Interview Roundup: Fantastic Negrito
Xavier Dphrepaulezz aka Fantastic Negrito may well be one of the most important artists of the era. Nominally a blues artist – or at least initially categorized as one – his music may not even remind you of the blues at all. He truly draws from the best sources – Gil Scott-Heron and Prince, to name two – and then creates something that sounds nothing like those artists. He’s truly his own man. His “debut” album (which is nothing of the sort) is a must-hear, but everything he does is worthwhile.
Bill Kopp and Fantastic Negrito
I’ve been fortunate to witness his thrilling, life-affirming live shows several times, and I’ve interviewed him on multiple occasions. The man is truly special. Read about him at the links below, and spend time with his music.
- Fantastic Negrito interview #1 (2016)
- Fantastic Negrito interview #2 (2016)
- Fantastic Negrito interview #3 (2018)
- Fantastic Negrito interview #4 (2020)
- Fantastic Negrito interview #5 (2020)
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.