217hiphop.com Exclusive Interview with Grant Flows.

Champaign native Grant Flows has been putting on quite the show of late. Making appearances and performing in multiple states, teaming up with respected emcees, and forging his path in this vast landscape we call hip hop, Grant embodies the blue collar rapper and we got the chance to speak with
him.

Whats up? Introduce yourself to the people.

I'm Grant Flows, 25yrs old (soon to be 26).. I'm from Champaign, IL , but have spent much of the last four years in Georgia & Alabama… I look at my music as an opportunity to paint someone a picture of my life or a specific situation.. I want people to relate to what I'm saying, and know that I'm as "real" as they come.  

We all know "Grant Flows", but what led to you choosing rap as a career?

I've always been adept at rhyming and word-play.. After I graduated college, I held down a number of "real jobs", and was unfulfilled to say the least… At that point, I decided that if I was ever going to be truly happy, I had to go for my dreams.. The road hasn't been easy, and I struggle daily;  but, I love that I've found the courage to continuously and voraciously  hunt down my goals.

You're currently based in the Champaign, Il area but have done shows across the country. What is your best memory from being on the road?

The first show I ever did a little over two years ago.. It was in front of about 600 people and celebrity judges.. I absolutely rocked the place, had them going nuts.. I know that I'm a much better performer at this point, but that first taste of success is very memorable to me. 

Also, I opened up for Wrekonize of Mayday this previous February.. He pulled me aside after my set and said, I was on point, and that I definitely shouldn't quit.. That was a big confidence boost. 

You've been on fire in the studio lately releasing new music every couple of days. What has been the inspiration that has caused such an upswing in output?

Thanks, homie! I've been working on an EP for about 6-7 months now.. It will be my debut release, and I am very proud of it. There are about three more songs to finish before I release all 7-8 songs… The reason that I am putting a few of them out so quickly is, you have to strike while the iron is hot… And, my stock has never been higher after doing songs with the likes of: ProbCause, The Palmer Squares, and Will is Chillin'.. I have a lot more people looking out for more music from me, and I want to give the people what they want. I'm just trying to get my buzz up..

You seem to have an awesome ear for production. Who are some of your favorite producers right now?

Well, I always have to mention the Dr., cause without Dre, I wouldn't have this burning passion for hip hop.. The chronic 2001 was/ is one of my favorite records of all time, and I drew a lot of inspiration from it… As far as people that I work with, I have a guy out of France named, Greenfinch.. He has some killer tracks that are unique, as opposed to so many of these cookie-cutter tracks that I hear. 

I also have to give a shout out to my dude, Tucker Productions.. He's been killing it for me lately.. Track selection is a major part of putting out a solid project. 

Finally, a guy by the name of D.R.O. .. That boy has some wild tracks! He does a lot of work with Stank Face Records in Chicago.. Much respect for that team. 

Who is your dream musical collaboration and why? (Dead or Alive) 

I'd love to do a track with Eminem.. Not because he is my favorite rapper, but because he showed me that a lower class, midwestern, white-boy could be a rap god… I'd also love to hear myself with Rittz and Yelawolf on a track.. I think that'd be nasty.

Your debut solo EP is about to be released. What can you tell us about the project?

It's titled "Story Time" and will have 7-8 tracks on it.. I'm having some trouble deciding which tracks are going to make the cut. It will be out in late august or early september. I've really been taking my time recording and engineering these tracks.. I spend four-five hours per song, so it's usually one or two trips up to my chicago studio per month.. I have two more new tracks to record and I will be finished.. Then I just need to get the cover designed/ have the cd's pressed. 

Track List:

1. Yeah, Right Ft. Will is Chillin'

2. World Don't Stand Still Ft. ProbCause & The Palmer Squares

3. Summer Love 

4. Nasty

5. World's on Fire Ft. BryG

6. Light Up Ft. Chase Baby

7. Losing My Religion

(Not sure of order)

In your music you seem to rhyme like you have a chip on your shoulder. You seem to go the hardest when faced with adversity. Where did that "chip" come from?

I've had my share of personal defeats and disappointments.. I've had dirt kicked in my face, my name dragged through mud… Short answer, I am angry.. haha… I want people to respect my craft and know that it was forged from my own blood, sweat, and tears.

Where can we find you?

My favorite social medium is Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grant-flows

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrantFlowsHarder?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/grantflows

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/grantflows?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Any shout outs or last words for the fans?

Shout out to a few of my true homes that have ALWAYS held me down (Gusto, Ptop, OD, Philly) , even when I wasn't near as talented as I am at this point. Shout to my mom for excepting me for who I am, and what I love… 

As far as last words, I'd like to share some knowledge that I've picked up throughout my journey:  Perform as much as possible, travel to different states and venues ( go make new fans, don't always just bring your friends or crew) get out of your comfort zone!..Be really selective with beats/ features that you do, write & practice every day, even when you don't want/ don't think you can. Finally, stay humble! I can't stress that last one enough.. there is always somebody out there better than you, keep your head down and grind until your respected by many, and feared by all.. Who Flows?