Artists who push boundaries are rare. Even rarer are those who reshape how we feel music. Tim Salau, aka Mr. FoW, is that rare breed. His new LP, Soul Boi III, proves it. Dropped July 13th, it’s not just an album – it’s a taste of what’s coming. A full masterpiece is due in 2024. And his fans are already hyped.
But let’s rewind. Who is Mr. FoW? Born to Nigerian-American parents, greatness was practically in his DNA. Growing up, he was that kid – singing, dancing, acting, the whole package. His first gigs were with his church choir and elementary school shows. Even then, Tim had a gift for storytelling. “Music’s always been a part of me,” he says. “But I learned early, that it’s not just the sound. It’s about the stories you share, and how they connect.”
Fast forward to now. Mr. FoW is cooking up something special: Alt-X Hip-Hop & Soul/R&B. It’s a fresh sound for anyone tired of the same old tunes. “I’m aiming for music that feels like a journey,” he says. And Soul Boi III delivers just that. From start to finish, this LP pulls you into Mr. FoW’s world. Every beat, every word, every note tells a story.
One track that shines is “mDNA.” It features Duchess, a friend and rising star. “Duchess brought a whole new dimension to the first part of ‘mDNA’,” Mr. FoW says. “Her voice adds this emotional depth that just fits the song perfectly.” This collab shows how Mr. FoW is always looking to level up his music by working with other talented artists.
But wait, there’s more. Soul Boi III also features tracks like “BushioHOVa” and “PrecIOUs.” Mr. FoW didn’t just make these yesterday. “I’ve been holding onto these tracks, waiting for the right time to share them,” he admits. “With everything happening in the world, it felt like now was the moment.” This LP isn’t just a random playlist – it’s a carefully chosen collection. It reflects where the world is at, and hints at where Mr. FoW is going next.
Making Soul Boi III wasn’t easy. It all came together at Mission Control Studios in Houston. Mr. FoW calls it his creative home base. “Houston’s always been home, and Mission Control is where the magic happens,” he says. The LP was mixed and mastered by Chief Aleel, another Houston artist and a top-notch producer. “Working with Chief Aleel is always a good time,” Mr. FoW adds. “He gets my vision and helps me make it real in a way few others can.”
Despite his growing success, Mr. FoW remains grounded and aware of the challenges facing artists in the digital age. “Even as I do this article, I am still facing challenges in the field when it comes to ensuring that real people are actually listening to my music,” he admits. The rise of bots and streaming platforms can make it difficult to connect with a genuine audience, but Mr. FoW’s passion and talent shine through, ensuring his music reaches the souls who need it most.
Moreover, Mr. FoW’s music has been featured in publications like Disrupt Weekly, Growth Illustrated, and 24 Hip-Hop, further solidifying his position as a rising star. With “Soul Boi III,” he invites listeners to join him on a soulful exploration of life, love, and everything in between.
