Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Floss . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mike, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

A meaningful project for me was my EP contraband. I was the first rapper to be an artist in residence with the Civil Rights Corps and I created this project in connection to my residency. We threw and event for it alongside the release to listen to the music and I’ll never forget the energy of that room. The project is honestly kinda heavy as it touches on mass incarceration, racism, and capitalism. But to see and hear my people feel seen and understood and inspired was so fulfilling. And to also see them enjoy listening to it, because I was nervous that would be too overwhelming even though it’s a relatively quick listen. But it just showed me music can be so important to lift up real issues and also help us understand ourselves more

Mike, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I believe your gift and your purpose are directly connected. I come from a musical family so as a Black boy it was just a matter of time before I explored hip hop. I played trumpet most of my life because my Dad was and is a Jazz musician. I spent a lot of time in band in school and in church. But once I started rapping on the bus I found the thing I loved most. It helped me find my voice and my identity. It didn’t take long for me to start performing in talent shows, open mic nights, etc. Once I started getting into national publications and bigger looks that’s when I started to believe that I could do music for a living and I never looked back. Currently my primary role is of an independent artist but I’m also a songwriter and producer. One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’m able to use my music and the skills and relationships I’ve built to help my community. I do work with the Southern Movement Committee which is a human rights organization that I helped to start in Tennessee. The main things I want people to know about me is that I believe in building a world where we can truly thrive. Yes I want to make incredible music and give my all to getting better with every song I write but if our people aren’t taken care of that music will exist in a world that’s largely dystopian. And that automatically decreases its value. It’s about the people first, I want to make music that’s pure to my experience and I hope that it encourages people to love themselves and their community so we can build an environment that we can thrive in.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Something I had to unlearn is that “success” is not a static concept. I used to think ok one day I’m going to make it. And making it was when I didn’t have to work a 9-5 and I could just make music for a living and that’s really all I wanted. But once I achieved that I realized the work it takes to sustain and I realized that goals are constantly fluctuating. One day I may want to build my base up on streaming more and release more music another day I may want more opportunities in fashion, another day I may want to explore writing with other artists more. It’s all a journey, it’s not a point. And you hear people say that all the time and it sounds corny. But it’s not just like, oh I’m on a journey to the “top”. There is no top. This whole thing operates more like an obstacle course that’s constantly evolving on a loop. Maybe if you’re Drake or Beyonce and being the biggest is your goal then there is a clear landing point, but other than that this whole experience is a living breathing thing. And it changes everyday, so the best thing to do is be consistent, maintain good morals, and enjoy your path.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Honestly I’m not the best at social media. I don’t have a ton of followers but I can say how I built my lil corner of the internet lol. I had to realize what were the things that I care about and were comfortable presenting online. It’s like a formula, what are the 3 things that you’re naturally drawn to and just snap pics and videos of those things as you go through your life. I don’t have a camera crew following me around so any content I put up that’s not a production is just from my point of view. I’ve become intentional in taking pics and videos here and there. But I don’t believe social media is the end all be all. Like I feel people desire connection, human interaction, real conversations. So I prioritize that over trying to go viral. Also hard ticket sales will get you further than a number under the word “followers” will.

Contact Info:

• Website: mikefloss.com
• Instagram: @mikeflossmusic
• Twitter: @mikeflossmusic
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/M53K3i8y8wc?si=zW7cH4025o9FWm0B

Image Credits
@orgnzd.visuals @trusiifuu @victorjreed