After first gaining recognition in 2016 for his features on The Smokers Club’s “Smoke2This” mixes, Brooklyn rapper Flipp Dinero caught the eye of Joey Bada$$ and Cinematic Music Group’s Jonny Shipes. Having realized Flipp’s potential, he signed to Cinematic shortly after. With the support of Joey and the Pro Era collective, he started off 2017 strong releasing his first single “I Do.”
Flipp aims to showcase his Brooklyn pride, family ties, and tell his story through the music. He describes his own sound with a focus on the concept of change and growth.
“There’s one thing about music that people tend to forget… it’s the gift of change. The fact that different is appealing and undeniable,” he says. “That’s why I’m thankful my love for music has never been limited. I’ve always been intrigued by the difference of sound leading to the same emotion…it’s lead me to an in depth search of such an art, which has pushed my versatility to grow.”
Home Grown Radio recently caught up with the raising rapper to talk about his music, being on tour with Tory Lanez, and his creative process of writing and much more.
You’re from Brooklyn, New York, a huge prime staple in hip-hop, how would you say your city has influenced your music career?
Flipp Dinero: It’s influenced me in so many ways but most importantly, being original instead of following a wave. It thought me how to be myself and follow what I want to do as suppose to following someone else.
You dropped your single “Leave Me Alone” in March and it’s been picking up buzz like crazy. How has that been? Did you think you’d get the reaction it’s getting?
Flipp Dinero: No, it was crazy though. I remember I made that song about a year ago or so and earlier this year, I decided to put it out. I didn’t think anything crazy of it but people instantly started gravitating towards it because it’s so relatable.
Speaking of your music, how’s your creative process when it comes to writing music? Are you a pen and paper guy or the lyrics on your phone?
Flipp Dinero: I can do both but I go for the pen and paper. Also, if it’s on my mind, I instantly write it down. It’s nothing crazy of a process but I also think that’s the best thing about being an artist and expressing our feeling through paper which then leads to music.
You’ve been on tour with Tory Lanez and just recently (5/29) you we’re in L.A. How has the experience been thus far? Have you taken any gems from being on tour?
Flipp Dinero: It’s been an eye opening experience and I’m huge on interacting with the audience. That’s what’s made so much better. You’ll always find me talking to the crowd and getting them going on some sort of a vibe. I’ve always noticed that the more I do it, the better I’ve become. It’s like working out and doing push ups, the more you do it, the more consistent and better you’ll get. I watch how I move, what I say and do that keeps the crowd going, and the more I perform, the sharper I become.
You’ve been at this since you we’re being young and being influenced by your family but got your big break in 2016, what lessons would you say you’ve learned early on in your career?
Flipp Dinero: To keep working and to never feel like I’ve reached my limit because I can always get better. I’m really hard on myself something so I’m always adding pressure to continue bettering myself and my craft.
Now you know I have to ask about the Odell Beckham Jr video, where he’s turning up to your song “Leave Me Alone”. Did that catch you by surprise?
Flipp Dinero: Yea, it could be off guard but I was waiting for it to really hit me and when it did, it felt crazy. I had people that were sending it to me and others tagging me on it so when I really saw it, I was definitely surprised [like oh sh*t]. Then he posted another video of another one of my tracks and that was even more crazier. It was sick!
Last but not least, we always ask every artist that comes by Home Grown Radio, what’s one thing Flipp Dinero has to do before 2018 end?
Flipp Dinero: Drop another crazy a** track and project. I got a mixtape that’s about to drop really soon. Still working on the name but it’ll be here soon. I got so much sh*t in the stack. It’s going to be crazy!
Any last words, you like to say that we’ve might of miss?
Flipp Dinero: Thank you for interviewing me and taking the time for it, I really appreciate it. I’ll be sending you my project when it drops too. Oh and Cali got the best weed man [laugh] ya’ll really do.