They must have ran out of fucks, because there were No Fucks Given during the writing of this interview.
Bio: NFG or No Fucks Given are an experimental rap group from Worcester, MA that formed in 2012. They consist of DMK, T-Stone, and Manic Max, with each member contributing a special set of skills to enhance the group. Their track “WDGAF (Mixtape Version)” was featured on the Earworm Entertainment Mixtape Vol. III.
First off, what’s the story behind the name?
(DMK) From the day we first started NFG, that was the most important part of the music. Not giving a fuck what anyone else thinks. We’re not making music for anyone’s approval. We’re not doing this for money or fame. We honestly don’t give a fuck about any of that shit. We haven’t from the start and that is never going to change. It’s always been about staying true to who we are and creating something we can be proud of artistically. So honestly, there are no fucks given whatsoever when it comes to anyone else’s opinion of us or of what we do. If people love and support us, that’s great, but those people support us because of who we really are and what we actually stand for. Not one song of ours has ever been created just to gain a certain demographic’s approval. We are who we are and we make music we like to make because it’s who we are.
(Maniak Max) Yeah, DMK hits the nail on the head there, but he’s missing the beginning. The night we came up with the name, it was me, DMK, and my boy, Newty. We wanted a name with letters, so I fucked around and said: “No Fat Chicks” (NFC). When we realized that stood for National Football Conference, Newty said, “No Fat Girls!” DMK and I sat there for a minute and thought about it, and started saying all kinds of phrases NFG stood for: No Fuckin Good? No Fucks Given! Naturally Fresh Ganja. Never Forget God. Newty Fucks Guys (lmao jk Newty!). Because of that, it just kinda stuck.
(T-Stone) I personally was asked to help write some guitar or bass for NFG, and I thought I was signing up for New Found Glory, but it turned out it was No Fuckin Good. But No Fucks Given was always a motto of mine so I said fuck it, I’ll run with these guys.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
(DMK) Each one of us has been in punk and hardcore bands in the past. I play drums and sing, T-Stone plays guitar and sings, and Maniak Max plays bass and sings. Each of us grew up loving music.
(Maniak Max) He’s right. I was in a punk band in the past, WITH HIM! Back in ‘09 with our boy McMuffin, called ourselves Detour 45. Miss those days, man.
(T-Stone) I started out as a guitarist in a metal/hard rock band called Insight that DMK and I founded in early high school. After that, I always jammed and tried a few hardcore bands, but nothing clicked until I met back up with DMK and Max, who has always been like a little brother to me.
How would you describe your sound?
(DMK) We just make music we feel, whether it’s serious, fun, violent, or introspective. Whatever we feel in that moment is what goes into the song. We take a lot of inspiration from groups like Onyx. It’s the kind of rap you can mosh to. All three of us grew up listening to many types of music, but mostly hard rock and rap. Our music takes inspiration from several genres but in the simplest terms, it’s rap music with a hardcore attitude.
(Maniak Max) Pretty much. It’s music to get you amped! Start a mosh pit or knock someone the fuck out kinda shit
(T-Stone) We are the ground and pound of the New England sound.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
(DMK) Some of the groups and individual artists that have really inspired us include Mobb Deep, the Geto Boys, E Town Concrete, Madball, the Wu-Tang Clan, NWA, Immortal Technique, Hollywood Undead, and I’m sure there are countless more we could mention.
(Maniak Max) The list goes on, man. We love that old school rap and Nu-metal. I bump the wicked shit. We just kinda formulated a way to put them all together.
(T-Stone) All of the above with a No Fucks Given attitude. But we get a lot of influence from people we met along the way that were either cool or shitty enough to make an impact.
What’s the last song you listened to?
(DMK) The last song I listened to was “Karma Police” by Radiohead. It really is a truly excellent song.
(Maniak Max) “DIEMONDS” by $uicideBoy$.
(T-Stone) “Boom” by Soulfly. Because they’re fucking amazing and it’s awesome to see kids’ reactions at the high school.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
(DMK) I actually find out about a lot of music by going down the YouTube rabbit hole. I’ve found out about so much weird music that way that I’m sure I would never be exposed to otherwise. And when I find an artist I find interesting, I look up and watch/listen to as much as I can find from that artist.
(Maniak Max) YouTube is definitely one source. Spotify, digital platforms, sure. My favorite way personally is going to concerts. Whether it’s going to see your favorite artists and hearing the openers or going to a local show. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS!!
(T-Stone) I personally try not to listen to new music as much on my downtime because I don’t want it to influence my style. But I love finding good new similar music to the good old ones I usually find on Pandora/YouTube.
Who is your dream producer?
(DMK) A producer I’d like to work with (even though it will never happen) would be Rick Rubin. He’s worked with Linkin Park, Eminem, and my all-time favorite Johnny Cash.
(Maniak Max) My dream producer? I guess I’d have to say Mike E. Clark and Fritz the Cat. They produced for ICP, Twiztid, Psychopathic, MNE, etc. That would be dope. Or Dr. Dre for that matter.
(T-Stone) Ross Robinson. He discovered KoRn, SlipKnoT, Limp Bizkit, Glassjaw. Also, Swizz Beats cuz I grew up loving Ruff Ryders, so if those two could produce my crazy ass together, I think I’d die happy.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
(DMK) If I could collaborate with anyone, my top choice would be Mos Def. His flow, his vocab, and his unique sounds are really incredible. And in my opinion all of the songs in which he’s collaborated with other artists it just seems to works perfectly. Plus I could honestly listen to Black Star or solo Mos Def any mood, any time, any day and not get sick of it.
(Maniak Max) That’s a tough question! There’s so many. If I had to pick top choice though, definitely between Shaggy 2 Dope or $uicideBoy$. Probably never happen, but I can dream dammit!
(T-Stone) DMX. I grew up with It’s Dark and Hell is Hot as one of my first CDs. I feel like my scream/metal mixed with his shit could be apocalyptic.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
(DMK) I’ve loved music my whole life. Since I was a kid, I never even imagined that there could be any other path for me to take. It’s been my passion and it’s been the plan for me since I could remember. I keep making music, and I will until I die because that’s just who I am. I don’t know any other way.
(Maniak Max) I loved music as long as I can remember. Everything about it. Ever since I learned how to play a bass at 14-15 yrs old, music just became more passionate to me. I think my love for music alone is my motivation. Every time I play bass or rap, as good as it may sound, I always wanna do better. It’s what I love to do.
(T Stone) I’ve always been a nut for music and used to even use a tape recorder as a kid with a cap gun to try and make rap music to everybody’s laugh. When I finally got a guitar at ten, my life changed an after jammin and playing with bands then finding a true live wire no-fucks given crew and family its somethin that hooks you.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
(DMK) The songwriting process has definitely changed over the years. For the songs on NFG’s first album titled Sounds Of The Underground, I made a bunch of beats and then Maniak Max picked his favorites of those beats I had put together and we’d just rap to that. At the time, it was just Maniak Max and me. As we were still working on the first album, T-Stone came with Maniak Max to one of the recording sessions. I let him listen to a drumbeat I recorded just before he arrived that I was thinking of building on. Instantly, inspiration hit T-Stone and he recorded a bass track to the drums. After listening to the simple yet powerful instrumental T-Stone and I just put together, another wave of inspiration hit all three of us, as well as T-Stone’s brother B-Stone who also happened to be present. We wrote and recorded the whole song, from drums to the last vocal track in less than a couple hours. We called the song, “Get Dirty,” and it was originally with T-Stone and B-Stone credited as guest appearances. But that didn’t last long. T-Stone impressed us so much that day with his flow, his intensity, his talent, and his drive that we had no option but to make him a permanent part of the group. He’s been like a brother to us for years leading up to that point as well so it just felt natural. The next album, Chaos With A Plan, included T-Stone as a new member. Most of the songs on that album came about the same way as “Get Dirty.” When that album came out, we started getting booked for shows like crazy. We were performing almost every weekend, doing shows with Inspectah Deck, Project Born, Liquid Assassin, Boondox, Aqueleo, ABK, Bizarre, and more. That album got us the attention that made all of that possible. The next album titled Reloaded had a totally different feel from the other two albums with more heavy metal and hardcore influence. For that album, we really approached songwriting like a rock band with me on drums, Maniak Max on bass, and T-Stone on guitar. And for that album, we didn’t care if it even sounded like hip hop. We were honestly just making music that we liked. It didn’t matter to us what it gets labeled as. We just went for it and, as our name suggests, did not give one single fuck.
(Maniak Max) Well, he summed that up. Where my beer at?
(T Stone) Right hea maxi pad, DMK said so much I forgot what the question was, ADHD is that an answer? If it’s not, they should make that an option. But Yeah! I, myself, usually ask DMK to play the beat on loop until it’s beaten into our heads like shitty media and depending on the feel of the beat I think of shit from my past to bring the right intensity, or we’re fucking around on a fun track and those nights I can’t remember.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
(DMK) The best feeling in the world is being on stage, having people in the crowd shouting the lyrics to your song along with you. The energy at a live show is amazing motivation. Writing music is great and knowing people feel what you’re saying is great. But nothing compares to letting it all out on stage. At our shows, there is no big celebrity star to be worshipped. We are on the same level as everyone there. We’re no better than anyone who feels our music and supports us. No matter where life takes us, we will always remain humble and appreciative to those who support us. Live shows put us right there with the fans and it’s hard to imagine anything better than that.
(Maniak Max) Got that right. People singing along with us while we’re up there is the best feeling ever. But you gotta keep your audience entertained!
Connect with NFG via their Earworm page, Facebook, Twitter, Reverbnation, YouTube, and their individual Earworm pages, DMK, Maniak Max, and T-Stone.
(T Stone) I personally will say I don’t connect with fans at shows as much as I’d like cuz I take a decent bit of alone time outside, so shout out of extra love to anyone who thought it was quick shootin the shit. I just put a lot more of my battered heart and soul into the intensity I bring but I hope I’ve connected with as many as possible through some of the music but stick around our Fam is always growin. MUCH LOVE!
You guys recording your own album soon?
(DMK) Maniak Max already has a solo album available titled Chaos Is Fair, and now he has another one on the way. On top of being one of the coolest fucking people I know, he’s an extremely talented dude. So he’s definitely a great person to work with when it comes to anything that takes creativity really. And his solo tracks are fucking sick if I’m being completely honest. I definitely recommend that anyone who wasn’t already aware of his solo work checks it out as soon as possible. You’ll be glad you did. And I have been working on solo music as well. I currently have two albums available at this time. The first one is self -titled, and the second one is titled Bringing It Back. And I also have multiple albums worth of songs already recorded to be released in the future. I write on average a song a day. A lot gets thrown out, but what I feel fits the album I happen to be working on at the time best is released. I love making solo music and I also still love making music with NFG. T-Stone and Maniak Max are my brothers and that’s not ever going away.
(Maniak Max) I’m not crying! You’re crying!
(T Stone) I’m crying on the inside, but I think your lids are perspiring lol. I write and record a lot of verses and hooks or ideas of songs, but everything good comes in time. I just let loose when I’m with my brothas and other fam.
You guys generally perform together, or do you perform on your own? Which do you prefer and why?
(DMK) No matter how much solo music I make, and no matter how much I love performing solo sets at shows, my preference will always be to perform with T-Stone and Maniak Max as NFG. The energy is just too fucking good to ever get sick of it.
(Maniak Max) These guys are my brothers. I’d much rather perform as the three of us any day. Even if I rock a solo set, you can bet one of my brothers is hype man. They’ve been there for me through thick and thin. I’d be lost without em.
(T Stone) What the Fawk! That’s weird to think about. I’d see a lot of jail time if Max or I set up shows alone or without DMK puttin his foot down when we need. lol
You were part of the Wormed Out tour. How was that? What was the most memorable moment? Were there any challenges? How many cities did you perform in?
(DMK) The Wormed Out Tour was great. It was honestly a lot of fun overall. It was awesome having all (or at least most) of the members of Earworm traveling and doing shows together. Don’t get me wrong; there are always challenges when it comes to any kind of music tour, I’m sure. But what matters, in the end, is that we made it happen and there is plenty more to come. The future is looking bright.
(Maniak Max) Wormed Out Tour was dope as fuck man! I think the most memorable part was the Rhode Island stop. The homie Jay Prophet basically threw a ripper, and as soon as performances started, that party was off the hook! Some of the best performances I’ve ever seen from all of us on the worm. That night hit me in the feels because I was proud. Of all of us and how far we came. On top of that, I was lit as fuck! Haha. But yeah, there were some obstacles, some personal issues, but we got through it. Like families are supposed to do.
(T Stone) We covered all of New England but unfortunately CT *Sorry y’all but hopefully soon! BUT YEAH, the tour was crazy. It changed all our lives and will be unforgettable but to me it’s just the first so far.
What venues are your favorite in your area? Why?
(DMK) My favorite venue I’ve played has to be The Fete Music Hall in Providence, Rhode Island. We’ve done shows there with Twiztid, Blaze, Wolfpac, and the Kottonmouth Kings. Each time it was a great experience. We always get an awesome crowd reaction there. We really appreciate all of the support we get from our fans in Providence. A venue closer to home for us is the Raven in Worcester, Massachusetts. It’s a small venue with a chill atmosphere. That’s one of my favorite venues to book shows. The place is great for any kind of underground music. We’ve also done some shows at the Palladium in Worcester including one with Kutt Calhoun and another with Mac Lethal.
(Maniak Max) I’ve always loved the Palladium in Worcester, MA. Mainly cuz I been going to shows there since I was 15. I can agree with DMK on Fete too. But NOTHING will compare to Club Oasis. That place basically became OUR show spot and boy did we have some great times and kick-ass shows up in that bitch.
(T Stone) I can’t really answer based on venue but will answer based on areas of New England. Worcester MA has given us a lot if not the most love. But we’re from Wor. County and Rhode Island has held it down for us literally every fuckin time, so big shot out to RI peoples for keepin it live an showin love! ALSO, Huge shout out to Charlees Hill Lebanon ME their hospitality has been amazing!
There’s going to be a show called the Chaos Revolution. Would you tell us a bit about that? Are you guys playing it?
(DMK) NFG will be performing at the Chaos Revolution on April 25, 2020, at the Raven in Worcester. This will be the fifth Chaos Revolution. The show will also include performances by Mr. NoBody, Retrospect, M-Ezy, Snuff Rap Mafia, Krazy Ace, Michael Nyse, Putchewin Payne, Sadistic Anthology, Kraeyzie Payn, Jay Prophet, and CDK. And it’s only $10! It’s going to be an amazing show. Every Chaos Revolution so far has been incredible and this one won’t be an exception.
(Maniak Max) Be there, bitches!!
(T Stone) No Fucking comment.
What does it mean to be in the Earworm family?
(DMK) I honestly feel that to be a part of the Earworm family is a great honor. They really are some of the best people I know. It’s not about getting famous or even about getting rich. It’s just about creating genuine art and supporting others who do the same, and I respect that so much about each member.
(Maniak Max) We’re a brotherhood. This is what family looks like.
(T Sone) We all linked up as some of the craziest in our style of New England underground. Mostly by playing shows together and clickin up by being the first muthafuckas in and out and really showin respect an givin a shit and we grew into a family tighter than tree roots. You don’t need a blood test for family like this.
You all have different skills you bring to the group. Would you each tell us which skills you bring to the group? Tell us how it makes your performance dynamic.
(DMK) T-Stone has a real talent for heavy, aggressive music. I sang in a metal band that T-Stone played guitar for back in high school. So I already knew all about his talent on the guitar before NFG even started. But he blew me away the first time I heard him rap in the studio for his verse in “Get Dirty” (which was a freestyle first take). The intensity in his voice on that track is impossible to ignore. As a side note, when he recorded it while he was drunk and had his knife out threateningly the whole time like he was ready to do some damage (No Fucks Given). He’s not one to be fucked with. He later blew me away again when I first heard him scream in the studio for an NFG track. He’s got such power and rawness to his voice. T-Stone has such a creative mind and has really been a major driving force. Maniak Max’s style comes off more as a fun and chill party guy at times. But then other times Max can really get into some dark and violent topics lyrically. His flow is always energetic without fail. His music really represents his personality perfectly. If you’re ever at a party and Maniak Max is there, it’s bound to be a good time. Maniak Max is really a people person. Everybody seems to like him right away, so he is really great at making connections within the music scene. As for me, I love hip hop more than any other genre. I have unlimited respect for the greats such as Nas, Outkast, Lauryn Hill, Mobb Deep, Public Enemy, and NWA. And I’m a big fan of stranger more experimental hip hop as well such as Death Grips, MF Doom, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler The Creator, ODB, and Danny Brown. I always try to sound different and experiment with my flow. I don’t want to sound like anybody who came before me. If some people don’t like it, then No Fucks Given. I’ve never been the type to try and please everyone with my music. My goal is to create something that’s truly unique while still showing respect to traditional hip hop. I’m always thinking of ways that I could improve. But most important is that I stay true to the name of the group, No Fucks Given. I will say whatever’s on my mind and not hold back. I’m not the type to talk too much about my personal shit in regular everyday life so listening to my music is the best way for anyone to get to know who I really am. Rap music is and always will be a very important part of my life. I also record and master the tracks as well as handling most of the booking for shows.
(Maniak Max) So you gonna answer all these questions dawg? Haha. He summed it up right there. DMK is king, I’m a party animal, and T-Stone is the junkyard dog, a force not to be fucked with.
(T Stone) We three are our own immediate family as brothers, musicians, and we all play our parts not just on specific skill but best yet when we need to for the group. As far as our performance based answer, in my opinion, I think DMK brings a great professional: I’m here to do business and get it done! Max is perfect at making connections and linkin up with some of the most random people at times cuz he’s so outgoing with an NFG heart, and as far as myself, I guess I keep the shit live cuz overkill doesn’t fuckin exist.
What’s next for you?
(DMK) I personally have two music videos currently in production right now for solo tracks. One for “Ready To Soar” featuring Jason Freitas and Shelby McCreedy, and another for “Troll.” Also, I won’t get too specific right now, but I have a lot of unreleased solo tracks that I have plans for. And we’re just starting work on the next NFG album.
(Maniak Max) I got my next project titled “Klepto” in the works. Not gonna get into detail about it, just keep your eyes and ears open. I also got a couple of music videos planned. One for my song “Mind of a Maniak” featuring Canna CDK and Jay Prophet. And then a collab track I did with my homies Jah Murda Srnj and Conor (a.ka. Twitch). Stay tuned.
(T Stone) Musically I’ve been enjoying working as a featured artist on other stuff like Maniak Max’s solo shit and things through EWE but I may surprise you in the near future and NFG will always be right back. lol
