
FLOK
Some say that money (the hustle) makes the world go round. Others may even say that the functions of the brain thinking, learning, and teaching deserve credit for rotating the globe. Whatever the case may be, FLOK is definitely one that will keep it spinning. Born on March 1st 1988, in the small city of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a place infamous for its heavy drug traffic, Falandez FLOK James was attracted to music at an early age. While all of the other children played around with toys, FLOK was calmly, and constantly, nodding his head to the tape playing in his walkman; thats if he wasnt performing for the family. At the age of five, he recorded his first 'rap song', through the headphones plugged up to an old record / tape player his grandmother owned.
As FLOK grew older, his passion for music also went through major growth. At the tender age of eleven, he started crafting complete songs. With the help of partner-in-rhyme iSH.dOT (Treach-Raw at the time), the pair recorded their first full album, Symphony of Chaos. Shortly after, iSH.dOT was placed in a maximum security juvenile facility, which left FLOK on his own. In 2001, FLOK linked up with a team by the name of Heat Tuckaz. During the span of about 2 years, Heat Tuckaz flooded the whole Tri-State area with a string of mixtapes of raw material. These mixtapes and many local battle victories would go on to make FLOK a neighborhood favorite within the rap scene. He also caught the eye of fellow Coatesville musicians, 50/50 L.G. CEO, DJ Dre-Money, and R.I.C.O. a/k/a Francis Fire of C.V., who he would eventually team up with in the future. He then went on to release two solo mixtapes, "The Introduction..." (2004) and "Paper Route: The Mixtape" (2005).
But music wasn't the only thing that attracted FLOK. Like most mothers, FLOKs mother tried her hardest to guide her son along the right path and keep the streets out of his visibility and reach. But watching his male influences drive fancy cars while draped in expensive jewelry and luxurious clothing, which didnt come from nine to fives, would attract him to the allure of this lifestyle. At 15, FLOK caught his first case. Not even a year later, he caught another one.
It was time to gain control of life, and that's what FLOK did - for a little while. He graduated high school and pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Business at Saint Joseph's University. But summer break would only send him back home to the same streets. Eventually, they would lead him to two more criminal cases, with charges ranging from Possession w/ the Intent to Criminal Attempt Criminal Homicide. For these cases, not only was he excused from St. Joes indefinitely, but on July 23rd of 2007, he was sentenced to 2-4 years in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility. By participating in the State Boot Camp Program, he was able to return to society on July 28th of 2008, more focused then he ever was.
Now, FLOK ensures his fans that this is the last time they will go without him. He is now completely done with the street life, and is fully focused on his music and music only. Not only has he become more focused musically, but is now even dealing with the business side of things, using the knowledge and skills he gained while at SJU. Now 21, FLOK is in the process of launching his label, Stack Paypa Entertainment. He is also currently seeking management, in order to obtain airplay, press and a long list of live performances. FLOK vows to give fans six full mixtapes with all original songs over the next two years (one every four months), along with a documentary which will be available online and on DVD. The first of this series of mixtapes is due March 31st of this year, and is entitled It Dont Grow On Trees Vol. 1. When asked about the title FLOK responds Man, 09 is go time! The economy is at a very low point which means wealth is not that easy to come across its not growing on trees. That means I, as a man, have to get of my ass, grind hard and go get it.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
(see bio)
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, love it... Just to know you can bring that kind of energy to an audience is amazing.
Your musical influences
JAY-Z, 2PAC, B.I.G., NAS, LOX, T.I., LUPE FIASCO, EMINEM, SCARFACE, BIG PUN, LIL WAYNE, YOUNG JEEZY, CLIPSE, KANYE WEST, COMMON, TALIB KWELI, MOS DEF, WALE, WIZ KHALIFA, FABOLOUS, SNOOP DOGG, FRANCIS FIRE, LUDACRIS, THE ROOTS, LL COOL J, OUTKAST, B.o.B., 50 CENT, DR. DRE, PHARRELL, TIMBALAND, 9TH WONDER, DIDDY, RYAN LESLIE, MARVIN GAYE, EARTH WIND & FIRE, BABYFACE, RKELLY, NEYO, DONNELL JONES, ERYKAH BADU, ISLEY BROTHERS, JOHN LEGEND, LYFE JENNINGS, MUSIQ,
What equipment do you use?
ITS 2009 - a computer, a microphone, Triton Extreme and Cubase software - that simple.
Anything else?
The takeover begins...