Houston’s music scene has been creating some buzz lately and Mr. FoW is at the forefront of this movement. The Nigerian-Americana neo-contemporary artist and storyteller, known for his genre-bending sound and thought-provoking lyrics, recently released his latest LP, “Soul Boi III,” a project that serves as a precursor to his highly-anticipated full-length album slated for release in 2025.
Mr. FoW, whose real name is Tim Salau, dropped “Soul Boi III” on July 13th, a date he believes was divinely timed given the current state of the world. “I believe my team and I dropped it just in time given what’s going on in the world,” he shares, suggesting that the album’s themes of introspection, resilience, and hope offer a much-needed balm for the soul in these turbulent times.
He has this ability to create music that deeply resonates with people, especially given his advocacy for mental health. “You know, music has always been my therapy,” he begins. “Growing up, I didn’t always have the words to express what I was feeling. But when I put on a beat, suddenly everything made sense. Music became my outlet, my way of processing emotions that I couldn’t articulate any other way.”
It’s no wonder, then, that his music often touches on themes of self-discovery, resilience, and emotional healing. “I’m not just making music for the sake of it,” he continues. “I want my songs to be a safe space for people. If you’re going through something, I want you to be able to put on one of my tracks and feel understood, even if just for a few minutes.”
But Mr. FoW’s commitment to mental health advocacy is more than just a cause he supports—it’s woven into the fabric of his artistry. “We all struggle,” he says, his voice softening. “But for a long time, there’s been this stigma around talking about mental health, especially in communities of color. I want to break that. I want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay and that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.”
When asked if this message comes across in Soul Boi III, he nods thoughtfully. “Definitely,” he says. This LP is a collaborative effort, crafted at Mission Control Studios, mixed and mastered by the legendary Chief Aleel. It features a blend of introspective tracks and upbeat anthems, all infused with Mr. FoW’s signature blend of soulful melodies, insightful lyrics, and infectious rhythms.
One of the standout tracks on “Soul Boi III” is “mDNA,” a collaboration with the rising singer Duchess. The song, which Mr. FoW describes as a testament to the power of connection and shared experiences, features a captivating blend of Duchess’s ethereal vocals and Mr. FoW’s introspective rap verses.
In addition to “mDNA,” “Soul Boi III” also includes two previously unreleased tracks, “BushioHOVa” and “PrecIOUs,” which Mr. FoW has been eagerly waiting to share with his fans, or as he affectionately calls them, “da members.” These tracks, along with the rest of the LP, offer a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic landscape of Mr. FoW’s upcoming album and further solidify his position as a rising star in the neo-contemporary music scene.
“It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to put something out as quickly as possible, but if you want to make music that stands the test of time, you’ve got to put in the work. Be patient, be persistent, and most importantly, be yourself. There’s no one else out there who can tell your story the way you can,” he advises. With Soul Boi III, Mr. FoW is doing just that—telling his story in a way that’s raw, real, and undeniably compelling.
Let Mr. FoW’s music speak to your soul. Find “Soul Boi III” on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.
