In the gritty landscape of Tampa’s hip-hop scene, FB Marlo stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. The Jamaican-born artist, who relocated to Tampa in his elementary school years, is set to release his most personal project to date – “Vacant Souls,” a 13-track album that promises to showcase his evolution as both a rapper and songwriter.
“I speak about real life situations and feelings,” Marlo explains, his voice carrying the weight of his experiences. “I make music for everyone to relate to.” This universality in his approach isn’t just marketing speak; it’s rooted in a life story marked by both struggle and triumph.
Marlo’s journey into music began in seventh grade when he discovered his singing ability, a talent that would later evolve into a multi-faceted approach to making music. By tenth grade, he was recording tracks and watching as people gravitated toward his authentic message. But the path hasn’t been smooth.
2023 proved to be a particularly challenging year for the artist. The streets of Tampa tested his resolve with shoot-outs and violence, experiences that delayed “Vacant Souls” from its originally planned early 2024 release. These setbacks, however, have only added layers of depth to the project, which is now slated for release on January 24, 2025.
The album’s delay might have been a blessing in disguise, allowing Marlo to refine his vision and channel his experiences into his art. His past struggles with homelessness and street life haven’t deterred him; instead, they’ve become fuel for his creative fire. “I just kept my head down and kept grinding,” he reflects, a philosophy that’s carried him through his darkest moments.
“Vacant Souls” represents more than just a collection of songs – it’s a milestone in Marlo’s evolution as an artist. The album, highly anticipated in Tampa’s music circles, showcases his versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. While he’s keeping the features under wraps, the 13-track project promises to deliver the raw authenticity that’s become his trademark.
Looking ahead, Marlo’s ambitions stretch far beyond Florida’s borders. “I hope to see myself selling out arenas with gold and platinum projects,” he says, adding that touring with some of his favorite artists is high on his bucket list. It’s the kind of dream that might seem lofty to some, but Marlo’s history of overcoming obstacles suggests these goals might be within reach.
FB Marlo’s music can be found across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where he continues to build a loyal following. His story – from Kingston to Tampa, from homelessness to the verge of his biggest release yet – embodies the kind of narrative that hip-hop was built on: authentic, unfiltered, and defiantly hopeful.
As January 24th approaches, “Vacant Souls” stands as both a personal milestone and a testament to persistence. For FB Marlo, it’s not just about making music – it’s about turning life’s vacant moments into something meaningful, one track at a time.
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