Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Main Flow made his mark in the industry over 12 years ago with the help of Donte & Jahson, in the group, MOOD. His natural delivery, lyrical content & complementing beats, made Main Flow & the group's success inevitable & as such, their debut album, "DOOM," is widely respected as one of the top underground albums of the 90s. If we were to play, "name that group" - how many would guess that it was MOOD that ultimately introduced both Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli to the world? Production from Hi-Tek & features from Talib Kweli helped make "DOOM" the classic album that is, and to prove part of that, this first track is called, "Karma." It is my favorite single off "DOOM" and was produced by Hi-Tek, so give it a listen...
MOOD - Karma
In 2000, MOOD followed up their debut album with a compilation called, "Mission Control Presents: Prehistoric Sounds." This compilation featured MOOD & other artists, which fell under a bigger collective "group" of artists, known as the Wannabattle Camp. Not long after this compilation, however, Main Flow decided to go solo and over the years, Main Flow has been a staple in the game, releasing several solid solo albums (Castle Diplomat, Hip-Hopulation & Flow Season (With 7L)). Check out this next track, which features Talib Kweli - its called "Hip Hop Worth Dyin' For" and was featued on "Hip-Hopulation" in 2004 ...
Main Flow Ft. Talib Kweli - Hip-Hop Worth Dyin' For
I went over to Main Flow's myspace page and I was amazed to see that he had close to 4 million profile views and 15 million plays on his music player - that's a lot of love, so I'm certain that true fans of hip-hop will be glad to know that Main Flow & his group, MOOD, are currently in production for a new album together! The album is set to be called, "Hall Of Fame," and my expectations are extremely high because I have been waiting for 10 years for this album lol. This next track will be through a video called "Hustle On The Side," which was produced by Hi-Tek and was really their introduction to the game. I don't believe it is featured on the album, so enjoy this piece of history, which was recorded thanks to Ralph McDaniels, who is a pioneer in the truest sense of the word for making all these old videos possible.
MOOD - Karma
In 2000, MOOD followed up their debut album with a compilation called, "Mission Control Presents: Prehistoric Sounds." This compilation featured MOOD & other artists, which fell under a bigger collective "group" of artists, known as the Wannabattle Camp. Not long after this compilation, however, Main Flow decided to go solo and over the years, Main Flow has been a staple in the game, releasing several solid solo albums (Castle Diplomat, Hip-Hopulation & Flow Season (With 7L)). Check out this next track, which features Talib Kweli - its called "Hip Hop Worth Dyin' For" and was featued on "Hip-Hopulation" in 2004 ...
Main Flow Ft. Talib Kweli - Hip-Hop Worth Dyin' For
I went over to Main Flow's myspace page and I was amazed to see that he had close to 4 million profile views and 15 million plays on his music player - that's a lot of love, so I'm certain that true fans of hip-hop will be glad to know that Main Flow & his group, MOOD, are currently in production for a new album together! The album is set to be called, "Hall Of Fame," and my expectations are extremely high because I have been waiting for 10 years for this album lol. This next track will be through a video called "Hustle On The Side," which was produced by Hi-Tek and was really their introduction to the game. I don't believe it is featured on the album, so enjoy this piece of history, which was recorded thanks to Ralph McDaniels, who is a pioneer in the truest sense of the word for making all these old videos possible.
I feel fortunate that I was able to catch up with Main Flow and that he & I were able to knock out an interview for y'all, so definitely take the time to read it and let us know what you think. I'm sure a comment in support of the new album will be greatly appreciated & if you are interested in adding your city to Main Flow's upcoming tours, add him on myspace and let him know or comment below. Thanks ... SAV*ONE.
1. What's up, Flow ... How's life been treating you?
Good! Working on new material and enjoying time with fam.
2. What was it like coming out of Cincinnati in the 90s and trying to pursue a career in music with your group, MOOD? Not only that, but to really introduce the hip-hop world to Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli in the process?
It was hard, we had to take 10 hour road trips to New York 3-4 times a year with new demos to get heard. I met DJ Hi-Tek in the early 90s in Cincy, Ohio through a mutual friend named, Visious Lee. They had a group called "Rated R." As far as Talib Kweli, I met him around 1994 in New York, at that time, he was roommates with our brethren, Divine Elohim.
3. I was over at Fat Beats NY with my boy, JLOG1C, the other day and we threw on the 12" for "Karma" and the store went crazy; that will surely always be a banger! How does it feel to know people are still out there buying and listening to tracks by MOOD & of course, your solo work, as well?
It feels great, SAV. We make soul food music, not that fast food commercial radio rap, so at the end of the day, I feel that gives us longevity.
4. Besides the "DOOM" album, Mood was featured on a lesser-known album/compilation, in 2000 called, "Mission Control Presents: Prehistoric Sounds" - what can you tell us about that compilation project?
Basically, Mission Control Presents "Prehistoric Sounds" was a compilation that we decided to record to showcase our "Wannabattle Camp" of artists.
5. What can you tell the readers about that Wannabattle Record label?
Wannabattle Records is an indie record company focused on making legendary music. Wannabattle was established in 1996 as a management company and now operates under Wannabattle Enterprises LLC. WB Enterprises is the mothership for our publishing company, as well as our production company and website.
6. After the success of "DOOM" and the Mission Control album, you decided to go solo -- what was the background behind that decision.
I came out to the west to record music for Rob Dyrdek's imprint "PJS Recordings." I did the solo CDs to stay consistent in the biz and add to my vast catalog.
7. You've put out several solid albums over the years and you never crossed over to being commercial, but how do you feel that affected sales and were you pleased with how the albums were received by fans and critics?
I think not going commercial was good for us because we don't make that type of music. Fans all over have enjoyed what we put out over the last decade. I think not going commercial affects sales unless your record company pushes your record like a major artist. A good example of that is Outkast; they are an underground group that has obtained commercial sales because of the push (marketing, promotions) that LaFace put into each project.
8. You've worked alongside some of the best MCs and producers in the industry, but who would you say you've enjoyed working with the most?
Black Thought was definitely my favorite artist to collab with because he is a real dude. I have yet to see him act "Hollywood" like some of the other artists that I know.
9. I know true fans of hip-hop are real excited to hear that there is a new MOOD album being made - what can the readers expect from that project?
The new MOOD album, "Hall Of Fame," will have production by Jahson, DJ Lethal & Jake One. As far as MCs, we don't have a lot of features, other than our original camp: Donte, Daryl Irby, Crunch Ex, Brian Digby & Talib Kweli). The fans should expect conscious lyrics, the illest beats & definitely some 2018 type flows!
10. What else would you like to share with the readers about current projects, general moves you are making or anything else on your mind?
Peace to my sponsors: Greedy Genius, Electric & Akomplice Clothing - shout outs to all my loyal fans that support real hip-hop, one love to my wife and kids & look out for MOOD, "Hall Of Fame." Thanks for the interview, SAV!
Peace, Flow.
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1. What's up, Flow ... How's life been treating you?
Good! Working on new material and enjoying time with fam.
2. What was it like coming out of Cincinnati in the 90s and trying to pursue a career in music with your group, MOOD? Not only that, but to really introduce the hip-hop world to Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli in the process?
It was hard, we had to take 10 hour road trips to New York 3-4 times a year with new demos to get heard. I met DJ Hi-Tek in the early 90s in Cincy, Ohio through a mutual friend named, Visious Lee. They had a group called "Rated R." As far as Talib Kweli, I met him around 1994 in New York, at that time, he was roommates with our brethren, Divine Elohim.
3. I was over at Fat Beats NY with my boy, JLOG1C, the other day and we threw on the 12" for "Karma" and the store went crazy; that will surely always be a banger! How does it feel to know people are still out there buying and listening to tracks by MOOD & of course, your solo work, as well?
It feels great, SAV. We make soul food music, not that fast food commercial radio rap, so at the end of the day, I feel that gives us longevity.
4. Besides the "DOOM" album, Mood was featured on a lesser-known album/compilation, in 2000 called, "Mission Control Presents: Prehistoric Sounds" - what can you tell us about that compilation project?
Basically, Mission Control Presents "Prehistoric Sounds" was a compilation that we decided to record to showcase our "Wannabattle Camp" of artists.
5. What can you tell the readers about that Wannabattle Record label?
Wannabattle Records is an indie record company focused on making legendary music. Wannabattle was established in 1996 as a management company and now operates under Wannabattle Enterprises LLC. WB Enterprises is the mothership for our publishing company, as well as our production company and website.
6. After the success of "DOOM" and the Mission Control album, you decided to go solo -- what was the background behind that decision.
I came out to the west to record music for Rob Dyrdek's imprint "PJS Recordings." I did the solo CDs to stay consistent in the biz and add to my vast catalog.
7. You've put out several solid albums over the years and you never crossed over to being commercial, but how do you feel that affected sales and were you pleased with how the albums were received by fans and critics?
I think not going commercial was good for us because we don't make that type of music. Fans all over have enjoyed what we put out over the last decade. I think not going commercial affects sales unless your record company pushes your record like a major artist. A good example of that is Outkast; they are an underground group that has obtained commercial sales because of the push (marketing, promotions) that LaFace put into each project.
8. You've worked alongside some of the best MCs and producers in the industry, but who would you say you've enjoyed working with the most?
Black Thought was definitely my favorite artist to collab with because he is a real dude. I have yet to see him act "Hollywood" like some of the other artists that I know.
9. I know true fans of hip-hop are real excited to hear that there is a new MOOD album being made - what can the readers expect from that project?
The new MOOD album, "Hall Of Fame," will have production by Jahson, DJ Lethal & Jake One. As far as MCs, we don't have a lot of features, other than our original camp: Donte, Daryl Irby, Crunch Ex, Brian Digby & Talib Kweli). The fans should expect conscious lyrics, the illest beats & definitely some 2018 type flows!
10. What else would you like to share with the readers about current projects, general moves you are making or anything else on your mind?
Peace to my sponsors: Greedy Genius, Electric & Akomplice Clothing - shout outs to all my loyal fans that support real hip-hop, one love to my wife and kids & look out for MOOD, "Hall Of Fame." Thanks for the interview, SAV!
Peace, Flow.
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If you are fans of vinyl, definitely check out Fat Beats, NY where they have both the LP for "DOOM", and 12" singles for "Karma" and "Snakebacks," which are extremely hard to find these days. The CD for "DOOM" is available on the Fat Beats website and I'm sure that joint is out of print in most stores. Main Flow's solo albums and other features are available in most CD shops.
10 comments:
i love it when you throw the classics in there, lets me know your popularity is growing. its good to see older artists still grindin. hope great things for the mood album.
that real, no doubt.
Damn, Reflection Eternal. I did not know that. Great information.
hip hop worth dyin for is my shit
i'll check for that Mood album!
No hi-tek on it?
it´s good to see that artist who i grew up with are still on the grind
answers were shorter, but still a good write-up on your part. thanx
what it do, sav? took it to the classics on this one, i like dat. good to see the homie still grindin and shit. keep them coming. 100
great music, thank both of you.
yup...small known fact that main flow introduced talib to hi tek to form reflection eternal...this next mood album will be rediculous...thanks for the interview...hip hop needs more purists like Main Flow!
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