It’s been almost a month since I’ve posted something fresh on flowsfordays. Perhaps it was writer’s block, or something larger, but nonetheless here I am with a full editorial. This one is special to me, and the most significant to my history with music. The first post on FFD was a welcome to the site via Weezy F. Baby, an artist that stole my heart … Continue reading Growing Old With LimeWire, Datpiff & MP3’s
FREE Party – Alady Rap duo’s can often sound stale, emulating either the NY power groups of the 90’s, or everyone taking turns with their verses in one song. The musical duo that is FREE Party were born and raised in Maryland, but after making their way to LA have found the inspiration to pursue their musical ambitions. Their debut track, Alady, is, for lack … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 4 (Best Of)
Does Consistency Matter In Hip Hop Anymore? If a well-renowned rapper drops a classic album at some point in their career, hip hop heads pray another one will be coming soon. Let’s think about Eminem. I have no problem deeming his first three projects masterpieces (The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, and The Eminem Show). After The Eminem Show came Encore, the first … Continue reading Consistency In Hip Hop, The Golden Era of Mixtapes, & The Demise of the XXL Freshman List (Editorial)
I first heard Juice WRLD’s platinum hit Lucid Dreams as soon as it got the visual treatment from videographer sensation Cole Bennett. A bit sad, as the 19-year old is a Chicago native, and the song was featured on last year’s Juice WRLD 999 EP. Fakeshoredrive has covered him from the beginning, and last year music sites of high-caliber finally noticed the kid. This year, he … Continue reading The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’
Mobb Deep is easily in my top 5 favorite hip hop groups of all time. I recently read Prodigy’s autobiography that was pretty vulgar, but honest and gave me an understanding of what he tends to talk about in his music. Yes, their debut project The Infamous is often dubbed their best album, and while it’s a genius record, I prefer Hell On Earth. This … Continue reading Hip Hop Albums You Should Know: Mobb Deep’s ‘Hell On Earth’
Goody – Follow him on YouTube Goody has already had a landmark year. He’s found great success with his music, but most impressive has been his music video output. 2014 saw his first visual on YouTube, but it can’t hold a candle to the 5 that have dropped this year. Goody has worked with an array of talented videographers to keep his content fresh and … Continue reading Hip Hop YouTube Pages Worth Subscribing To (Chicago Edition)
It’s Sunday, and I’m sitting at Osmium – apopular coffee shop in Lakeview. On Saturdays, and especially Sundays, it’s packed. Many strangers sit together in large tables and bar stools. Who are these people sitting next to me? What are their stories? What are they struggling with right now? I wish I could talk to them without weird glances. I wish I could learn more … Continue reading Where Is The Love? The Power of Relating to & Supporting Artists (Editorial)
Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. Empathy is one of the most difficult emotions to feel when someone hurts you or does not understand what you are going through. But we all go through something. Mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, personality disorders and PTSD is a life-long battle that takes dedication, and the ability to persevere in the worst of times…the moments … Continue reading The Gift Of Self Love
I am on a one-woman mission to collect as many 90’s hip-hop albums as possible – in the form of vinyl, CD’s, or my new obsession, cassettes. I try my best to buy original pressings, but these can be taxing (to put it lightly.) When I can’t afford the OG copies, I reluctantly purchase re-pressings. It took $15, and 19 years to grab the first “classic” … Continue reading Nas’ Illmatic & The Story Of My First Vinyl Record
Sebastian Kamae – Dust (Single) Instrumental goodness from Chicago producer Sebastian Kame who is currently working on a new project featuring a host Chicago based artists. Dust is an apt description of the instrumental above, with similarities to Guru’s Jazzmattazz series along with lo-fi sonics and elements of old school hip hop. Singles will continue to drop while we wait for the LP out in June. … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 3 (Best Of)
When you grew up, where you grew up, how you grew up, the friends you had, the high school you went to, your ability to frequent record stores, your medium of listening to music, the popular songs on the radio, how you discovered hip hop, how you read about hip hop, and your values dictate your idea of a “classic hip hop.” Period. Why is … Continue reading Hiding Behind A Screen: Music, Cyber-Bullying And Mental Health In The Age Of Social Media (Editorial)
Black Cobain was born and raised in Virginia, and after his uncle introduced him to Nirvana and Kurt Cobain, he was given a nickname which became his rapper moniker. After graduating from Virginia State University, he knew he could make a comfortable income by becoming a popular MC. Cobain began to perform at local venues, collaborated with underground MC’s, and put out a host of … Continue reading What Ever Happened To Black Cobain? Discussing The Overlooked MC and His Masterpiece “Young Gifted And Black”
Sareem Poems and Ess Be put their heart and soul into their new collab Dance For the Dead. The only introduction you need is the cover art. While listening, read Sareem’s excerpt on why he created it, along with some analysis: “Dance for the Dead is an upbeat single that I begin writing over the summer of 2017. It’s about reflection & celebration of those who … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 2 (Best Of)
Detroit’s Ty Farris, formerly known as 40 Flame, returns this year with his elegant new track Dirt Naps. A silky smooth beat from Stu Bangas starts Ty’s even flow, combining effortless punch-lines with no holds back bars. Both Stu and Ty bring a soulful vibe to 2018, and I’m excited for his upcoming EP No Co-sign, Just Cocaine. Dirt Naps is the first single off the … Continue reading Catching Up On Submissions Part 1 (Best Of)
If you aren’t from Chicago it may be difficult to plant yourself in the hip hop scene in 2012. Outside of the city, most hip hop fans were aware of Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and the budding drill music movement. Keef was the first drill rapper to take the sub-genre mainstream with his Don’t Like visual, although he had already built a strong buzz with … Continue reading LOOKING BACK ON KING LOUIE’S CLASSIC CHICAGO MIXTAPE – “DRILLUMINATI”
For over a year flowsfordays has focused on sharing hip hop music from independent artists. While I listen to hip hop the most, some of my favorite albums of all time delve into punk, rock, electronic, R&B, experimental, and more. As of today I am starting a series highlighting albums that don’t fall into the hip hop category – in hopes that it may compel … Continue reading Album Recommendations From Julie: Sleigh Bells – “Treats”
When it comes to Las Vegas and Hip-Hop, the marriage hasn’t always been so fruitful. Sure, now you’re starting to see more middle-tier acts make stops at venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Joint, Vinyl and some others; but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, until recently, Hip-Hop shows were highly frowned upon outside of the confines of the strip and despite an evolving relationship … Continue reading Tales of the Sin: 5 Songs Defining Las Vegas Right Now
Love is strange. It can turn you into someone you’ve never know. “Love is like a drug” may serve as a tired cliche, but can often be true. Kendrick Lamar’s music video for Loyalty, directed by Dave Meyers, plays on the oddly insane relationship between two partners in crime. It takes crazy, cunning and Loyalty. It’s no ordinary trust, though. It’s an unbreakable bond that … Continue reading “Would you die for yours?” An exploration of Kendrick Lamar’s Music Video, “Loyalty”
I went back and listened to Tyler, the Creator’s studio albums in succession, beginning with Goblin and ending with Flower Boy. I’ve collected my thoughts, feelings and opinions here because there’s no one narrative or critique that Mr. Okuna’s music produces. The emcee who once confused me with his bars now inspires me to do and say whatever the fuck I want because tomorrow will … Continue reading “I am not a fucking role model” – The Most Important Essay You’ll Ever Read About Tyler, The Creator
Any time I see a comment, post or editorial written about the Queen of female emcees, I find myself shaking my head at the masses. I don’t think that my opinion holds any more weight than the next, but I give credit when credit is due. Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim seem to be all I ever read about. But what about Eve, Trina, Lil’ … Continue reading This Week in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott’s The Cookbook
