SFC alumni Anthony Matos will be performing with platinum selling artist Too Short at the Knitting Factory on January 27.

Born and raised in California, West Coast rapper Too Short has collaborated and influenced a number of popular artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. This concert will precede his newest album, No Trespassing, set to be released in February 2012.

After interviewing with SpotOnLI.com, Long Island's online entertainment magazine, Matos was asked to join Too Short in his upcoming performance. He will perform four of his singles, including "Campin," "No Expressions," "Pass Me the Bottle" and "Young Kids." This will not be Matos' first time on the big stage. He has also been featured in other popular events such as the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.

When asked about his feelings toward his upcoming performance, Matos said that his years of experience as a musician have allowed him to be comfortable on stage. "I am not nervous, this is what I love to do," he said.

Matos has distinguished himself as an artist through his personality, lyrics and creativity. He has been writing since the age of 14 and recording since he was 18.

Matos has distinguished himself as an artist through his personality, lyrics and creativity. Unlike a number of rappers, Matos explained that his lyrics do not focus on materialism. He said that his music has a strong focus on his inner-thoughts and feelings and reflects current political and social issues.

Matos also established a movement known as "Loose Camp." His musical team and fans, known as "Campers," are a diverse group that also embodies some of the themes in his music.

Even in his rise to fame, Matos doesn't believe that he will fall slave to the music industry and wants to stay true to himself. He explained that his growth as an artist has been a result of the genuineness that fans see in him. His sincerity has also attracted Urban Junky Clothing, a clothing line that recently sponsored him and whose apparel he will be wearing at his performance on January 27.

Born to immigrant parents, attaining a full scholarship to college and graduating with a B.A. in Communications: Advertising, Matos remains humble about his upbringing. He credits SFC's Communication Arts department with providing him with a solid foundation for success.

More specifically, he explained that the public relations course he took with Dr. Richard Berleth provided him with the skills necessary to thrive in many aspects of his life.

While it is clear that Matos is achieving much success in the music industry, he also continues to focus on his career in advertising. Matos currently works at CBS in the advertising department. "I want to pursue music, but I want to do things the right way," he said.

Matos hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and maintain the passion for what they truly love. While achieving these goals can be challenging, he explained that he has been able to follow his dreams and live a reasonably good life.

Matos is optimistic about his future in music and hopes to build a portfolio that will be attractive to record labels. His drive and determination have proven to be successful in helping him with his journey to the top.

Date: January 27, 2012


Where: Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 347-529-6696

Doors: Open at 7:30 PM

Price: $22.00

Show is ALL AGES

Visit Ant's fan page @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ant-Matos/161981617169295