Blooming Experimental Hip-Hop, Meet Flying Lotus

It is not every day, that someone who attended Los Angles Film School, but turned to music to become a DJ, producer, and Rapper. Steve Ellison, also known as Flying Lotus started his music career in an unusual way. While, he was at his mother’s house he saw an advertisement from Adult Swim and Cartoon Network looking for song submissions. Next thing you know, his instrumentals was on the channel and even started rapping for a show on the network called Sealab, 2021.

Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus’ work was influenced by many artists, however J Dilla, MF Doom, and Madlib were the inspirations of his work and style. He incorporates weird beats and throbbing bass in his music that separates it from his peers. Most people would categorize Flying Lotus music between jazz, hip-hop, and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). Over the years he was able to release many albums for the public. His albums were 1983 (2006), Los Angles (2008), Cosmogramma (2010), Until the Dead Quest Ends (2012), and You’re Dead (2014). Each album is really unique in their own sense, but will always have the flavor of Flying Lotus.

You're Dead (2014) Album Cover

There is no mistaking the artwork that Flying Lotus produces. His music is one of a kind and have attracted many different artists. He has collaborated with names such as Snoop Dog, Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. Flying Lotus was even featured in one of the songs in Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and even has his own radio station in the video game Grand Theft Auto V. What attracted me to his music is the psychedelic feel in his style of work. It reminded me of Nujabes, but in a very abstract and odd way.

If Flying Lotus’ work is being featured in different social media and outlets, then it is something people should give a listen to. Instead of just the pop culture music out there, Flying Lotus is entirely different and someone who should at least deserved to be heard at least once.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/29/flying-lotus-o2-abc-glasgow-review