Fathom 9 : The Undefined: FATHOM 9

Article by: K. Retro, The Eclectic Gangsta

“The mic is an instrument I am the conduit conveying the intimate sentiments of the infinite.”

-Fathom 9

Recently I was invited to a show that would be featuring an underground emcee. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I had a biased opinion about what I was about to experience. Based on the music I’ve heard from other Memphis emcees, I felt like I knew what to expect. Many rap based acts in Memphis have a similar vibe. As a rule, the material is often a combination of  simplistic lyrics revolved around money, status, and clout. But like most places Memphis has its exceptions.

Fathom 9 is an exception to the rule. He’s an out-of-place MC. He doesn’t appear to be  in the right city, time, or even mental space when compared to other MCs in his demographic.

With no introduction, Fathom grabbed the mic  and started spitting as if this performance would be his last will and testament before falling to a sudden death. No music. Just Fathom 9 on the mic delivering a message that was probably over the heads of  95 percent of the people in the room. All chatter ceased and people stared. They stared for various reasons. Some were high and thought he was giving them the key of life. Some stared because they felt connected to his words. I stared because I didn’t know this type of Hip Hop existed in Memphis. I didn’t know this type of Hip Hop existed  anywhere. After his initial display of vocal rapture, Fathom did two other songs that gave people a chance to bob but never strayed far from his fusion of mad scientist, poet, and something else that cant be put into words. We caught up after the show.

Talking with Fathom 9, I was able to find out more about this “musical mad scientist.”  Fathom appears to be connected to his craft by fate. He’s tried to abandon his craft on many occasions, only to be seduced back into the bosom  of the beat. “I’ve literally bled for this,” he states.  I don’t know exactly what he meant but I could tell he was serious. Currently, he’s working simultaneously on three different projects. That may sound chaotic, but according to Fathom it’s never enough. “I feel like I haven’t done anything. I have to continue to create so my existence is worth something.”

Driven by a desire to perfect himself, the imperfect Fathom 9 dwells in a reality that may be a figment of his imagination. Is he insane? Many will say so. He’s a southern “rapper” who rhymes about existence, time travel, and philosophy. In a world of strippers, money, and rims perhaps everyone else lacks Fathom 9’s unearthly sanity.

After the interview, we drank coffee and talked philosophy, books, time travel, art, women, space, life, etc. I checked out some of his music online, most of which are instrumentals.   Nothing in his catalog  sounds incomplete. The instrumentals weren’t missing vocals. The a cappella flows weren’t lacking instrumentation. The songs were designed to be heard exactly as the listener hears them. “The mic is an instrument I am the conduit conveying the intimate sentiments of the infinite”, he exhorts.  Fathom 9 cannot be defined by mainstream media’s definition of Hip Hop. The definition he subscribes to can’t be molested by corporations. It’s refreshing. I’m already a fan. Fuck props. Love and Respect to the 9th Power.