Artists you should know: Filthy

Rapper Filthy hails from the same Houston rap scene that in recent years made stars of Chamillionaire and Paul Wall.

Now splitting time between Houston and Fresno, Filthy's got an album in the works and a new single called "We Got It" that features Keak Da Sneak. The two of them will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Crest Theatre, 1170 Broadway St. Cover is $15.

I know you're originally from Houston. How did you end up in Fresno? I did a year at the military base in Lemoore and stayed and went to school after that, so I go back and forth between Fresno and Houston.

People might see the name Filthy and assume one thing, but your name actually has a more complex meaning, right? Yes, people always ask me all the time, "Why is your name Filthy?" I say, when you look at the name, you think I'm a grimy cat. I do have a street side, but I'm also a cool dude. The name Filthy means Fly, Intelligent, Talented, Humble, Young Man -- 'cause I'm a positive person, a businessman, and I have positive goals that I would like to accomplish in life. People think 'cause you rap that you're not about nothing; I have a year left until I get my bachelor's, I'm a businessman, and music is a hobby that, if God blesses me, can become a full-time job. If not, I have plenty of things to do.

You have an album out soon. When should people expect it, and what can you tell us about it? My album should be out in the late summer. The title is "Forever I Love the Hustle," which goes with the name Filthy. It's a universal album. I have things on there that cater to the East Coast, West Coast and, of course, the South. The album also features Scarface, Paul Wall, Pimp C, Keak Da Sneak, Mistah F.A.B., Freeway, and -- I haven't done the song yet -- but Trey Songz will be on the album. So it will be a good freshman album.

You did a song with the late Pimp C. Tell us about that. Man, rest in peace to Pimp C; he taught me a lot about the game. The song we have is called "Da Slums." It's a smooth Southern song, but everyone can vibe to it. The crazy thing about that is we had just finished the song a few months before he passed. We had planned to do a video and everything, but I'll still represent for him and keep his name alive. He was also a very humble and funny dude.

You're performing Saturday with Keak Da Sneak and others at Crest Theatre. What should people expect at that show? Saturday is gonna be a fun, safe event for all ages. I'm the type of artist that likes interacting with the crowd, so we're gonna have a lot of fun. Also, me and Keak will do the song that we have together. So people should definitely have good things to say about this show.

For music and more: Go to www.myspace.com/filthy.

Know a local musician that more people should be familiar with? Send the who and why to Mike Osegueda, mosegueda@fresnobee.com.