Fanum, the Bronx-born content creator who coined the viral “Fanum tax” and co-founded the culture-leading streaming collective AMP, graces the cover of Complex this week. Fanum first appeared on Complex’s Sneaker Shopping back in 2023, and now he’s connected with Complex again for a cover story that dives deep into his journey from neighborhood vlogger to global internet phenomenon. The 27-year-old Dominican-American creator has transformed his appetite for both food and success into a movement that spans streaming, business ventures, and cultural impact.
In the cover story written by Khal Davenport with photographs by Cian Moore, Fanum opens up about his immigrant family’s initial skepticism, his role in building AMP into an entertainment powerhouse, and his ambitious plans that extend far beyond streaming. Read the full cover story here, or check out our breakdown of 10 key takeaways from Fanum’s Complex conversation.
1. He Can’t Get Kicked Out of AMP Because He’s a Founder
When rumors swirled about Fanum potentially being removed from AMP during a streaming break, he set the record straight emphatically. “I can’t get kicked out, period,” Fanum declares. “I’m the founder, you know what I’m saying? I built this brick by brick, you feel me?” His temporary absence from AMP Summer was simply due to some overseas business—specifically flying out to close on a property.
2. He’s Exploring Acting with Kai Cenat
Fanum reveals his entertainment ambitions beyond streaming: “Acting could be a thing, too. Me and Kai, we always talk about acting low-key, bro. And there’s a potential for something big coming soon. You never know.” This hints at possible collaborative projects in traditional media beyond their current streaming success.
3. He Genuinely Lives by the Philosophy “Around Me, You Not Going Hungry”
Fanum’s generosity with food extends far beyond his viral “Fanum tax.” During the interview, he made sure everyone in the room ate, and shared a story about ditching an Uber to buy a stranger a meal at Popeye’s. “Around me, you not going hungry,” he states, embodying a principle that seems to guide both his personal interactions and content creation.
4. He’s Helping Launch His Childhood Friend’s Spanish-Language Streaming Career
Fanum discusses his friend Jaime Antonio: “I grew up with Jaime. He went to DR for a year, gained over 780,000 subs. I was giving him plays on certain shit, but like, he went and did that. Now he’s on this side, like, ‘Alright let’s do it. Let’s get this Spanish s**t going.'” This shows his commitment to elevating others in underserved markets and expanding content to bilingual audiences.
5. He Has Dreams of Opening Free Community Centers
Beyond entertainment, Fanum has serious philanthropic aspirations rooted in his upbringing. “Think of YMCA, but it’s free, though,” he explains about his foundation plans. “Basketball court. We got a boxing gym inside. We got a study room. Sometimes it’s hectic to do homework at home.” He wants to create these spaces both in NYC and the Dominican Republic, providing safe spaces for kids who need them most.
6. He’s a Man of His Word, Even When It Costs Him
When Fanum publicly bet he could beat Assassin’s Creed on its hardest difficulty in 72 hours and failed (taking 86 hours instead), he honored his commitment by streaming himself running on a treadmill for 24 hours. “If you tell somebody, ‘Yo, I’m going to do this,’ you better do that, bro,” he says. He completed a marathon distance and lost nine pounds in the process, turning his failure into a community fitness inspiration.
7. The Viral Stories About Him and Kai Cenat Were Just Content Strategy
Addressing rumors about sleeping with Kai Cenat’s ex-girlfriend, Fanum clarifies these were fabricated stories from their early streaming days. “Me and Kai used to do these little back-and-forth freestyle diss battles, and I’m talking about stuff that never happened. He’s talking about stuff that never happened—but it’s all about getting your viewership. It’s jokes, but they were in on it. The viewers know.”
8. He Personally Tested 70 Different Scents for AMP’s TONE Product Line
The creation of AMP’s skincare line TONE was a meticulous process that took years. Fanum reveals he “assessed 70 different scents around the end of December 2023” before settling on their final products. His favorite? “The Mineral Spring deodorant,” and the line’s success led to placement in Target stores, with plans for broader distribution.
9. He Wants to Become a DJ, Not a Rapper
While many might expect Fanum to pivot to music like other content creators, his artistic ambitions lie elsewhere. “I want to DJ, bro, no cap. I like invoking emotion!” he says with a smile. He’s already been exploring house and EDM on his streams and has goals to perfect sets for multiple genres, including potential collaborations with FaZe Kaysan.
10. He’s Still Hustling Because “Making It” Means Being Done
Despite his massive success, Fanum maintains a relentless work ethic rooted in his New York upbringing. “I’m still working. It might be the hustler in me, it could be the Bronx in me. It might be the New Yorker me, you know what I’m saying? But for me to be able to say, ‘Oh yeah, I made it,’ is like, ‘Oh, I’m done.'” For Fanum, the work never stops.
Read The Full Fanum Cover Story
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