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Music. It crosses color-lines, geographic distances, political ideologies and language barriers. It brings together the young and old, the liberal and the conservative. It is a form of communication that everyone understands.

In 2004, rapper Steve “Awthentik” Boursiquot, then 21-years-old, collaborated with his high school classmate, classically-trained keyboard player Pietro Smedley, to form a band that was committed to making good music; a band that was diverse in both it’s membership and it’s repertoire; a band that appealed to all types of audiences. Awthentik and Pietro sought out real musicians that would each bring a different flavor to the group. Their aim was to create a musical gumbo of sorts, featuring “a little of this” and “a little of that”.

Awthentik and Pietro chose carefully. The band eventually came to include Awthentik’s cousin, Serge Sejour, on drums; Erick "drade" Andrade on bass guitar and his brother Javier Reyes on electric guitar, both of whom are of El Salvadorian heritage; vocalist, Lauren White; and trumpet player of Filipino descent, Ron Cristobal. Each group member represents a different ethnicity or nationality and each group member brings a different style that is a reflection of his (or her) cultural background. After a few practices, ensuring that the fit was right, THE FIF was born.

The group’s sound is a tasty mix of go-go rhythms with a dash of Latin-tinged trumpet and some classical riffs, all backing up Awthentik’s energetic hip hop flow and Lauren’s soulful hooks. When asked to describe the group’s musical style, Awthentik says, “We keep it fresh and original... [our sound is] hip hop, it’s funk, it’s R&B, it’s go-go, it’s rock… it’s struggle, it’s pain, it’s joy, it’s whatever you want it to be. So anyone can relate.”

The band currently focuses its energy on presenting the most dynamic live show in D.C. THE FIF frequently performs in and around Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD at venues like Rams Head Live and Fletcher's in Baltimore; Juste Lounge and Cafe Peju in Bethesda; Club Liv, Velvet Lounge, and Duke’s City Jazz Lounge on U Street in Northwest, DC9 on 9th Street in Northwest, and Five on 18th Street in Northwest, the Rock and Roll Hotel on H St, Northeast, and the 9:30 Club – voted Best Venue in the nation.

After thriving together as a unit for over two years, the group is appreciative of its loyal and supportive fan-base that comes out to support them at area shows. And the group is looking forward to winning even more people over with its thought-provoking lyrics and its robust melodies. Though the band has had its success mostly in the D.C. region, they are ready to compete with national acts. “[People should know] that we are musicians... real ones. Music, especially hip hop right now, is lacking real musical talent.” But, THE FIF prides itself on being a group made up of real musicians.

Future plans for the group include recording a full-length album, obtaining a record deal, winning over an even larger fan base, and securing more gigs in an effort to expand its reach to areas outside of D.C.

THE FIF: “We let the music speak for itself.”