Artist Details
Name: JFliz
City: Boston
Bio:
Massachusetts Emcee, JFliz, has been writing rhymes, recording and on stage since the age of 8. Remaining incredibly creative, original and versatile – you can hear him flow to smooth jazz inspired beats, hard hitting boom bap to rock n roll sampled bangers.
JFliz dropped his debut album in 2012 and consistently released content until 2018. With the birth of his first son, he stepped away from music to focus on family. In March of 2020 he began to craft his return project, Grown. Released in November of 2020, it was considered his breakthrough album. Completely constructed by Fliz himself from the beats, rhymes and production, it was acclaimed by DJs, Podcasts and Blogs such as UGHH Blog & Insomniac Magazine. Since then, we’ve seen him release 5 stand alone singles, 3 EPs (Devil At The Pulpit, Libertà, If You Don’t Know) and done 6 features for various artists. With 3 months left in 2021, we are sure he has a few left in the clip to let off.
Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/jfliz85
Twitter: twitter.com/jfliz85
YouTube: youtube.com/jfliz
When / how did you start out?
I started writing rhymes at the age of 8 and performed on stage for the first time at age 10. I kind of stumbled into hip hop at a young age and was writing and recording songs by the time I was 14.
Who are some people who inspire you / your work?
I’ve honestly been influenced by so many artists and genres since I was a young kid, it’s hard to narrow it down. If I had to pick a few far as hip hops concerned, I would say KRS-ONE, Vinnie Paz & Mr. Lif.
Describe your style in 5 words or less.
Original. Versatile. Passionate. Honest. Unapologetic.
What’s your favourite project you’ve done?
Another tough one. I’d have to say my comeback project ‘Grown’ I dropped in November of 2020. First album I dropped after a 2.5 year hiatus and I did everything but mixed / mastered it. I arranged, produced, made every beat, wrote all the rhymes, no features. It caught a lot of buzz and really set me off on this crazy streak of releases ever since. A very close 2nd would have to be the follow up EP to Grown, Devil At The Pulpit, produced by Tali Rodriguez. That project just straight up pure dope.
What would your dream project be?
Never really thought about it. I’m truly content with where I’m at and what I’m doing day in and day out. I do think it would be dope to be somewhere remote and tropical in a phat ass crib and just make an album…to be able to just unplug from the rest of the world and only focus on music for a few months, that would be a dream come true.
Who has given you the hottest feature?
Yo that’s not an easy question…I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of dope artists over the years and everyone has come correct. I definitely think REKS hit me with one of the best for my joint Ambition I dropped a few years back.
Favourite City to perform?
BOSTON!
Best gig you’ve ever rocked?
The Middle East (Upstairs) It was a sold out show and just absolutely tore the place down. The crowd was wild, involved and LOUD as hell. Definitely my favorite show I’ve performed at.
Best piece of advice you have received?
I actually still have the quotes saved. Great advice from the homie M-Dot who really took time out for me when I was diving back into the music scene. “Make people need to work with you cause they’re drawn to work ethic and dedication to releases.” “Anyone can do it with genuine hard work and consistency.” “You’re real dude. That’s first thing a lot of people don’t have. One man crew is fine as depending on less people is the way. Just only have good people around you. Rappers are dime a dozen. Good people are more important. I rather grow with good people who do more than rap. As they can offer much more.”
I’ve followed all that to a T and have had nothing but positivity and consistent growth through 2021.
Advice for aspiring artists?
I’ll really be repeating what Dot said but just be genuine. Be yourself. Make music YOU want and enjoy. GRIND and stay focused. Never get cocky and surround yourself with good people even if it’s very few.
Open Mic: Let us know what you’ve got coming up (gig, single, album, merch etc)
I got a real special music video dropping in the next few weeks based on true events told to me by a friend and marine veteran. I also got 1 more (BIG) project to drop before end of the year. It’s in final stages now so it’s just a matter of when I decide to drop it but I think this one really going to garner some serious attention. As always, anyone can hit me up via email, IG and find any music and merch on my Bandcamp (jfliz.bandcamp.com)
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