When one of your biggest hit records talks about “taking a bottle to the head” – it’s natural to assume that your band is accustomed to partaking in alcoholic beverages before, after… heck, even during performances. But Lil Wayne’s “I Am Still Music” tour isn’t your typical hip hop show. Due to Wayne’s probation, no alcohol is allowed backstage.
The fellas from Far East Movement are finding ways to get by.
“We just drive far away, make sure we’re far away from the tour, and do what we gotta do,” said emcee and group spokesman-by-committee Kev Nish. “The atmosphere (on tour) has been real positive. All the artists bring it like crazy… I mean, you can’t even tell the difference.”
Kev, real name Kevin Nishimura, initially didn’t understand where I was going with my inquiry on the group’s drinking habits while on tour. Once he realized, he backtracked a little from the “before, after, during” talk.
“I was just kidding,” Nish joked. “Water is… the natural life choice drink.”
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Speaking of choices, FM also chatted about a decision the group made before releasing the album Free Wired. Bruno Mars helped write and produce the hit single, “Rocketeer,” but at the time was not a known artist. When the demo version of the song leaked after Mars became a superstar, some questioned the need to grab OneRepublic front man Ryan Tedder for the hook in the first place. But Kev Nish revealed that it was a joint-decision between Far East Movement and Mars to enlist Tedder’s services.“We envisioned an alternative rock hook,” said Kev of the song. “We were listening to OneRepublic ‘Apologize,’ and thinking, ‘Let’s go with Ryan.’”
“Rocketeer” flew up the charts across the globe, cracking the Top 10 in a number of countries, including the U.S.
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