Making a transition from one career to another is often a challenging experience, but former New York Giants rapper Famouz is making it a little easier by enlisting some well-known friends for his forthcoming debut rap release, Ghetto Passport.
The album, which boasts appearances from UGK’s Bun B (“Twist Twist”) and E-40 (“Trippin'”), includes a high-profile cameo appearance from Bon Jovi front man Jon Bon Jovi, who aids Famouz on “Bad Name,” a Hip-Hop remake of the rock band’s classic 1986 #1 hit “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
“I first met Bon Jovi when I was with the Giants. Then when I was in the Arena League, I played against the Philly Soul (Bon Jovi’s team) and they were a huge rival of ours,” Famouz said. “Later on we presented the idea of collaborating to Jon and the rest is history.”
“Bad Name” is one of 20 songs from Ghetto Passport.
The album marks a new chapter for Famouz, who has been rhyming since age 12 and is currently signed to World Jam Records.
Despite his knack for rapping, Famouz chose to pursue football.
The move led to a stint on the Rutgers University football team, as well as the Giants in the NFL and the Arena Football League’s Nashville Kats.
As he prepares to invade the music scene, Famouz realizes the challenge of winning over those who are skeptical about athletes who rap, as he compares the task to making it in pro football.
“First of all, I was a walk on for the New York Giants. I wasn’t drafted and I had to prove myself to make the team every year, as every year I was cut and played my way back on the team,” Famouz revealed. “Secondly, I wasn’t making a lot of money and the money that I did make went into my passion, which was music.”
Fans can look forward to seeing Famouz on the road, as plans for a US club tour are being solidified.
The outing, according to the rapper, will feature a few surprise appearances from various guests.
“I have a lot of friends that still play football. They know that I’ve been working on this music stuff for along time. I’m not going to mention names right now, but come on, I was a former Giant,” Famouz said. “But aside from those surprise guests, in the long run, my music will definitely speak for itself.”
Famouz’ Ghetto Passport hits stores on Sept. 25.
The following is the traklisting for Ghetto Passport:
1. “Take Off”2. “Ghetto Passport”3. “Gettin’ It” 4. “Famouz”5. “Trippin’ f/ E-40 & Rankin Scroo'”6. “Swervin'”7. “Bad Name f/ Jon Bon Jovi” 8. “Wiggle” 9. “Push” 10. “Ahhh…Miami”11. “Thug Taboo”12. “Voice Mail 1” 13. “Pheanin'” 14. “Twist Twist f/UGK’s Bun B & Billy Cook” 15. “Heaven”16. “In Too Deep” 17. “Crunch Time”18. “Nothing Can Stop Me”19. “Neighborhood Star f/ 5 Ent”20. “Landing”
