Artist Snapshot: Brenboy (@Brenboy503)

IG @rareflavr

BRENBOY

TWITTER . INSTAGRAM . FACEBOOK . SPOTIFY . YOUTUBE

Brenboy (@Brenboy503) is an interesting character. He recently dropped his first album called B.A.R.S. (Brendon Anthony Reyes Spits) this month which is now available on all streaming platforms. This includes 7 original tracks.

B.A.R.S. (album link)

IG @brenboy503 B.A.R.S.

B.A.R.S. (album link)

B.A.R.S, an album by Brenboy on Spotify

Brendon Reyes, was born in Germany, but grew up in southern Oregon. He moved to Portland in 2008 and started to compete in SLAM poetry contests. After taking 3rd place in the PNW at the collegiate level he began to turn his poems into raps. After that he dropped 2 mixtapes and an EP, but this is first album (dropped May 3rd, 2019. )

Now he runs a hip-hop show on 90.8 FM KBOO called (@ripcitybasement) where he does Interviews, Live Shows, Cyphers, and Battles .

We asked him how he was able to get into the position he is in now.. and through his response we learned how he created his way into it.

IG @brenboy503

“It’s kind of a long story, but the reader’s digest version is this… I went to school for music production in Portland and when I got done I went to this internship program, and I ended up being an intern at the radio station as a mixing engineer. From there, I realized that the real power is with the radio host, so I went to the station’s manager, I slapped a program proposal on his desk, slid it across, and told him what I wanted.. I told him I want to do the show here, Or I would basically take it to their competitors down the street. But uh i knew that the show was going to be a big hit, cous nobody else was doing anything like that in Portland.

.. So they gave me a pilot it got really good numbers we had 2,000 listeners on the first show, and from there it just took off and now we are on air and we do podcasts throughout the week so…

IG @brenboy503

… I call it rip city basement because it’s kind of like a mix between that old BET show rap city in the basement. It’s kind of a mix between that and the breakfast club. It’s kind of like we do interviews, but I also make the rappers spit something live.. Spit some exclusive shit you know? So all and all it’s just a show that gets a-lot of artists the press that they don’t have and the people who need opportunities that are really really talented but they don’t know how to get their foot in the door, I’m like really easily accessible. So that’s what makes the show special is like I am really at the street level you know? “

His show Rip City Basement attracts rappers from all over the world, Actors, Dancers, DJs and more! We asked what is one thing you have learned about your process , and any valuable tips for artists which has helped him stay focused/successful

He responded,

“exercise and drink water! I can rap and dance on stage for an hour straight with hardly any breaks, because I’m an athlete about my craft. I practice. I’m at the gym and in the steam room multiple times a week to practice my breath control. It also just puts me in a mediative state, which helps me focus when we go about my day”

Very well spoken and an excellent artist for us to feature!

We hope you are motivated by this artist snapshot feature and check out BrenBoy’s album, B.A.R.S, and Rip City Basement Podcast! Thank you for sharing #rareflavr

IG @brenboy

IG @brenboy503

IG @brenboy503

IG @brenboy503

Artist Snapshot: OG DENZO (@denzo2x)

image from @denzo2x redesigned by @rareflavr

The following text and content is compiled from responses of a @RareFlavr X @denzo2x interview:

Recently we had the opportunity to connect with @denzo2x NorthSide (NorthPole) of Chicago Native to discuss up and coming opportunities within the music industry and business as a music entrepreneur. He mentioned to us he has been in the music game for about two years now and is looking to take a serious step further as he releases his next projects. He has always been a fan of music growing up and the power it has to influence other people. To Denzo, it is all about gaining enough influence to create a positive impact. It helps his mentality to remain sharp, because you have to think on a higher scale to create. For him it is all about where you can take a listener mentally. He loves music where the song describes real life events that are taking place. He also explained how enjoys where music is currently, because different sounds are accepted more than ever.

A piece of the creative process-

In the beginning he would receive beats and break them down individually with his voice. Afterwards, he writes about half of the song and finishes the other half in the studio.

“It’s crazy because sometimes I write in parts whether that be writing uh hook of a song, then the bridge following a verse etc. sometimes my mind be all over the place so I just getta feeling for each part of the beat and capitalize off of it. “ -D.LaFlair

“I try to back myself into a corner before sessions to see what I can really come up with because my camp likes to keep it professional as far as time management so I know I have to come into studios prepared to a high degree.” - OG DENZO

@denzo2x Twin Blicky’s

@denzo2x Studio

songs & projects

“One of the toughest singles I will be releasing is called “Lights On Me” I really feel like it’s going to be my best song visually and promotional wise I’m releasing it November 10th officially. I feel like it’s the perfect follow up song behind the couple visuals and releases I do have out and I plan on taking all of my supporters through the entire process of creating it up to the video. It was originally produced by Mic Will @_ogmicwill on IG and engineered by Banks @banksthegenius on IG. I’m extremely appreciative of these release date.” - OGDENZO

FAST FORWARD NOVEMBER 10TH : LIGHTS ON ME VIDEO !!! OUT NOW!!!

Studio Session @denzo2x

He started performing by himself several months ago. His first performance was in Atlanta at Club Knockout Bar & Lounge and since then he began picking up serious speed. He said he loves doing shows because gets to meet people face to face and have them see the real him. His last three shows have went well and will be releasing a show recap video pertaining each song he promotes heavily. He has been on the radio once and had three songs played live through “NorthSide Plugged” . He has a couple radio station interviews coming up and will be in rotation. The EP is currently untitled but will have six tracks that all compliment each other and will be uploaded closer to winter/ December time, but is excited to put a stamp on the game and represent the city.

Live Performance @denzo2x

@denzo2x Chicago Bulls

Favorite Chicago Team

“My favorite team is The Bulls - not big on sports teams right now cause i feel the organizations aren’t making all of the right decisions but when Derrick Rose was at large I was the most excited about Chicago. Spent most of my youth playing basketball Fell in love with it an early age and never looked back I put a lot of work in tot the game and In return it shaped my character. “- OG DENZO

@denzo2x on twitter

We are glad to have brought you this artist snapshot feating Denzo, the creative process, influence, and life brought to his music. Please comment, like, share this post, as well as follow his social media to be on the lookout for upcoming music/video releases over next couple of months including “Lights on Me”. Thank you for following @rareflavr. Bring life to your music and music to life. Music evolves when the sounds are rare. #rareflavr

98.3 FM WGHC @denzo2x

Who has new music? Now or releasing soon? Submit it to @rareflavr before you are ready to release so we are best prepared to post for you!!! #rareflavr

NYOTA PARKER- "TRANSCEND" NOWPLAYING @rareflavr #staystrong #rareflavr

Do you have music you plan on releasing soon? Contact @rareflavr send us your cover art and links to your music or video and we will gladly share it #blog #music

RichFtp - " Iffy " [MUSICVIDEO] ( @rareflavr ) #linkinbio

Strength. NEW video by @billykauck @richftp.eng "Iffy"

NEW RichFTP " Iffy " (video) live at @rareflavr [Link in bio]

Do you have new music you are saving or have finished? Are you waiting for the right timing? Send us a submission for us to review your project. We will not only keep it private until your release date, but can collaborate on a plan. There is no charge for this service. Contact now at rareflavr.com

[D.f.t.m] find new music releases at rareflavr.com

Brando AR releases new video for song called, Self Concious . SEE now at rareflavr.com

Athrowbackk

Artist Snapshot: MyNxGGAE (@MyNxGGAE)

Originality is THE QUALITY we seek before creating an Artist Snapshot on our blog.  We work to find artists with unique capabilities, style, and sound; We respect the hustle and people with " RareFlavr "

 #rareflavr #RF

 Pop-culture typically has a common theme with music and what makes a "hit".

Our goal is to find artists who sound nothing like what's trending and are in it to make dope music without copying style. 

Artists who create content for what they think is cool rather than what's "trending" is what it's all about

The great thing about social media is that we are able to network with creatives all over the world. We value rare artists who create their own path and work hard to enhance their skills.

Recently, we had the opportunity to interview an intelligent Artist @MyNxggaE and asked him to share some knowledge, music, and gain some perspective on the industry and social awareness #share #rareflavr

MY NXGGA E

IMAGE PROPERTY OF @MYNXGGAE

IT ALL STARTS WITH INFLUENCE

"yea I've always had an interest in art and the overall creative process. As a kid I did oil painting, wrote short stories, played a few instruments (drums, cornet, sax). As I got older I got really into graphic design, photography. The biggest influence on me artistically is probably a combination of Langston Hughes and John Coltrane. Jazz was awe inspiring to me as a kid; the complexity, the unpredictability, it was truly soulful music. Thats what got me into playing sax. I got a big ass book of Langston Hughes poetry when I was in high school that man was truly a prolific writer defining social awareness. In a more modern sense Kanye has been HUGE for me. His work with the MPC is forever an inspiration to my production and arrangement. "

GEOGRAPHY

" No actually I was not born and raised in St. Louis. Both my parents are Jamaican. I was actually born in Milwaukee and grew up all over the country (WI, OH, MD, CA) to name a few; I actually went to 3 different high schools in 4 years. But I've been in STL for about 10 years now and it's played a very instrumental role in my social awareness. St. Louis has such a rich and storied black history from the ville and kinloch, historically strong black communities that survived segregation era to the harsh realities of East St. Louis, and the racial injustices plaguing the north city as well as St. Louis County in areas like Ferguson. And this is a history that is not singular to St. Louis but rather something I saw in Baltimore, Chicago, DC, NYC, etc. all across the country as I grew up; Black communities struggling to survive while in search of the American dream. " 

MENTORS, INSPIRATION, INTERESTS, AND INSTRUMENTS

"My musical influences are always changing depending on what music I'm currently fixating on, I think it's my ADD at work. Right now I'm on a synths kick so Devonte Hynes, Majid Jordan, Ryan Hemsworth; but overall Future, Pharrell, Drake, George Clinton, Linkin Park, J-Dilla, and Erykah Badu. The artist that speaks to me the most in music is by far Kanye West; watching him journey from college burnout backpack rapper to media mogul and all the bumps is between is inspiring; his producer/rapper/brand model changed not only the music industry but the fashion industry as well. Musically I feel like Kanye always exemplified what first peaked my interest in hip-hop, the complexity in the musical arrangements to the level of full classical compositions. Lyrically Kanye has always been both deeply personal and yet socially and culturally aware which is a difficult balance in the climate of the early 2000s.

PRODUCTION/EQUIPMENT/INFLUENCE

"Yea I started producing because I kinda have an obession with "cloud rap" like an other world production sound; I absolutely love my Akai MPC Studio best piece of equipment in my studio (even though I do have an MPC Live still working out the kinks the learning curve is crazy). I use my numark mixtrack controller for some chops. I usually do my own masters so i got my jbl monitors, steinberg audio interface, rode nt1 cuz rode mics are amazing for low resonating vocals, my bass guitar, and a fender amp for extra bass. As a Virgo I always favor the here and now over the past, I draw a lot of inspiration from 70s funk, 80s synths, 90s boom bap, but the music that speaks to me the most is the music I'm listening to now. Princess Nokia, Northeast Party House, The Neighborhood, NxWorries, Kaytranada, Steve Lacy, Smino, SZA, and Ravyn Lenae "

LIVE SHOWS, ENTERTAINMENT, STAGE PRESENCE, STUDIO SESSIONS

" Showcase Tour hit me up, I think they found my info on reverbnation. It was an amazing opportunity for an artists showcase, a nation-wide tour, but each stop being filled with 10+ Local Artists. The show was amazing first time I've performed since I had my first child so I was a bit nervous, but once I got on stage it was all muscle memory lol. I do everything I can to bring my audience into those late night studio sessions with me, so I chose tracks that I think translate well atmospherically. I am always impressed by the energy of live rock shows so I do all my vocals live no backing track, give the crowd something that sticks with them, memorialize the moment. Low-Key I'm cooking up on adding live elements to the song arrangement too (reference that MPC Live I mentioned earlier) and I've been working with a jazz fusion band of late so new things are coming soon. My favorite track to perform is probably That's My Nxgga Prod by @vaughnvibes. The beat has that classic boom bap/J-Dilla feel so it seems perfect to recreate the energy of The Get Down that I was obsessing over at the time I first heard the beat. It has some good call and response portions to get the crowd involved and then showcases my lyrical ability and range well. Yea I'm glad you caught the easter egg of The Store Run; it was a track I made inspired by the nostalgia of me and my less reputable cousins stepping out during thanksgiving to hit the "store run" and come back eyes redder than the devil is and ready to eat lmao. So it was just something creative to commemorate the season; I like making tracks that are real conceptual sometimes. I produced the beat and then just freestyled in rounds like how you take turns spitting over the radio in the car during the hotbox. "

My Nxgga E - "We Jammin" Black Friday Cypher @ 2720 Cherokee St Louis, MO

PERSONAL BRANDS/ UPCOMING PROJECTS

"Negus is my own creation a combination of lifestyle brand and multimedia company. It represents my internal struggle for identity as a black man in America. Negus is the amharic word for king a or a god a title given to rules of Ethiopia the only African country to not be colonized; however it also phonetically is pronounced much like niggas the racial epithet meant to strip black people of the value in our ancestral heritage. Negus is actually the name of my next project, a self produced EP slated to drop this summer. I've been working on this project for 2-3 years now so I've been teasing about it in visuals and making merch to self-fund production costs. The Champion collaboration I did with Negus for the Store Run/Thank You hoodies was just extra sauce cause the track felt like it fit the season so well I needed something to physically commemorate the experience. "

ADVICE FOR YOUNG ARTISTS, STAGE PRESENCE

" Honestly repetition is the father of all learning. I think practicing your material constantly allowing your music to become just muscle memory is key. I treat the lyrics almost like a mantra, reminding myself of the feeling and emotions that I poured into the music so that i can best portray them in my delivery. I'd also say that working the stage is key; having an understanding of how to have good stage presence can go a long way. Negus was made for live shows so while I do have video treatments formulating for a few of the songs, my first step is to bring the material to a live audience likely through a listening session our live showcase this summer in conjunction with the projects release. "

mynxggae.com

FUTURE OF MUSIC

"The future of music looks bright I see the elements of hip-hop being rearranged not only by the popularity of EDM but also due to the rise of urban contemporary music. I think groups like NxWorries give rebirth to atmospheric hip hop, the latest class of MPC producers (Kaytranada, Sango, Knxwledge) are proof that the legacy of JDilla lives and breathes in a newer generation. The future of the music industry however is on an interesting path. For better or worse the culture IS changing. The release of music has been drastically effected by the success of streaming platforms. Despite the best attempts at combating the diminishing market such as Beyonce Lemonade album releasing with no marketing seemed to only slowed the inevitable; and thus new platforms, and business models must be built. Fashion has always been an important outlet for musicians to display their creativity but the collaboration strategy has given what was mostly a marketing strategy real teeth allowing for strong gains for brands like adidas, supreme and puma putting their product in front of larger audiences and giving them access to a greater range of materials to create from. "

IMAGE PROPERTY OF @MYNXGGAE http://mynxggae.tumblr.com/

photo property of @mynxggae recreated by @rareflavr

Make sure have a listen to some of his tracks on Soundcloud above or here: My NXGGAE Soundcloud. Our favorite Track is the Store Run Freestyle- think the beat has the hip hop feel and the flow is original.  Also, the Leave Y'all Track feat the instrumental of Future's "Percocets and Strippers" 

Make sure you check out 3AM in the CHI the sample is fantastic "houston atlanta vegas" sample is on point

We are grateful had the opportunity to create this artist snapshot and learn more about the influence of @mynxggae. If you Have a listen to some of the projects he has released on soundcloud feel free to like and share the music. Thankfully we are able to learn more each day about artists, the creative process and enjoying the talent and creative influence. Feel free to share this post and check out the instagram links below. -RAREFLAVR 

FOLLOW @MYNXGGAE ON INSTAGRAM

PHOTO PROPERTY OF @MYNXGGE ON INSTAGRAM.COM

FOLLOW @MYNXGGAE ON TWITTER

image property of @mynxggae on Twitter

RAREFLAVR

"DETACH FROM THE MASSES"

photo property of @mynxggae recreated by @rareflavr

If you stumble upon a great artist or unique artist with creative abilities do not hesistate to direct them to our website and submit here or tag @rareflavr on social media. 

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Artist Snapshot: AVIVA AND THE FLYING PENGUINS (@AVIVA_FLYINGPENGUINS)

via instagram @rareflavr

"Are you going to be the Change - Or wait for change to rearrange you?" ('Change' Youtube). One of the qualities of #rareflavr is unique, courageous and bold talent. If you listen to the lyrics on the Song "Change" by Aviva and the Flying Penguins you can feel depth of the motivation. When you see creatives finding new perspective it catches your eye . We dug into some of their videos and found it unique and interesting how they have a motivational side to them. Including songwriting techniques and sessions on their youtube Channel. Sometimes your voice and love can be stronger than anything you have. Aviva and the Flying Penguins have been making music as a band and the lead singer Aviva has been making music since she was 8 years old. They have been on the road many times and are an indie band that definitely defines uniqueness and creative abilities. Which you can see in their music videos including 'Cannibus Car' .

Turns out Aviva was working on a farm in exchange to live there. The farmer she lived with grew mostly blueberries and tomatoes but wanted to grow hemp. He taught her that it used to be required for farmers to grow hemp until it became illegal to grow it at all. As of 2014, It has become legal to grow hemp in accordance with the farm bill for research with the arbitrary definition of it's THC level being less than .3%.  Around 50  farmers in Tennessee registered in 2016.   As she looked more into it she found how Henry Ford built a car to run on hemp right before it became illegal. As she was thinking deeper about this a melody came to her to develop a song. 

Many people often confuse hemp with Marijuana.."Hemp refers to strains of Cannabis sativa that have been bred specifically for fiber used for clothing and construction, oils and topical ointments, nutritional benefits and a wide and growing variety of other purposes that don’t involve intoxication." Bacca, A. (2014, June 5).What's the difference between hemp and marijuana? Retrieved from http://www.alternet.org/drugs/whats-difference-between-hemp-and-marijuana

"I get a feeling and then a melody accompanies it and it all comes together like a group dance between my words, melody phrasing, heart, and soul and this other invisible force- angels perhaps? Invisible buddies whispering hope in my ear?"- aviva

The process of making music can be different for some but there is a common theme of letting the message find you . Regardless of perception creativity is something we can all take part in. Finding rhythm and greatness is something we at #rareflavr cherish. Unique experiences and challenges often make great opportunities to write music. 

As Aviva and The Flying Penguins are an indie group they have shared some interesting experiences on the road. When asked about some of those times Aviva shared with us one of the most hilarious stories she could think of even though there were tons.

She shared with us, 

"Ok we were driving in the van and were running really low on gas.  We had just left a gig in Raleigh headed north, and the pump in town was rigged.  It didn't work- card kept declining- and My drummer Andre felt like for some reason the place - or someone who worked there - would scam us… so we hit the road thinking the next exit would have gas… it didn't…. we actually ended up driving over 20 miles until we saw a little gas sign on the exit for Lizard Lick.  We got off the exit and there were no lights anywhere.  We drove in the direction of the gas arrow and saw nothing.   We really thought we were gonna run out of gas in the middle of nowhere… we all started praying.. what seemed like 4 miles later we saw a giant Lizard statue in the distance. "That's it!"  It was a close call!  We came upon it and I jump out of the car with elation!!!! My drummer noticed however the place was closed.  "Maybe it will still take a credit card" I said. (I get sooo giddy on tour I am often over-positive). And yes sure enough the credit card worked.  That Lizard statue was just too much - and still an endearing treat on the not much sleep, not much $, not much luxury INDIE TOUR hehehehehhe. "-Aviva 

Performing Live has to be a positive experience because it shows your true talents and confidence to express them boldly. Going on the Road as well is a true test of overcoming obstacles.

You can see the depth, soul, talent and unique philosophy of the music above in a live open mic performance where Aviva plays the piano and sings. 

We asked about what excites her the most performing the music or making the music? Do you get nervous before performing? what advice would you give beginners who get nervous performing? Also noticed your Songwriting Sundays/Motivational Music. Do you teach music? 

Aviva: "yes, I do teach music.  I love motivating others to express themselves and be creative as a tool for not only expressing, but healing… not only performing, but taking a time out and exploring ways their subconscious is exploring the space right now that they wouldn't have noticed unless they unplugged and gave permission for things to just be.  We have innate gifts and all they need are our attention.  It does take work and practice, however, to keep things that would distract us out of our way.  I definitely get nervous before I perform.  It helps when I do qi gong, especially with the whole band and even the audience.  It centers me and reminds me that I am "on purpose".  Making music excites me so much.  I love the stage, the amps, the microphones, the dancing, the show, the background dancers, how we practice so much to get to a certain point and then just let go and have fun.  I love to see my band come alive on stage… it's harder to get that in rehearsals.  I loooooove the studio.  I get sooo excited laying down tracks and adding different parts.  It feels so magical.  It's a whole different artistic palette to pull from.  I love the supportive energy of working with people I love and trust.  It excites me so much to write new songs.  Once someone asked me what my favorite song was.. I answered usually the one I just wrote.  It seems to give me a pattern of program I need to vibrate to and so the idea of writing a song a week for my sunday songwriting show really excited me as each week I would have a new favorite song to soothe and heal me as I express it and listen back… it's often a lullaby to me that week as it seems to possess the power to bring my subconscious out for a joyful journey.  Such a journey seems to bring more sense, love, peace and joy to my human experience.  I like sharing this with others because I feel like it might inspire them and get them to open up in new ways.  I had to let go of my ego need for songs to sound rehearsed and arranged in order to share on this kind of platform.  The spontaneity, current relevance, rawness, and authenticity is what I craved to give people. "- Aviva

AVIVA

Incorporating different aspects like nature and the youth into the art can make it impactful. You can learn from what they have been through and lyrics through the music. We look for artists, creatives, and passionate people all of the time to contribute to the rareflavr creative space and a glad that we had the opportunity cross paths with Aviva and the Flying Penguins. Their energy is positive and powerful. You can Check them out on Facebook, Youtube, soundcloud and more. 

Thank you for taking the time for viewing the content, reading, and sharing the content on our website. For Any refereralls to our webiste visit the submit/contact tab or tag @rareflavr on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

You can find there main page at www.avivaandtheflyingpenguins.com