In the sea of Chicago talent is an artistic enigma known as Frsh Waters. Co-founder of the west side’s Pivot Gang, Frsh Waters is no stranger to the scene yet new to many. In 2018, Chicago is poised with more voices, venues, and resources than ever before. Noticing this burst of opportunity brings strength to the inevitable currents of Frsh Waters. Now, Frsh is working to showcase the growth of his lyricism, eager to continue his journey after a four year absence from the scene.

In solidarity with Frsh’s incarceration in 2013, Pivot Gang named their debut mixtape after Frsh’s first name, Jimmy. Never taking the support for granted, Jimmy (aka Frsh Waters), has shown no slack in his step getting back to the studio since his release in July of 2017. Just last October we got our first new taste of Frsh’s seasoned lyricism on The Boy Illinois’ track “Cool”, featuring and produced by Saba. However, Frsh’s most significant appearance of 2017 came from his debut single “Piss Po” featuring Jean Deaux. By way of these releases, Frsh Waters has not only further established himself as a lyricist, but also as a top contender in Chicago in 2018. “For me, music in 2018 is all about expanding my artistry, as well as showing people what they never got a chance to see.”

A force on his own, Frsh still credits much of his musical prowess to his Pivot Gang counterparts. From Saba, to Joseph, Jean Deaux, MfnMelo, and the late John Walt, Frsh claims there wasn’t a studio session where they weren’t trying to outdo one another. Before and even after the creation of Pivot Gang eight years ago, Frsh never really saw himself as a solo artist until the encouragement of his comrades. “You know when your best friends can see something in you and you don’t recognize it yet so you just kind of go with the flow? But at the same time you can see that growth in them? It was like I was trying so hard to see them at their best that I forgot about myself as an artist.” 

At the time of the collective’s creation, a career in music was of no priority to Frsh. He was a natural born hustler from the far west side of Chicago, and fast money became a way of life early on. As Pivot Gang began to develop, Frsh assumed the role of problem solver. Frsh knew the brewing talent around Pivot was something special, and he was willing to put in the work to see it flourish. But the allure of the mic was too much and, sure enough, Frsh found his way to the studio on a regular basis. After a little encouragement, Frsh began contemplating a life of music, “It wasn’t until right before I left that Joe Chill [Joseph Chilliams] really sparked it in me like, ‘Hey, when are you coming out with your own project?’”

For the longest, Frsh has been known as a rapper who can body a sixteen bar verse, regardless of who else is rapping on it, and his time re-introducing himself to the game has been no exception. Frsh’s work ethic does all the talking; he doesn’t want anyone, “to expect I’m doing this shit off a handout or charity. I don’t want anybody to expect that I'm coming to the crib wanting anything given. I’m earning everything from the ground up.” Frsh wants whatever comes with the journey, the scars, the bumps, the bruises. He also understands how fortunate he is to have the help of his friends and family, but at the end of the day, “that’s just Pivot, friends helping friends push this music shit.”

Frsh Waters’ mentality to create opportunities for his team has remained unflinching. Although he wasn’t always focused on making it as an artist, Frsh’s knowledge and experience have served him well, even when he wasn’t sure how to express it. “I really grew up around pimps and playas, like cadillacs, like, this west side of Chicago shit is really in me. I didn’t always wanna show it but it always came out in some form or fashion.” Frsh aspires to embody the essence of his Austin neighborhood in every aspect of his brand. In his eyes, there’s no better way to prove that than to share the spirit of Pivot with the world.