Interviews
Exclusive Interview: HonorFlowProductions Delves on Their Creative Tastes, Their Inspirations & Their New Single “Cruise Control”
We are happy to have you today. Tell us about your 2021 so far! What have you guys been up to?
DJisLORD: 2021 has been a good year so far. I am fully vaccinated and open to work. Being the DJ of the group, I have been blessed with the ability to do what I love and that is “DEEJAY” to a live crowd nowadays. It’s an amazing feeling to able to DJ and perform to a live crowd, not just through a live stream audience. During my sets, I incorporate Honor Flow’s music into my DJ sets and introducing our music to new potential fans.
ELIMN8: It’s been a lot of “wait & see” with this once in a lifetime pandemic. Musicians have really been impacted. We, just like many, are waiting to see what happens with our industry as a whole, in light of many venues being hurt by regulations. Outside of that, doing a lot of writing.
DJ Chuck “thE Old SouL”: 2021 has consisted of a lot of “reflecting, reprioritizing, and building” for us. Honestly, that how it’s been for many people during this pandemic. You tend to be reminded and re-discover what truly holds weight in your life during times of turmoil. And that has been Honor Flow Productions both professionally as bandmates and personally as long-time friends. Since we could not tour or perform to live audience in the past year, there has been a focus of extending our band’s multimedia opportunities such as in filmmaking and radio production; including helping re-launch the college radio station at the university ELIMN8 and I first met at. You combined that with the release of new music such as the “Live From Drake’s Den” instrumental album and our latest single, “Cruise Control,” it has extended the era our sophomore album “The B.L.A.C.K. Odyssey.” Honor Flow Productions has always been about independence and ownership. Professionally, I believe that 15 years into this journey, we’re about to plateau into our long-term career goals and fully establish longevity. Personally, it’s about finding joy and making magic amongst the madness.
Can you share more with our readers about your latest release “Cruise Control”? What inspired the single?
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: “Cruise Control” was the very last song written and recorded for “The B.L.A.C.K. Odyssey” in 2017. It was inspired after attending a Black Star show with ELIMN8’s brother at the very last minute. The Black Star album has been deeply influential and embed in the blueprint of H.F.P.’s music this entire time; so hearing Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli perform their catalog that night made me sit down and compose the beat for “Cruise Control” the next day after. Any artist will tell you that when you’re at the very end of recording an album, you’re artistically almost spent. So when searching for a concept we had yet to attempt, ELIMN8 and I realized we had yet to write a “Storytelling” type of record for the album. That’s when the creative juices started to flow and “Cruise Control” was born. We loved the song and so did others that heard earlier drafts of T.B.O, but the only reason why we left it on the cutting room floor was that the album getting too long. But we knew at one point, the song was going to see the light of day.
ELIMN8: “Cruise Control” was a song that was dope, but didn’t make T.B.O. We really wanted a storytelling song and this was the result. With all of our music, we draw on our experiences. So for me, that deals with some of my crappy jobs, my love of video games, and things that are in my neighborhood.
DJisLORD: “Cruise Control” as a song is this: A late-night, early morning before the crack of dawn in the city of Los Angeles, cruising in your whip track. You could be riding with your homies, your significant other, or yourself after a long day of work or school. The song provides the soundtrack to your search for something to eat, drink, or simply getting into some late-night shenanigans. It’s a car tune. The city of Los Angeles is deeply rooted in car culture inspired by the lowrider scene in East LA, the import tuner scene in the San Gabriel Valley, the Euro modified sports cars of Glendale and Beverly Hills, to the lifted trucks in the OC!
How did the group first get started?
ELIMN8: Chuck started it way back when. After a few line-up changes, we eventually landed on what we have now: A trio of two emcees and a DJ, that represents a more traditional Hip-Hop set up.
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: Honor Flow Productions is actually celebrating 15 years as a group this year! Still doesn’t seem real to say that because time has flow by so quickly. But to give the long story short, as ELIMN8 mentioned, I started the group during my senior year at Loyola High School. When we met at Marymount California University during orientation, ELIMN8 and I started to record tracks in my dorm on my makeshift set up with some of our classmates and we would perform at the student Coffee House/Open Mic shows. With certain members from both my high school days and ELIMN8 and I’s time at M.C.U, the band grew and meeting Lord was the final piece of the puzzle.
DJisLORD: When Chuck and I both transferred to Loyola Marymount University, that’s how we first met. Honor Flow Productions have undergone several various inceptions; first as a group mirroring collectives such as Wu-Tang Clan, to a full-on eight-piece band like The Roots; with a horn section away from Earth, Wind, and Fire at one point. In the present day, H.F.P. is a blessed holy trinity, a three-man band now; the individuals you are interviewing today.
How did you all decide on the name Honor Flow Productions?
ELIMN8: That would also come from Chuck. He had that and the logo, established from back in the day.
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: When I started DJing in high school, I wanted start using a crew name to present the parties I spinning at and the mixtapes I giving out to my homies. I wanted a name that would represent what I was about, and since I was a dedicated student in and outside the classroom, the concept of making the “Honor Roll” popped in my mind. But to I flipped to “Honor Flow” to give it that Hip-Hop feel. So just as making the Honor Roll in school represents the highest achievement in academics, Honor Flow Productions is about producing and presenting the highest quality in whatever venture we dive head first in; especially our music.
DJisLORD: Therefore H.F.P., creates and produced a product at a 10x optimum level that is and forever will be the best of the best. “Flow” for fluidity, rhymes, and dope lyrics. Productions because we are multi-talented and multi-faceted group that creates all sorts of content in addition to music.
How would you describe your sound to someone who just listened to your music for the first time?
ELIMN8: Uniquely us! We’re not trying to do anything but be ourselves in our music and during our performances. To this day, the best compliment that I’ve ever gotten was that a listener felt like they met us from listening to T.B.O. I think a first time listener will hear that we aren’t trying to follow the current template of what a Hip-Hop artist is.
DJisLORD: It’s something you’ve heard before but it is something completely new. We draw influences from A Tribe Called Quest to J. Dilla to Nujabes to MF DOOM to DJ Quik To Dr. Dre to P Funk to Freestyle Hi-NRG and The Roots.
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: To sum up what ELIMN8 and Lord said, it’s a term we call “Progressive Nostalgia.” We clearly wear are influences on our sleeves, however it is a necessity we carve are own path with our inspirations as are foundation. It’s a sound that breathes authenticity, created with attention to detail, that is designed to make you feel multiple ranges of emotion. We create from our hearts, so what comes from the heart, reaches the heart.
How do you get pumped up before a big event?
DJisLORD: Absolute silence along with meditation. A triple-check inventory ritual I do: constant preparation, a good meal, a bottle of Jameson whiskey, aggressive warlike music with a high cardio Hiit workout, and prayer before we hit the stage; thanking The Big Man upstairs for everything he has bestowed upon us.
ELIMN8: Three AMF (*Audios Mutha Fuckas), and watching some MF DOOM live performances before a set.
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: Because we’re a D.I.Y. group that wears various different hats, my pre-show ritual consist of running like a chicken with it’s head cut off haha! I am always focused about the small things: Did we fully sound check? Is all business with the venue handled? Do we need more tickets at will call? Is our photography and videography team all good and ready to go? Is our merchandise booth set up? Once that is all taken care of, I’ll have a small meal, then our traditional group prayer as a band, and then I’ll let the adrenaline of the upcoming show set in. That rush when the lights drop, the music starts, and you and your bandmates assemble on stage is always one best moments as a performer. That’s when I fully get in my zone. Amazingly, the least hectic part of a show day is the show itself. Once we are on that stage, I am 100% at peace and having the time of my life with my brothers in beats, partners in rhyme.
Are you currently working on any special projects?
ELIMN8: We can neither confirm nor deny. You’ll know when you hear it.
Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
DJisLORD: Due to COVID restrictions, we are waiting and itching to cook up some beats and lay down some dope lyrics for you. In the meantime in-between time, those ideas are all being marinated as we speak. It will be out sooner than you think. So be on the lookout for any updates at www.honorflowproductions.com. I’m @DJISLORDHFP on all social media platforms.
DJ Chuck “thE oLd SouL”: Much love to African Hype for having us, follow us on all social media platforms as Lord mentioned (IG: @HonorFlowProductions, @thEoLdSouLHFP, @ELIMN8HFP, @DJisLORDHFP), bookmark www.HonorFlowProductions.com in your favorites, be good to yourself and one another and…
ELIMN8: Buy our music.
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: Wize Kaizz Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His Single “Prisoner to My Mind”
It’s an honor to speak with you today. How did you get into music and for how long have you been in the industry for?
Thanks for having me! I was about 12 years old when I picked up my first instrument, so I have been doing music for 17 years now. For me, my interest in playing music began having music class in grade school. I got chosen to be one of the main singers for a school program and after the program it just sparked something inside of me. The following year, they started teaching my class how to play the reorder, and that’s when I knew I wanted to learn how to play instruments and I wanted to learn how to play as many of them as I could.
I got more series about making music my career at age 16 when I began composing my own music. By this time I had learned how to play the Saxophone, various percussion instruments including a full set, Bass guitar, Guitar, and the Ocarina.
Congratulations on your latest single “Prisoner To My Mind”, how do you feel about the newfound success and what was the motivation?
I am without words, truthfully. It didn’t seem real at first. The more the days go by, the more real it feels. I’m humbled.
This song is about drug addiction. It’s about the thinking process I had from the beginning stages of addiction, to “I’ve had enough” stage. Verse 1 being in denial, thinking I can handle it. Verse 2 coming to realize I have a problem and admitting I need to do something about it. Then the Bridge talking about what it is I need to do to get out of it..
How would you describe your sound to someone who just listened to your music for the first time?
If I am being honest, I don’t know how I could describe it. It’s not anything like you hear on mainstream media, that’s for sure. My lyrics can certainly send you down a rabbit hole of deep-thinking. I just want to share my experiences I have had with the world, in hopes of somebody actually learning something for their own journey.
Can you talk me through some of the essentials that keep you locked in during a studio session?
Truth be told, that’s something that I try not to even think about. I just gotta pretend like I’m not recording. I feel like I psych myself out and try too hard when I consciously think I’m recording. Making a beat on the other hand, that’s just come second nature to me by now.
Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?
My biggest influence is the drummer for Rush, Neil Peart (R.I.P.) and also Devin Townsend, guitarist/vocalist of “The Devin Townsend Project” and “Strapping Young Lad”.
What would be your dream venue or event to perform at?
This is a tough question for me, because my dream even has always been Mayhem Festival. Seeing as how I don’t play heavy metal music anymore, I’m not sure how possible that is.
Where can people find you online and your music?
You can stream my music on all major streaming platforms or by simply going to wizekaizz.link
You can also go to my website at https://www.wizekaizz.com
For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
THE TRICK IS TO TRY!!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: August Rayne Delves on Her Creative Tastes, Her Inspirations & Her New Single “Messed Up”
Where do you originally hail from and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas where I was born and raised. I just recently moved to Orlando, Florida in 2020.
Have you always been interested in music?
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to do music. All the other kids wanted to be doctors, lawyers and astronauts but I just wanted to sing. I think being raised in the church had a huge influence on that because I would sing in the choir and I was around music constantly. My family is also full of amazing singers so often times we would just sing random songs around my grandmothers house on holidays or we would sing together in the church choir. Simply put, music has always been apart of my life.
Please tell us more about your release “Messed Up” How did this idea first come together and what is the inspiration behind it?
So the producer who produced the song (Fantastick) sent the beat over and I managed to turn it around in a day. I was in my feelings a little bit so it was easy to just let the words flow. Those words came mostly off the top of my head well, the hook specifically, and I wanted to say something catchy and powerful to me. I think too many times I’ve tried way too hard to gain the attention of guys to only realize I don’t have to do all that and they don’t really care. You have to learn your place in people’s life so you can avoid situations where someone got you all the way messed up!
You have an amazing voice. Are you vocally trained?
As I said before, I grew up in the church so, I’ve sung in my fair share of church choirs. The most proper vocal training I’ve had are the choir classes I took when I was in school. I took choir in 6th grade all the way up to 11th grade where I made all-region every year except 1 year. All region is a competition for students in choir all over the state to compete in. That was always a cool experience for me and besides the natural gift to sing, this is the most vocal training I’ve had.
What has remained as your constant source of inspiration?
I am constantly inspired by some of my favorite artists and my family. Artists like H.E.R, Brandy, and Jazmine Sullivan always inspire me. H.E.R is just musically genius and I’ve been a fan of hers since I discovered her in high school. Brandy and Jazmine have always inspired me vocally from the way they riff and run to the music they create! My family is constant inspiration because of how resilient they are. We’ve been through our fair share of troubles like any family but we always come back to each other. We always come back to family.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Writers block is the absolute worst! It’s even more worse when I actually want to create some music but I have no words. It’s very frustrating but to be honest I don’t deal with writers block. I don’t force anything because when I do, I become a terrible writer. I think it’s important to let words flow and when I encounter writers block, I let it have its moment then when I have something, I’m back as if nothing happened!
What’s a little-known fact about you that might surprise people?
I don’t know if it will surprise anyone but I’m heavy into the battle rap world. I’m such a fan of it! I came across URL in highschool and have been a fan ever since. Some of My favorite battle rappers are Jaz the Rapper, Tsu Surf, Chess, and Rum Nitty. They are top tier battle rappers in my book!
Is there anything else you’d like to say before we wrap things up? Are there any words for your fans?
I just want to thank everyone who has listened to my latest single “Messed Up” and if you haven’t, it’s out EVERYWHERE on streaming platforms. I’m just getting started and there’s so much more to come so get ready!
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Interviews
Exclusive Interview: MXWI Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His Latest Album “Toxicity”
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today
Ali: This story is actually pretty funny. My mom always wanted me to play the piano because it was a dream of hers. I hated the idea of playing the piano and thought it was useless. But my parents and piano teacher didn’t give up on me. They kept pushing me until I suddenly fell in love with playing the piano and this was where it all began. It was a love-hate type of relationship the piano and I had.
After years of learning how to play I finally decided to try producing and creating my own music. That was during quarantine when COVID was still starting in March 2020. I would spend most of my days in my room just learning non-stop by watching YouTube videos. It got to the point where my parents were like “why isn’t he coming out of the room all day? Did he forget about us?”
Congratulations on your latest album “Toxicity”, how do you feel about the newfound success?
Ali: Thank you so much. I’m honestly still reeling from the amount of support I’ve gotten on this new album. I remember when I used to have about 3-4 monthly listeners on Spotify, even though it was a very small amount, that didn’t stop me from working hard to make more and better songs. But now with this new album, all of a sudden I have 10,000+ monthly listeners, 8,000+ streams and I’m like how the hell does that even happen so quickly. It hasn’t even been a week since the album came out.
5 years ago, if someone would’ve told me I would be making music and hitting a million streams over one song, I would’ve called you crazy. A lot of my friends and family know I’ve always had a dream of being a pilot when I was a little kid, but of course, as you grow older, you realize what matters most to you and what’s something you want to spend the rest of your life doing.
I would not trade this for anything else in the world. I feel so so grateful for having all these amazing people supporting me and pushing me to do my best, especially my family.
What was the inspiration behind the album?
Ali: The main thing that inspired me to make this album was my first album. It was terrible, I can’t even describe how bad it was. And so every time I’d listen to it, I’m like what was I even thinking back then. So ever since then, I put in my mind that I want to make an album that’ll make anyone who’s heard the first, forget about it.
I wanted to make an album that I can rebrand myself with as an artist and an album where I can explore new instruments, new vocal styles and new sounds. I didn’t want to make an album with just one genre in it. I wanted to mix between pop, ballads, R&B and more so that listeners can have a variety to choose from
What single off the album “Toxicity” do you anticipate taking off both on charts and with listeners/fans?
Ali: So far the most listened to songs on the album are “For You (Ft. Lakeith)” “Monster” and “Hold Me Close”. So If I’d have to pick, I’d go with “For You”.
Wow! Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?
Ali: That is really hard to pick. I have 2 favorite songs, “The Night We Met” which was released last year, and in which I’m re-recording again to improve it, and “Nineteen”
But I think “Nineteen” is my top favorite because it’s really personal to me. It’s a song about questioning how your future will go, will you achieve your goals, what’s next for you, are you on the right path and etc. Many of us could really relate to this song.
Which title or hat are you most proud to wear outside of being an artist, and why?
Ali: I’d like to think of myself as kind and compassionate. Someone you could turn to who would be there for you and someone you can rely on.
If you had one message to give your fans, what would it be?
Ali: You guys are the incredible, and I cannot wait to share more projects with you soon.
For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?
Ali: I’d like to thank my mom, my dad and my brother for being so supportive and for always believing in me, and I’d like to thank my friends as well for pushing me to do my best.
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