Interview Series: Floyd.
Atlanta native Floyd is the future. And the future is now. Affiliated with awesome collectives “Keyworld” and “Secret Stash,” this rapper and producer is absolutely taking over in 2016, and is starting to collaborate with some of the SoundCloud hip-hop scene’s finest. Floyd is part of an emerging contingent of rappers starting to embrace SC as a platform for collaboration, with producers in particular.
There’s an interesting dynamic at play in which SC producers are often of equal or even greater stature than the vocalists they are working with, but the end result is ubiquitous: fresh, crisp, and amazing production. Even the most underground SC beatmakers have the potential to create songs with production quality to match the pros, albeit with twice the room for creativity and artistry. Combine this high quality production with the immaculate flow and smooth bars from a rapper like Floyd, and the product is a banging trap sound which maintains a sense of unlikeness and innovation.
Floyd’s music can undeniably be associated with the trap movement from his home city which has completely taken over mainstream rap as of late (including the likes of global superstars Future, Young Thug, Waka Flocka, and so many others), but it would be unfair to compare him to those other artists because Floyd truly possesses a sound which is uniquely his own. Perhaps it’s the way he effortlessly rides the beats he raps over, perhaps it’s the combination of his memorable, stripped down lyricism and totally varied production, perhaps it’s his unmistakable braggadocio which still comes across as genuine and relatable.
Either way, the likes of “Test Me,” “Attention,” and “Be Us” all perfectly showcase the phenomenon that is DZA SZN (Floyd’s campaign trail slogan for his 2016 candidacy for POTTG [“President of The Trap Game”]) – dirty 808’s, intricate synth and drum work, and flow for days.
DZA SZN is here. And it’s just getting started. Read on for the full interview below!
Your track “Attention” isn’t dancehall per se – but that sound has totally been popping lately, what do you think spurred that trend?
(I think the “dancehall” tag was misleading), but I feel like American artists are just trying to familiarize themselves with it for a chance of either a wider fanbase or a check… probably both.
How did you link up with everyone from Keyworld?
This is a tricky question because I’d have a different story for almost each of the producers. But to put it all under one umbrella, I want to say each has reached out after they heard a song; either from a Keyworld producer or another producer. Keyworld is family. Shoutout to them!
As an Atlanta rapper, how do you feel about the scene there, and to what extent has it influenced you, (especially given that it’s pretty much on top of the game right now)?
Atlanta is cool. My favorite thing about Atlanta’s music is probably the drums & flows. I can’t really elaborate on what exactly the city has influenced me with. I just kind of live here and do what I like.
Who did you listen to while growing up? Do you have any strong influences currently?
I’ve had a lot of phases growing up. I could line them all up but it would be too hefty. An artist that I’m sure I had a big fascination with when I was younger would probably be 50 Cent. He’s an interesting dude.
From boom bap to trap and beyond, many iterations of ‘in vogue hip-hop’ have come and gone in recent years – where does the genre go from here? Do you think there’ll be more and more electronic influences?
Definitely. The genre will continue to break off into multiple sub-genres and will expand in all ways.
As a producer yourself, what do you think it is that makes a good rap instrumental?
In my opinion, DRUMS, an interested vibe, and space. I love greatly mixed drums that preferably hit hard. A good drum pattern is always appreciated as well, and preferably an inspiring melody. Some producers don’t allow space in the production for the artist to act as an instrument. That makes it a lot harder to add to the idea.
What have you got in the works?
Consistent material (music videos, singles, vlogs, etc.) and shows. I won’t be dropping a body of work until I feel that it’s time. I need the fans to beg me for it. Whenever it happens, it’ll definitely be the right time.
Kanye is purportedly seriously about running for president – you voting for him? Or running against him maybe?#DZAszn 2020 haha
Haha, I gotta hear what bro has to offer then we’ll go from there. & I’d never run for president lol but I’m definitely trying to take over the world. & #DZASZN16TOINFINITY.
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Show the guys some love:
Floyd
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DZA
(And check out our full SoundCloud Artist Spotlight playlist for Floyd here.)
