Interview w/FuseUSIN (@Fuse982)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is William Wrighten Jr., and how did the name FuseUSIN / Fuse982 come about?

I always say I'm just a humble guy in a world full of craziness. I'm a father, a brother, a fiancé, a husband, and most importantly, a lover of music. I'm a man of few words, but my actions speak loudly. I'm reserved and calm, but at the same time powerful and energetic.

As for my name, "Fuse" comes from combining different styles into one. When I was younger, I would break my writing into three different styles, each with its own identity. There was Logic, which was my message-driven conscious style. Tech was my metaphor and punchline style. Mec was my fast-paced, wordplay-driven style. Eventually, I fused them all together, and that became Fuse.

Fuse982 comes from my birth year and identity. Fusion is six letters, combined with 982, and USIN represents my company and movement.

2. You're from Elizabeth City, North Carolina. How has growing up there shaped your music and perspective?

Elizabeth City is a very small town. There's not much to do, but somehow there's always too much going on. Once people know who you are, everybody knows who you are.

Growing up there taught me a lot. It taught me to appreciate what I have because not much is handed to you. It taught me humility and how to embrace opportunities when they come. There aren't always a lot of opportunities available, so when one shows up, you have to grab it and make the most of it.

3. What first sparked your passion for music, and what keeps you motivated?

I tell this story in every interview.

My cousin Trav was really talented and well-known around town for his flow. One day we were hanging out, and he got on the phone with a girl. No lie, he rapped the entire conversation. I can only imagine what she was saying on the other end. When I heard that, I said, "I have to learn how to do that."

What keeps me motivated is my love for music, creating, and seeing the impact my music has on people. Being able to use music to help build my clothing brand, IAKAM, also keeps me pushing forward.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my music as calm and smooth, but also loud and explosive.

My top three artists of all time are Nas, Canibus, and Redman. If you listen closely, you can probably hear some of those influences in my music because I grew up listening to them heavily.

5. What themes are you exploring in this current chapter of your career?

I've always been heavily rooted in hip-hop and rap, and that hasn't changed. What has changed is that I'm exploring my harmonies more and becoming comfortable with tones and melodies.

I've been told that my voice is unique and that I should experiment with it more, so that's exactly what I've been doing. So far, I'd say it's going pretty well.

6. Walk us through your creative process.

The first thing I focus on is cadence and delivery. I always say if I can figure out how I want to say something, I can always find the words to fit it.

After that, I usually create the hook first because once I have the hook, I can build the rest of the song around it. Once the writing is complete, I set up the studio and make sure I record in complete silence to get the cleanest recording possible.

From there, it's mixing, mastering, and refining everything until it's right. It's definitely a process, but it's a process I genuinely enjoy.

7. Who are your biggest musical influences?

Like I mentioned before, my top three are Nas, Canibus, and Redman. I think I took a little bit from each of them and blended those influences into my own style.

Nas probably had the biggest influence on me. I've even been told I share similarities with his approach and delivery, and that's a comparison I'm grateful for.

8. What's it like collaborating with other creatives?

The biggest thing is being willing to listen. You're never too big to learn something from someone else.

When I collaborate, I always listen to their ideas while sharing my own. The goal is finding a balance where everyone's creativity can shine and contribute to the final product.

9. What's the story behind "Simmer Up"?

With "Simmer Up," I wanted to write about me and my creative partner, MsfBrownie, always cooking up something new.

Her productions are known as Brownie Beats, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to highlight everything we're creating together and showcase that chemistry through music.

10. What can fans expect from your upcoming project, CC6?

CC6 is a mixtape, and I think fans can expect a strong body of work.

I'm speaking on relatable topics while combining focus, creativity, and energy. It'll be exclusive to fans who subscribe through my website and follow me on social media. I believe listeners will enjoy both the sound and the creativity that went into this project.

For everyone reading this, that's how you can get access when it drops.

11. Do you have a favorite recent release?

My favorite track is "Place I Built."

The song reflects everything I've been through to reach the mental space I'm in today. Throughout the record, I reference a place I built mentally. It started as a building that needed renovation, but now it's become a palace.

The song showcases my creativity while also reflecting how focused and determined I've been recently.

12. Tell us about USIN UNTOUCHED RECORDS.

USIN is a collection of everything I've learned throughout my journey in music.

I started USIN with my brother Wellz, and it's actually an acronym for Untouchable Self Image Negus. The idea is to always maintain your own creative identity and remain authentic to who you are.

I work with artists from all over, helping them build their sound while also encouraging and strengthening their creative process.

13. How does fashion connect with your music and brand?

Fashion has always shaped music and culture, and music has always shaped fashion.

Everyone who steps into the spotlight wants to look their best doing it. With IAKAM, we have some of the most colorful and creative designs I've ever seen. I remember telling my partner that the footwear looked like paintings on your feet.

The brand fits us perfectly because it's built around faith, fashion, music, and culture. We always say:

"Either Elevate or Fade."

14. What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career?

The biggest challenge was finding my way back into the right mental space to create.

That's one reason why "Place I Built" means so much to me. A few years ago, I was being tested for cancer, and experiences like that remind you that you only get one life. The choices you make shape your existence.

On top of that, dealing with disappointment from people closest to me was mentally exhausting. Once I cleared that negative space and surrounded myself with like-minded people, everything changed. My mindset changed. My focus changed. My creativity returned.

15. What message do you want listeners to take away from your music?

I want people to understand that the things I talk about are things I've actually lived through.

If I've made it through difficult situations, then they can make it through theirs too. It starts with maintaining a strong mental space.

I want listeners to know I'm not just an artist. I'm a person who experiences pain, struggle, joy, and growth just like everyone else. The difference is that I put my experiences on paper and share them with the world through music.

16. What are your biggest goals for the next 12–18 months?

From a music perspective, my biggest goal is building a real fan community of 500 to 1,000 dedicated supporters.

I want to have direct contact with them through email so I can share my creations and know they're genuinely interested in what I'm doing. Streams and listeners are great, but having a core community that truly supports your work means everything to me.

That's my biggest focus right now.

17. Are there any dream collaborations you'd love to make happen?

My dream collaboration would definitely be Nas. He's been my biggest musical influence from the beginning, and being able to create a record with someone who helped shape my style would be an incredible full-circle moment.

18. What advice would you give aspiring artists?

Don't give up.

You'll only go as far as your passion takes you, and that applies to more than just music. Once you put your all into something and stay committed, you'll eventually see the results.

Most importantly—maintain your mental focus.

19. Where can fans find and support your music?

Instagram: @fuseusin

Twitter/X: @WWrighten

TikTok: @fusion9821

Facebook: @fuseusin

YouTube: @fuse982

Spotify: @fuse982

20. Any final words or shout-outs?

Big shout-out to my partner MsfBrownie and my brother Wellz. Those two showed me the love, support, and focus I needed to get back into the mental space that inspired "Place I Built." A huge thank you to Sound Alive Records. Without them, none of this would be possible. Love to everyone supporting the movement.

Peace and blessings.