Introduction
Maxie Lee Ryles III, better known by his stage name Fivio Foreign, is a beacon of resilience and musical innovation within the American rap scene. Born into the challenging environment of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, on March 29, 1990, Fivio’s journey from humble beginnings to achieving mainstream success is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.
Early Life: Triumph Over Adversity
The Formative Years
Fivio Foreign’s early years were marked by significant personal challenges, including the loss of his mother in 2016 and periods of homelessness. However, these hardships did not deter him; instead, they fueled his determination to succeed. Spending summers in Connecticut through the Fresh Air Fund introduced him to experiences beyond the city’s confines, broadening his perspective from an early age.
A New Beginning in Music
Music became Ryles’s solace and expression. Starting his career as “Lite Fivio” in 2011 and later evolving into Fivio Foreign in 2013, he founded the 800 Foreign Side collective with friends, laying the groundwork for his future in music.
Career: A Path to Recognition
Breakthrough with “Big Drip”
2019 marked a turning point for Fivio with the release of “Big Drip,” a track that garnered platinum certification by the RIAA and led to a remix featuring Lil Baby and Quavo. His subsequent signing with Mase’s RichFish Records and Columbia Records catalyzed his ascent in the rap industry.
Chart-Topping Collaborations
Fivio’s versatility and unique style led to his first Billboard Hot 100 entries with features on “Demons” by Drake and “Zoo York” by Lil Tjay in 2020. His collaboration with Playboi Carti on Kanye West’s “Off the Grid” further solidified his place in the music scene, showcasing his ability to hold his own among rap’s heavyweights.
Debut Album Success
The release of his debut studio album, B.I.B.L.E., in 2022 was a significant milestone, receiving positive critical acclaim and peaking within the top ten of the Billboard 200. This project, supported by the lead single “City of Gods,” highlighted Fivio’s growth as an artist and cemented his status in the industry.
Personal Life: The Man Behind the Music
Overcoming Personal Loss
The impact of his mother’s death and the murders of close friends Pop Smoke and King Von has deeply influenced Fivio’s music and outlook on life. These experiences have lent a poignant depth to his lyrics, resonating with listeners who have faced similar trials.
Family and Relationships
As a father and a partner, Fivio balances his personal responsibilities with his career. His relationship with Florida rapper Mellow Rackz, following his separation from his longtime girlfriend Jasmine, speaks to his evolving personal life amidst his professional successes.
Legacy and Influence
Fivio Foreign’s narrative is more than just a success story; it’s an inspiring story of overcoming adversity through passion and hard work. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2022 BET Awards and actively supporting at-risk youth, Fivio’s legacy extends beyond his music.
Fivio comes from the first wave of New York drill, a type of drill that does not shout and still has a recognizable flow. The contents do not change but we can say that its more defined in the delivery. Later on, in the second wave of drill artists like kay flock started gaining popularity starting a type of drill that can hardly be called ”Music” ( As we have always known it).
Fivio after starting the first Wave of drill, maybe influenced by the death of Pop Smoke, had to decide what to do with his career. He decided to approach it as a professional, he took it seriously collaborating with icons of his time such as Drake and Kanye West. He decided to play it smart and not being in the streets anymore. As today Fivio Foreign is closer to Drake then to someone who started from his same environment such as Lil tjay.
Every young artist has to learn from Fivio choices. Don’t be stupid, be a professional!