (I) am.  TD: So, Pay Day is just a precursor, of sorts, to an actual full length LP??  L.F.: The full length is scheduled to be out late this year or very early next year. I’m recording and collaborating with some big names, and I know my fans will love the project once it’s done. I’m not rushing the process, I just want to put out a winner. TD:  When did you first become interested in the pursuit of music?? L.F.: I first became interested in music through my sister’s collection of tapes.  She used to keep boxes of tapes under her bed.  I would sneak under her bed, get those tapes, and just listen for hours. She played a big role in what I was exposed to. TD: Who were some of the artists found in your sister’s cassette collection?? L.F.: My strongest musical influence(s) has probably been Kris Kross, Michael Jackson, Snoop (Dogg), (and) A.B.C. {Another Bad Creation}. My (other) inspirations are pioneers like Jay Z, Nelly, (and) Lauryn Hill.  Although I listen to a lot of people for inspiration, ultimately I just try to do me. TD: How did the four of you even come together to form the ultimate ‘boy band,’ B2K?? L.F.: Sometimes I feel like I didn’t choose music, It choose me.  The more I listened to those tapes, it became a natural progression. It just became obvious that being a recording artist is what I was going to do with my life. Me, Raz B and J Boog were already in a group together, we eventually met Omarion, and started working our thing together. Eventually, we were linked to Chris Stokes and the rest is history. TD: What does the name Lil’ Fizz actually represent?? L.F.: One of the first B2K choreographers would tease me about always being the life of the party. He would say I kept things fizzling, Ya know, poppin’ — Eventually, he just stated calling me Fizz and it stuck. TD: I’m hearing you also have a few non musical side ventures in the works… L.F.: Currently I have inked a deal with Lexani Leisure to create my own line of shoes exclusively for women.  I also have a women’s jean line with the same company. We are in the process of putting together some hot promotions to launch both lines. I would also like to get involved with a non-profit organization, and do some outreach in the community. My team and I are currently researching the right opportunity. Eventually, I would love to be behind the desk, having someone else answer my call(s).  You know (an) executive type??   TD: That being said, it’s safe to say then that sooner or later you will be found more behind the scenes, than say directly in the limelight?? L.F.: I suspect I will be established and experienced in so many other aspects of the business.  I would eventually like to create my own situation where I can groom upcoming artists, and eventually I would love to do more acting.  Right now I’m just taking things as they come. TD: What is the ‘real’ Lil’ Fizz like?? L.F.: I want people to know that I’m probably one of the coolest cats you will ever meet.  I’m just laid back. On my off time, I chill with my family, play ball.  I spend a lot of time on the computer.  I try to read as much as possible, and one of my favorite hobbies is cooking. I can burn some New York Strip Steak!! I’m (just) a matured man now and what they have seen (in the past) was only a small part of who I am (now).  TD: Any advice for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in music?? L.F.: (Just be prepared to) accept anything and everything.  Be sure you’re committed, because this is not easy by any means. You really have to want to be in this business.  If you’re not ready to ride it out, you might want to rethink things.  There’s so much competition and you have to want it more than anything else.  TD: As for your former group, B2K — Do you think you all will ever reunite for a future project?? L.F.: There are no plans for a B2K reunion at this time.  B2K members are talented, and the time I spent in the group has prepared me for the next level.  We will always have respect for each other considering what we experienced as a group.  As far as the possibility of us ever getting back together, I’m not sure about that…but anything (is) possible.  TD: Finally, and not to end on a somber note, but I know you recently alluded to the sexuality, uh homosexuality, of your former group-mate, Raz-B — What’s this all about??  L.F.: Things said to the media often get turned around and twisted.  When (I) was asked about a (certain) member’s sexuality, I, in fact, declined to answer the question.  I really don’t get involved in what the next man is doing. And, for the record, I have never made accusations about any member of B2K’s personal life or otherwise.  I respect those guys and wish them the best.