Jersey City native Chris Banks, a.k.a. C-Fury, is struggling to break through as a hip-hop artist. Banks, 30, released his first album – The New Beginning – late last year. C-Fury is enjoying radio play, mostly in Canada. His first single, “Turn it Out,” was picked up by a major distributing company, Third Eye/Universal Records, for a compilation called National Idol v. 2. That CD, made for people inside the music industry, is giving Banks some valuable exposure.The New Beginning is available at Amazon.com, where several customers have posted reviews. One customer said, “Dude got flow …. C-Fury talks about his trials and tribulations, [and] I respect him for that…. I feel this guy can hold his own among [the] big-name rappers.”
Banks addresses his struggles in his lyrics: “C-Fury, he’s been wasting his time./Fifteen long years and he’s still writing rhymes?/C’mon when he think this bull—t’s gonna pay off?/Tell him to take a day off!”
Banks was able to leave his last day job in 2003. He lives with his wife, Ericka, and their two daughters “on the hill” in Jersey City.
Who are your musical influences?
Run DMC and Jam Master J, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Fatboys. I can go on and on.
How did you learn to rap?
Watching my older brothers James and Bobby Banks, when I was 11 years old.
When did you first start performing?
In ’88, I did a talent show at P.S. No. 37 Cordero School, downtown Jersey City – that’s when it all started.
Where have you performed?
I did house parties, a few talent shows, some promotional shows. Jersey City just doesn’t have any place locally where an artist from here can showcase their talent. I’m going to have to do something about that, when I’m given the chance.
How do you describe your sound?
Unique, different, original, and mine. It’s that simple.
What distinguishes you from other hip-hop artists?
My music, my flow, my life, my visions.
You work with Deevel, a Canadian promotional and marketing group. How did you get involved with them?
I had a list of record labels and promotion and marketing companies. They were one of the companies I sent an e-mail to. The CEO, Mark Berry, read what I wrote, and liked what he read. And that started The New Beginning.
You paid to put out your first album with The Orchard. How did you decide to work with them?
That was the direction Deevel took. And I must say it was a good choice, because that got my CD, The New Beginning, available on more Web sites. They’re my main distributor.
What’s your advice for other artists who are trying to make it?
You have to really want it. What I mean by that is, you have to be hungry, willing to make sacrifices, and leave your pride at the door no matter what negative responses you hear, if any. If you feel you have what it takes, go for it. Don’t let anyone dictate your dreams or your life.
You’re particularly fond of track 3 on your CD, “Lil Tahj,” where you rap with one of your daughters. Tell us about the song and what it was like to record it.
At 6 years old, she would be repeating everything I said in my songs, and trying to battle other rappers I had at my house. So when I started putting The New Beginning together, she was 8, and she kept asking and asking, could she do a song with me? She said she wrote a verse – oh yeah, she knew what a verse was – then asked me to look over it. I made just a few changes, I put the track together, and handed her the mic. And though my first album is still on the rise, I can promise you’ll be hearing more of her and her little sister, my baby girl, Lil Dah.
What are the last three CDs you bought?
Honestly, I was so focused on making this happen for me, that I shut completely down and got on my grind, but I kept my ears to the streets. I only heard of a certain artist’s music, when it was brought to my attention … Jay-Z.
What’s your favorite day of the week?
Sunday, when the New York Giants play.
Who are your collaborators and where do they live?
There’s two people you’ll hear on The New Beginning: Lil Tahj, my daughter. And Elevate is on track 8, “Serious” – spittin’ 4 bars, on the hook. He resides in South Jersey.
Don’t you work with your nephews?
In the near future, you will hear from them. That’s when I’ll be looking to release Blood First [a new group with his nephews]: B-Gudda, Young Smooth, P-1, and a new adopted member Bad Luck. As long as my fam stays focused, they too will be given their opportunity.
What does “Blood First” mean to you?
It means blood comes first – your family or those you consider to be like family. Blood first has nothing to do with any gang-related activities.
What’s your next project?
That you’ll have to wait and see, after The New Beginning takes its full course. This is for me, my fam, and my city and town, Jersey City. Much luv, C-Fury. I won’t let us down.
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