The Fox Magazine

Daily Inspiration:

Dream Bigger
With Us.

Let's Get Social

    Get To Know Antonio Ramsey Aka Mr. Funk Trap Through His Latest Project: Flamingo Dr

    Get To Know Antonio Ramsey Aka Mr. Funk Trap Through His Latest Project: Flamingo Dr


    Olympians, entertainers & business owners all come from a street in the small town of Boynton Beach Florida named Flamingo Drive. Antonio Ramsey grew up on that infamous street and knew all the kids on the block.

    In his latest project released via UncutMuzik/EMPIRE Distribution, he has heavy features with artists he could have grown up alongside. Every track will take you through thoughts, emotions & situations faced while living on Flamingo Drive.

    Ramsey, who is heavily inspired by James Brown, Plies, Jodeci & Bruno Mars, has made cameo appearances on national commercials and television projects on WeTV, Netflix, VH1, MTV, BRAVO, and NBC. He can also be seen on Amazon Prime video in which he played the lead role in the short film “The Audacity.” Antonio also played a role and performed the title track for the upcoming Film “A New Life”.

    The raspy baritone and soon-to-be vocal paramount has opened shows and shared stages with fellow celebrated performers including Fantasia, Lyfe Jennings, Anthony Hamilton, Bobby Brown, Vivian Green, Bobby V, Chubb Rock, and more.

    We interviewed with Antonio Ramsey about his upbringing, growing as an entertainer and a musician, how he got the name Mr. FunkTrap and more.

    Where is home? 

    Los Angeles, CA by way of South FL.

    What was the defining moment you realized you wanted to do music?

    I actually started my career in music at family gatherings and events in the backyard of my mom & dads house as a little kid. I was always the one trying to dance and entertain someone & my mom would always say “you’re going to be something.” My mom was determined to help direct my energy into something more productive and for her training was key. I ended up attending the middle and High school of the Arts where I met Chris Grant, who is now one of the creative directors/Choreographers for Beyonce, one of the biggest artists in the world.

    I joined Chris’s group “Full-Out” and from there things started steamrolling. I started recording demos such as”Charlene” by Anthony Hamilton. I’ve been a professional singer for 8 years and a dancer for over 10 years so I’ve taken advantage of both abilities to become an amazing entertainer. I have written songs with Grammy Nominated songwriter and artist Elijah Blake who I also danced background for. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite genre of music because I enjoy being a well-rounded entertainer. I was so influenced by so many sounds that I created my own genre called “Funk Trap,” this sound is heavily influenced by Funk and Trap music!

    Has music always been your career plan? 

    Entertainment has always been my career plan and music is my gift that has opened doors to that path!

    How did you get the name Mr. FunkTrap? 

    Mr. FunkTrap is my alter ego, my stage persona. I created Mr. FunkTrap to allow myself to experience myself outside of my body, giving myself the opportunity to transcend.

    What inspired the latest album Flamingo Dr? 

    I grew up on that infamous street and knew all the kids on my block. We were all friends but had our individual relationship with each other. This feature heavy project features artists I feel like I could have grown up alongside. Every track will take you through thoughts, emotions & situations I faced while living on Flamingo Drive.

    The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most?

    The thing that inspires me the most is the drive to inspire others. I was always the kid wanting to fight the bullies that picked on kids. Ive always been an advocate for the underdog and that will always be my motivation besides supporting a better life for my family.

    What’s the best part of being a musician?

    The best part of being a musician is the ability to change someone’s day entirely from just one live show or one song. A lot of people use music as an escape and to be able to help people escape and elevate their mood is an amazing feeling.

    What instrument or piece of equipment is your favorite to work with and why?

    When it comes to my favorite instrument, I would have to say the guitar. The guitar just makes you want to body roll sometimes haha. From electric to acoustic the guitar definitely is that one instrument that will always invoke emotion and feeling in any song.

    Music is all about expression, what do you like expressing in your work?

    When it comes to my music I like to express in general, to live for you and no one else. Do what makes you happy and enjoy life. My music always has a ‘feeling’ behind it. Whether we are talking about love or friendship, I ultimately want you to feel something.

    What motto, quote, or words to live by do you use to stay motivated when you aren’t feeling inspired? 

    Do it because you love it.

    Sometimes in this industry, it can start to feel like work but that is when I have to remind myself that this is what I love to do and blessed to be doing it!

    Name a few artists would you love to do a song with and why – 

    A few artists I’d love to work with would be Tems, Miguel, and Giveon. I named these 3 artists because they all invoke emotion in their songs vocally and via the production. Tem’s voice is next level and I love how she uses its uniqueness. Miguel is one of the best writers I feel is slept on and Giveon is holding it down for us baritones out there.

    What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? 

    I think people would be surprised by the fact that I am a technically trained dancer.

    What’s your best advice for aspiring musicians? 

    My advice to aspiring musicians is to simply keep going and be honest with yourself. It’s not going to happen overnight so you have to have the drive and passion for it. Also, you have to be honest with yourself and know where your strengths and weaknesses are, this is definitely key!


    Connect With Antonio!

     

    Post a Comment

    Get To Know Antonio …

    by Mike Fox Time to read this article: 14 min
    0