By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Many equated the struggles of Los Angeles’ hip hop scene to mean the entire West Coast hip hop scene, which is not the case. Where Los Angeles left off, the Bay Area picked up as veterans like Too $hort and E-40 had much commercial success. But, on the streets, it was the WCDT (West Coast Dream Team) dominating things.
One of the primary members of the West Coast Dream Team is Flawle$$, who has been focused on his solo career, lately. A native of Fresno, Flawle$$ has become one of the biggest artists on the California mixtape scene. With every part of the West Coast hip hop scene doing well, Flawle$$ released his Yellow Thizz Road mixtape.
Flawle$$ finds his buzz picking up, with his “I Can Talk” single making radio on multiple stations. In addition to his single making major waves, Flawle$$ is catching the attention of the media. Hip Hop Vibe had the chance to talk to Flawle$$ as he mentioned his solo career and also his love for the West Coast’s success.
Read the entire interview below:
What inspired you to venture into making rap music? I feel that I have stories to tell the people. I have always been an entertainer among family, friends, and peers in some shape or form. Music is my island, where I relax and release and now I am making it my business. I have been motivated by several artist that have came before me, to keep good music flowing.
Are you still in contact with the other members of the West Coast Dream Team? Yes, The Don and I are really close. He is the other half of WCDT aka West Coast Dream Team and is also my brother-in-law.
Were you surprised you were able to dominate the local scene the way you did? I never know what will happen, I just go for what I know. If people keep supporting me the way they are and telling me to keep pushing, that is what I am going to do, TO THE FULLEST!
How does it feel each time you have the chance to open up for a big name? It feels great! To me, it is a step in the right direction and more to add to my biography. I never take it lightly and I always give thanks, because I never know what opportunities might come and if your half stepping you will surely get overlooked.
What is the biggest difference between being in a group and being a solo artist? That is a good question. There a lot of pros and cons either way. Being in a group is what I was use to. The chemistry has been built over time and has helped me as an artist. Just like any business, a partnership is good because you do not have to put all the money up yourself even though you do split profits. In a group we have to come to a lot of agreements with every step of making a record and when I am by myself I just go with the ideas brainstormed. Additionally, when I am solo I am 100% liable for a good or bad record, if I do not meet a deadline it is my fault, and I move when I want to. To sum it all up, I would say the biggest difference is schedules. With numerous people in your group, some things cannot be attainable because of each individual having different lived away from music.
What has been your best experience being on the mixtape scene? Just getting back to having fun. If your not enjoying what you are doing, then you cannot present the best possible project at hand.
How has it felt to see other West Coast guys, like Kendrick Lamar and Kid Ink, rise to fame? It is great! This lets people know that the West Coast has a say in the mainstream market. They are making a lot of noise in the industry as well as West Coast veterans E-40,Too Short, and Nipsey Hussle, to name a few. If media and music industry partakers know the West Coast is thriving, they will keep the limelight in our area, which only opens more opportunities.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming debut album? My album will be dropping this year, either 3rd or 4th quarter. It is called Yr. Of The ’82’ Baby. It will display more of my lyrical abilities and my witty storytelling. I have quite a few records done, leading with “I Can Talk” which I leaked to DJ Symphony on the Independent Invasion, Vol.1, which is hosted by Ghostface Killah this year. Most of my production comes from producers in the Central Valley of California. It is going to be a real treat.
Who are some of the people you are working with on this project? Producers like Bigg Fresno, Draft, Maze Produk, Tez Da Produsah, Ice, and Calcium Productions. Artists include Planet Asia, D-Lo, Diego Redd, Fly-Y of Pillionaire’s, Big Rob, Syrup, and more.
Do you feel the proper promotion is in place for this upcoming album? Not yet. I have some things in place, to make this a good one, but keep in mind this is my first solo album and I am still learning MUSIC BUSINESS. I have some great resources and supporters, so all I can do is give it my all.
Download Yellow Thizz Road by Flawle$$ here.
