Browsing Tag

USA Hip Hop

A classic to end things off: ‘310 to Yuma’ from underground Arizona poet/emcee Orie Adams digs deep inside the current unacceptable social injustices in the USA

Posted on 17 December 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZVWDtc6JOc&feature=youtu.be

Moving onto bigger and better things is the best way to fully evolve and not become pigeon-holed into one specific thing. ‘310 to Yuma‘ by underground Arizona poet/emcee/businessman Orie Adams is a core part of his last album and it’s called ‘V6‘.

With an ode to the late great Malcom X on the album cover, you can feel already that this isn’t any ordinary release, this is full of heart and realness, unlike a lot of the fake bubblegum rap these days that sticks to the bottom of your shoes and annoys. This is a true wordsmith who takes his time to get his message across and is in no hurry at all.

Directed by JDFilms at the Carter in Scottsdale, Arizona, we witness a man who guides us through the relatable story of having heart, resilience and hard work cut into your body and mind to succeed in life. He is certainly strapped up and ready to do whatever is necessary in order to protect those who he cares deeply for. These are Walking Dead times in 2020 and you need to be prepared otherwise you will be found out when the time comes to make a move.

With a few NFL player shout outs, talk of feeling understandably anxious due to having a price on his head and a tone that let’s you know that he is ready for whatever comes down; the lyrical skills here are haunting and cut deep into your soul. The current climate in the USA is reflected into the fabric of the song and you get a sense of what is really going in inside, not what the mostly puppet-pulled tv stations are hollering on about.

You get the feeling that this is a self-motivated man who has already decided what he is going to do next and it’s going to be big. If this is indeed the last time we hear from Orie Adams behind the mic, ‘V6‘ and ‘310 to Yuma‘ will surely live on in the annuals of underground Hip Hop history and a movie or two will be made about his journey. He stands up for what he believes in and whether you like his music or not, the message demands to be admired and the poetically lyrical wordsmith’s music will live on to be timeless.

Check out the music video via YouTube and see the next chapter via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Oklahoma’s Original Flow drops visuals for the excellent ‘Lately’ single

Posted on 22 September 2020

‘Lately‘ is the excellent Hip Hop release from US emcee Original Flow as he speaks on an important topic that is often swept under the rug. Not anymore.

Oklahoma-based Hip Hop artist, poet and producer Original Flow is following in his father’s MC footsteps, and continues to defy mainstream music molds through conscious lyrics of positivity and triumph.

‘Blackmankidboy‘ is the debut album to come from Original Flow and this song is featured in this release. A story of black vulnerability, resilience, and triumph, the 14 track album speaks on the imminent threat to Black life and the freedom of celebrating “the black boy joy” through it all.

Working with producer Richard Adams and DJ Triple Eight, the album sees Original Flow work through personal trauma and depression after he lost his mother to cancer. The album is a juxtaposition between the joy found in his creative team and the depression and anxiety caused by his personal grief.

This depression is further explored in the video for ‘Lately‘ which was filmed in Original Flow’s own house and bathtub and aims to normalize black men expressing vulnerability.

Also a member of experimental Hip Hop group The Fervent Route which mixes the styles of A Tribe called Quest and The Roots, Original Flow has dedicated his life to creating hip hop. Using his career to give back to the community, he has raised funds for terminally ill children, helped to equip classrooms with resources and more recently has given talks to help black students who are getting ready to enter predominantly white colleges.

In his music, Original Flow gives a truly organic on-stage delivery and distinctive “Old School” feel that has gained him an impressive following in his hometown, making him an exciting one to watch.

I love this artist’s message as he is truly one of the good guys. He makes music that means something and is not doing it for the fame and all that is attached that fake and crazy world. This is a true emcee who speaks on his feeling and fears here and for this, he must be celebrated. This is all about feeling about what you are doing and being conscious about it.

Original Flow flows with such realness on ‘Lately‘ and this is a fine release from an emcee/poet who is thoughtful and he helps others. This is the type of music that needs to be heard all over the world due to its real message. A brave video indeed.

Click here for the YouTube video.

Head through to the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen