Frankie Flowers

Recently featured in the Sonicbids Weekly Shoutout. - Sonicbids

The Local Nobodies are an interesting duo from here in Milwaukee. The group consists of members Frankie Flowers and Jay One. The pair’s name comes from them poking fun at artists in the industry who are content with just being local superstars with a local buzz. They linked up at Footlocker in 2006 and things began to fall into place from there. Music came into the picture while they were both outside of Milwaukee on their own individual adventures. Frankie was in California working on music and Jay One was in Alabama attending college. By 2011 the duo started working on their first project together entitled The Local Nobodies EP. The Local Nobodies style can be described as unconventional and free spirited. Frankie and Jay One work well together and put a lot of energy and personality into their music. The fellas’ goal with their music is to prove that despite their name, their talent and unique approach make them much more than just another pair of Milwaukee rappers. At the moment, the two are working on releasing a series of projects that will lead up to their debut album. First up is The Local Nobodies AP. It is a seven track offering and available for purchase via Band Camp. However, they do offer two tracks for preview. One of said tracks is a song called “Lavish.”

The production here is premium. The light instrumentation coupled with the mid-tempo rhythm and easy going sound effects sonically create a groovy party number. The hook is superb. The delivery is charismatic and the lyrics are fun and inventive. “Hey who want that feel good music. We serve it up. All you gotta do is choose it. No appetizer but this meal is complete. All you gotta do is listen to we. Let’s feast;” cool wording right? The verses are gratifying. The duo dish up lively flows, canny wordplay, and stellar rhymes. They speak on their sentiments about the industry and personal standings in the game in a colorful manner that is sure to appeal to any listener. Prominent lines include: “Fly guy and yes my music so nice. The industry is not right. But we like rolling the dice. Snake eyes and all these guys acting funny. They feeling like they rich as b–ch without the money.” Overall, this track is refreshing and a wise selection as a sample of the gems that can be found on the AP.

**My Two Cents: I enjoyed this track because it was something different. Typical rappers would have made a song called “Lavish” about money, women, cars, clothes, partying, and other materialistic themes that are overdone all the time in music. But Frankie and Jay One really stepped outside the box and came up with an unexpected yet quality concept. I like artists who are not afraid to challenge themselves and be creative. If readers want to hear the second cut available for preview or want to purchase The Local Nobodies AP, they may do so via the provided link. Also, readers can keep up with the duo via their respective Twitter pages: @mrjayone and @frankieflowers2. -MinM - The ILLIXER

The Local Nobodies are an interesting duo from here in Milwaukee. The group consists of members Frankie Flowers and Jay One. The pair’s name comes from them poking fun at artists in the industry who are content with just being local superstars with a local buzz. They linked up at Footlocker in 2006 and things began to fall into place from there. Music came into the picture while they were both outside of Milwaukee on their own individual adventures. Frankie was in California working on music and Jay One was in Alabama attending college. By 2011 the duo started working on their first project together entitled The Local Nobodies EP. The Local Nobodies style can be described as unconventional and free spirited. Frankie and Jay One work well together and put a lot of energy and personality into their music. The fellas’ goal with their music is to prove that despite their name, their talent and unique approach make them much more than just another pair of Milwaukee rappers. At the moment, the two are working on releasing a series of projects that will lead up to their debut album. First up is The Local Nobodies AP. It is a seven track offering and available for purchase via Band Camp. However, they do offer two tracks for preview. One of said tracks is a song called “Lavish.”

The production here is premium. The light instrumentation coupled with the mid-tempo rhythm and easy going sound effects sonically create a groovy party number. The hook is superb. The delivery is charismatic and the lyrics are fun and inventive. “Hey who want that feel good music. We serve it up. All you gotta do is choose it. No appetizer but this meal is complete. All you gotta do is listen to we. Let’s feast;” cool wording right? The verses are gratifying. The duo dish up lively flows, canny wordplay, and stellar rhymes. They speak on their sentiments about the industry and personal standings in the game in a colorful manner that is sure to appeal to any listener. Prominent lines include: “Fly guy and yes my music so nice. The industry is not right. But we like rolling the dice. Snake eyes and all these guys acting funny. They feeling like they rich as b–ch without the money.” Overall, this track is refreshing and a wise selection as a sample of the gems that can be found on the AP.

**My Two Cents: I enjoyed this track because it was something different. Typical rappers would have made a song called “Lavish” about money, women, cars, clothes, partying, and other materialistic themes that are overdone all the time in music. But Frankie and Jay One really stepped outside the box and came up with an unexpected yet quality concept. I like artists who are not afraid to challenge themselves and be creative. If readers want to hear the second cut available for preview or want to purchase The Local Nobodies AP, they may do so via the provided link. Also, readers can keep up with the duo via their respective Twitter pages: @mrjayone and @frankieflowers2. -MinM - The ILLIXER

Being a genuine person at all times is one of the most difficult things anybody can do. We are constantly pulled in different directions, and so often find ourselves adjusting who we are…even if it’s slightly…to fit into the situations. Some people need to do this because who they are to begin with hasn’t been identified by themselves yet. Others pander to find acceptance. Hip-Hop music is full of people trying to be everybody else while selling you on their originality. Well, Frankie Flowers isn’t playing those games.

Frankie Flowers is a deep young man, who is not being deep for the sake of being that way. Frankie is a guy who sincerely cares about community, being a leader and role model, and truly wants to leave you impacted through quality music.

Frankie Flowers is an honest talent and he is honest with you about who he is. He is still very much growing and evolving as a person and artist, but it is in a natural way, not forced by anything other than the desire to be something great. But, his version of what is great isn’t bling or the trappings of the fast life…it’s a revived urban society and the ability to continue his music without compromising himself and his message (among others).

It is that message that he delivers that I wanted to get more information about, and Frankie came through.

How has living in the Midwest and on the west coast influenced you stylistically?

It’s allowed me to broaden my concepts and write from a more creative space with depth. Living out west opened me up artistically, while being from the Midwest I still maintain that down-to-earth vibe.

Everybody grows and matures in different ways between albums. How is Frankie Flowers different now when looking back on the Frankie of the first project?

Well early on when I was writing my first project, I was somewhat careless in regards to structural concepts. I would say I wrote like a child of innocence that says whatever comes to mind. All I wanted to do was write about life in Milwaukee. I didn’t think much of taking music serious by any means. That only came about after traveling to different cities and having people tell me to keep doing what I’m doing because my music was different and they could see the potential. When I wrote my sophomore album I wrote with more of a controlled emotion, allowing the world into my personal life. This project showed my growth as an artist and garnered a lot of respect from music lovers all over. The maturity can be credited to the good and bad experiences over the time spent out west. Finally understanding that change is inevitable, I can only accept it and adapt accordingly. Frankie Flowers now, can’t be described as the same person before because who I thought I was 2 years ago isn’t who I am today. My mindset is different and I’m on somewhat of a personal and spiritual journey seeking enlightenment.


You are a very motivated person when it comes to your music, so what does that mean for your future? Where do you go from here and what are your honest aspirations?

It means my future remains bright. As long as there is struggle going on throughout the world, then there will always be something for me to write about. I continue to press forward with life, affecting those I come across and remain true to heart. Honestly I aspire to travel worldwide remaining an independent artist. I’m not going to act as if I’m not concerned about making money from what I do, because that isn’t true. But I refuse to compromise my artistic integrity to have any kind of monetary gain. Having total control of my career is a must.

If you look around you’ll notice that several rappers in Milwaukee are actually involved with the community, working for non-profits or volunteering on a regular basis. What drives you to volunteer your precious time to the community?

I had people throughout my life growing up who took out time from their lives to make sure I was on the straight path. Whether it - milwaukeeup

Being a genuine person at all times is one of the most difficult things anybody can do. We are constantly pulled in different directions, and so often find ourselves adjusting who we are…even if it’s slightly…to fit into the situations. Some people need to do this because who they are to begin with hasn’t been identified by themselves yet. Others pander to find acceptance. Hip-Hop music is full of people trying to be everybody else while selling you on their originality. Well, Frankie Flowers isn’t playing those games.

Frankie Flowers is a deep young man, who is not being deep for the sake of being that way. Frankie is a guy who sincerely cares about community, being a leader and role model, and truly wants to leave you impacted through quality music.

Frankie Flowers is an honest talent and he is honest with you about who he is. He is still very much growing and evolving as a person and artist, but it is in a natural way, not forced by anything other than the desire to be something great. But, his version of what is great isn’t bling or the trappings of the fast life…it’s a revived urban society and the ability to continue his music without compromising himself and his message (among others).

It is that message that he delivers that I wanted to get more information about, and Frankie came through.

How has living in the Midwest and on the west coast influenced you stylistically?

It’s allowed me to broaden my concepts and write from a more creative space with depth. Living out west opened me up artistically, while being from the Midwest I still maintain that down-to-earth vibe.

Everybody grows and matures in different ways between albums. How is Frankie Flowers different now when looking back on the Frankie of the first project?

Well early on when I was writing my first project, I was somewhat careless in regards to structural concepts. I would say I wrote like a child of innocence that says whatever comes to mind. All I wanted to do was write about life in Milwaukee. I didn’t think much of taking music serious by any means. That only came about after traveling to different cities and having people tell me to keep doing what I’m doing because my music was different and they could see the potential. When I wrote my sophomore album I wrote with more of a controlled emotion, allowing the world into my personal life. This project showed my growth as an artist and garnered a lot of respect from music lovers all over. The maturity can be credited to the good and bad experiences over the time spent out west. Finally understanding that change is inevitable, I can only accept it and adapt accordingly. Frankie Flowers now, can’t be described as the same person before because who I thought I was 2 years ago isn’t who I am today. My mindset is different and I’m on somewhat of a personal and spiritual journey seeking enlightenment.


You are a very motivated person when it comes to your music, so what does that mean for your future? Where do you go from here and what are your honest aspirations?

It means my future remains bright. As long as there is struggle going on throughout the world, then there will always be something for me to write about. I continue to press forward with life, affecting those I come across and remain true to heart. Honestly I aspire to travel worldwide remaining an independent artist. I’m not going to act as if I’m not concerned about making money from what I do, because that isn’t true. But I refuse to compromise my artistic integrity to have any kind of monetary gain. Having total control of my career is a must.

If you look around you’ll notice that several rappers in Milwaukee are actually involved with the community, working for non-profits or volunteering on a regular basis. What drives you to volunteer your precious time to the community?

I had people throughout my life growing up who took out time from their lives to make sure I was on the straight path. Whether it - milwaukeeup

From the moment I heard his flavorful sound and lyrical mastery… I was hooked! Frankie digs deep beyond a place of creativity and delivers his soul. As I find a Lupe Fiasco’ish flow with Frankie, he manages to make you pay close attention to what makes him distinct!

Post Origin Frankie Flowers – Studio Noize Featured Artist | Studio Noize - Recording Studio, Music Production, Industry Tips, Reviews, and More http://www.studionoize.com/2009/12/frankie-flowers-studio-noize-featured-artist/#ixzz20Oqyl8hN
Written By: Lady Tha ProducHer

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Frankie always wanted to be in show business at an early age. In the fifth grade, his older brother introduced him to the sounds and lyricism of Keith Murray’s “Enigma” LP. Frankie was so captivated by what he heard and decided he wanted to become a rapper.
After graduating from high school in 2004, Frankie moved to Houston, Texas with his high school sweetheart. He attended Texas Southern University majoring in Business Administration. Due to his mother’s lengthy illness of Lupus, Frankie was unable to focus on his studies and decided to drop out and return home to care for his mother.


Post Origin Frankie Flowers – Studio Noize Featured Artist | Studio Noize - Recording Studio, Music Production, Industry Tips, Reviews, and More http://www.studionoize.com/2009/12/frankie-flowers-studio-noize-featured-artist/#ixzz20Or1uF8L
Written By: Lady Tha ProducHer

In late 2006, Frankie lost a bet to his close friend Milwaukee emcee, Young Focus. Little did he know that would bring him back to his childhood dream. Always an avid listener of hip hop, particularly focusing his attention on lyrics and storytelling, Frankie wrote his first song “Real Talk True Stories”, which talked about his struggles in the real world, coping with the breakup of his first love, and why he chose to drop out of college. He continued writing because it was his way of healing and letting go of emotions bottled up inside. He followed up with his second song “In The City Where I’m From”. This was the first song that displayed Frankie’s social awareness and ability to show people not familiar with Milwaukee an insider’s point of how life is being from Milwaukee. His third song was his first collaboration with Young Focus titled “Lolly Pop”. The two decided to write a PG-13 song, shying away from being sexually explicit, but making the imagery well known.

Post Origin Frankie Flowers – Studio Noize Featured Artist | Studio Noize - Recording Studio, Music Production, Industry Tips, Reviews, and More http://www.studionoize.com/2009/12/frankie-flowers-studio-noize-featured-artist/#ixzz20Or5161S
Written By: Lady Tha ProducHer

After passing out the song to local high school and middle school students, Frankie decided to change his lyrical approach. No longer was he going to help be a part of the problem. He vowed to stay away from writing songs that glorified violence, bragged about selling drugs without acknowledging the ramifications if caught, objectifying and degrading women, and materialistic values. Instead he chose to write similar to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Tupac Shakur, and Public Enemy by conveying messages of empowerment, and reaching out to urban communities and today’s youth.
Realizing the impact his songs had on people throughout the city, Frankie decided to enter a competition a few months later called “Talent Showcase Live.” Airing on local news channel Fox 6 in April of 2007, Frankie won the event and began entering showcases all over the Milwaukee area and often traveled to Joliet and Chicago, Illinois as well. A Few months later Frankie received phone calls from indie labels and various A & R’s out west urging him to consider relocating for more exposure. After discussing his options and making sure his mother’s health was stable, Frankie finally moved to Los Angeles in September of 2007.
Now pursuing his musical ambitions full time, Fra - Lady Tha ProducHer

In January 2008, Frankie Flowers could either put the little money he had toward rent or studio time. He had moved down to Los Angeles from his hometown Milwaukee a few months before to pursue his hip-hop career. He lived with his uncle, who worked at Universal Records and was pushing to get Flowers a record deal. But Flowers thought that his uncle didn't have his best interests at heart -- the deal he was offered would have given all his rights over to the uncle. So he turned down the contract and his uncle kicked him out. He had a job as a caregiver for mentally disabled and physically impaired people. The money wasn't much, but it was enough for either rent or studio time.
He picked studio time.

For the next seven months he spent his days working and writing verses and recording songs and hawking his CDs on street corners. He spent his nights sleeping on park benches or bus stops or empty curbs or a 5x5 storage unit he rented out for a while. This is a man who pays dues.

Flowers, whose real name is Maurkes Swarn, is 25 years old and trying make it big. He's established himself on the underground Midwest hip-hop circuit with a smooth demeanor, socially conscious rhymes, and pure grit. His hustle mirrors that of an underdog candidate on the campaign trail. Flowers hops in his green-blue sedan and bounces around the Midwest, hitting music festivals and talent shows in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis. He was at S.L.U.M. Fest last month, roaming around Atomic Cafe with a backpack full of CDs and an iPod for free samples, networking with artists and hustling his album.

"Like the old school cats selling it out of the trunk of their cars," he says, "except I'm doing it out of my backpack."

He's still an unknown name to most hip-hop heads and that's why he makes the road trips. He has a story to tell and he's wants you to hear it, even if he has to drive 400 miles and hand it to you himself.

The story, for the most part, begins in 2005, when Flowers was a 19-year-old business major at Texas Southern University. One day he got a phone call from home: his mother, who had been suffering from lupus, fell gravely ill. And his older brother wasn't able to take care of her. Flowers packed his things, dropped out of school and returned to Milwaukee to take care of her. He worked various jobs here and there to pay the bills and hung out with his old friends, many of whom had stayed in town since high school. After a few months, he found himself in a rut, living life on a treadmill, moving forward each day but not going anywhere.

Then in May 2006, one of his friends told him he should try rapping. He wasn't really interested. He had tried it before, in sixth grade after he first heard Keith Murray's Enigma album, but he quit after 45 minutes because he didn't think he could ever match Murray's wit and complex rhyme scheme.

"What would it take to get you in the studio?" asked the friend.

"If you could get me an instrumental of Jay-Z's Dear Summer," replied Flowers, half-joking. He had been trying to find that instrumental for months and was convinced that it could never be done (this was clearly in the era just before YouTube became a household name).

Six months later, his friend found the beat and Flowers wrote his first song. He's released three albums since then: The Story Teller, New Beginnings, and Never Forget. His style has evolved over the years, as he learns then sharpens then tries to master the craft. His rhyme schemes grow more complex, his lyrics tighten, his narratives deepen.
"No matter what people do, they're always gonna revert back to the beginning," he says. "And at the beginning of hip-hop, it was all about storytelling. People will always go back to storytelling."

Accordingly, Flowers focuses much of his creative energy on storytelling, often highlighted by intelligent and political insights.

"What'chu fighting for?/ Chains and whips, rims and kicks, something that you can't afford?/Now - Albert Samaha, of RiverFront Times

In January 2008, Frankie Flowers could either put the little money he had toward rent or studio time. He had moved down to Los Angeles from his hometown Milwaukee a few months before to pursue his hip-hop career. He lived with his uncle, who worked at Universal Records and was pushing to get Flowers a record deal. But Flowers thought that his uncle didn't have his best interests at heart -- the deal he was offered would have given all his rights over to the uncle. So he turned down the contract and his uncle kicked him out. He had a job as a caregiver for mentally disabled and physically impaired people. The money wasn't much, but it was enough for either rent or studio time.
He picked studio time.

For the next seven months he spent his days working and writing verses and recording songs and hawking his CDs on street corners. He spent his nights sleeping on park benches or bus stops or empty curbs or a 5x5 storage unit he rented out for a while. This is a man who pays dues.

Flowers, whose real name is Maurkes Swarn, is 25 years old and trying make it big. He's established himself on the underground Midwest hip-hop circuit with a smooth demeanor, socially conscious rhymes, and pure grit. His hustle mirrors that of an underdog candidate on the campaign trail. Flowers hops in his green-blue sedan and bounces around the Midwest, hitting music festivals and talent shows in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis. He was at S.L.U.M. Fest last month, roaming around Atomic Cafe with a backpack full of CDs and an iPod for free samples, networking with artists and hustling his album.

"Like the old school cats selling it out of the trunk of their cars," he says, "except I'm doing it out of my backpack."

He's still an unknown name to most hip-hop heads and that's why he makes the road trips. He has a story to tell and he's wants you to hear it, even if he has to drive 400 miles and hand it to you himself.

The story, for the most part, begins in 2005, when Flowers was a 19-year-old business major at Texas Southern University. One day he got a phone call from home: his mother, who had been suffering from lupus, fell gravely ill. And his older brother wasn't able to take care of her. Flowers packed his things, dropped out of school and returned to Milwaukee to take care of her. He worked various jobs here and there to pay the bills and hung out with his old friends, many of whom had stayed in town since high school. After a few months, he found himself in a rut, living life on a treadmill, moving forward each day but not going anywhere.

Then in May 2006, one of his friends told him he should try rapping. He wasn't really interested. He had tried it before, in sixth grade after he first heard Keith Murray's Enigma album, but he quit after 45 minutes because he didn't think he could ever match Murray's wit and complex rhyme scheme.

"What would it take to get you in the studio?" asked the friend.

"If you could get me an instrumental of Jay-Z's Dear Summer," replied Flowers, half-joking. He had been trying to find that instrumental for months and was convinced that it could never be done (this was clearly in the era just before YouTube became a household name).

Six months later, his friend found the beat and Flowers wrote his first song. He's released three albums since then: The Story Teller, New Beginnings, and Never Forget. His style has evolved over the years, as he learns then sharpens then tries to master the craft. His rhyme schemes grow more complex, his lyrics tighten, his narratives deepen.
"No matter what people do, they're always gonna revert back to the beginning," he says. "And at the beginning of hip-hop, it was all about storytelling. People will always go back to storytelling."

Accordingly, Flowers focuses much of his creative energy on storytelling, often highlighted by intelligent and political insights.

"What'chu fighting for?/ Chains and whips, rims and kicks, something that you can't afford?/Now - Albert Samaha, of RiverFront Times

He's a storyteller from the Midwest. Rarely do you run across people who give you music that is truly a reflection of themselves and their thoughts. Frankie Flowers is one of those people.

He released his sophomore album, "New Beginning," which is more and more showing why people should look to Frankie to provide a great deal of knowledge and guidance in his music, and it shows in his craftsmanship. Here, Frankie tells us the creation of two of his most important songs; "Black In America" off "The Storyteller," and "Chasing Dreams" off "New Beginning." As a note from me; the words here are of Frankie Flowers. No alteration has been made.

I just left from the studio in North Hollywood heading home. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop going through CDs full of beats that an engineer wanted me to check out. This track came on with this sample that touched me deeply. All I kept hearing was the sample repeating in my head “try…to understand…the way you feel…the world for them…is too unreal…so you’ll only hear………only hear…”. Right then I began breaking down the sample into meanings.

1. “Try…and understand…the way you feel”-I had just finished talking with someone who asked how did I like being out in Los Angeles, being that I’m from Milwaukee. The move was a culture shock because out in LA I rarely saw many blacks outside on a daily basis, unlike in Milwaukee. The blacks that I did encounter were very bourgeois or standoffish, and at times were nonsocial to an outsider like myself. Then dealing with other ethnicities became a hassle as well because they were either making fun of blacks, or believing everything they had seen from TV about blacks, mainly BET or UPN.

2. “The world for them…is too unreal”-my experience out in California felt like the MTV show Real World. It was surreal at times. Most people whom I met from Cali never had to leave so they thought that partying, shopping and being at the beach all the time was the way of life for all. On the flip side, “the world for them is too unreal” was taken into context of “them” being black people. Even now more blacks are enslaved through the prison complex and are in a mental state of solace.

3. “So all you hear…”-I sat and thought about what a man told me while riding the bus and subways a few nights before. He said “none of us was ever supposed to be free”. He felt that the actions of blacks in modern day were outrageous. Lack of unity, low morals, no respect for self and no motivation to help our own gave the rest of the world reason to believe the stereotypical images from all media outlets. As “only hear…” repeats throughout the song, I thought about what I’ve heard throughout my life about what people thought “being black” really means.

So throughout the song, I give my opinion on what being Black in America is as a black man. I touch on issues the black community face like black men running away from the responsibility of fatherhood, black men trying to make a quick dollar from the sale of drugs, and trying to prove their toughness or machismo by having guns.

I was on a flight back home to Milwaukee looking out the window admiring the greenery. As I looked out the window, I thought about all the ups and downs I’ve experienced while living out there, and was trying to decide if I wanted to return. The song opens up with me asking the listeners “would you believe or doubt someone if they told you a year from today your life’s going to change if you follow your heart?” That is what I was told prior to moving out west. I chose the title “chasing dreams” because a lot of naysayers said it would be foolish for me to leave my job and everyone I knew, to move across country chasing a dream.

I was angry and frustrated for numerous reasons. I had gone from a place of comfort to an unknown land. I had no support from my uncle who initially convinced me to move west, and ultimately abandoned me after deals did not go through. Eventually I became homeless - The Mad Bloggers

He's a storyteller from the Midwest. Rarely do you run across people who give you music that is truly a reflection of themselves and their thoughts. Frankie Flowers is one of those people.

He released his sophomore album, "New Beginning," which is more and more showing why people should look to Frankie to provide a great deal of knowledge and guidance in his music, and it shows in his craftsmanship. Here, Frankie tells us the creation of two of his most important songs; "Black In America" off "The Storyteller," and "Chasing Dreams" off "New Beginning." As a note from me; the words here are of Frankie Flowers. No alteration has been made.

I just left from the studio in North Hollywood heading home. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop going through CDs full of beats that an engineer wanted me to check out. This track came on with this sample that touched me deeply. All I kept hearing was the sample repeating in my head “try…to understand…the way you feel…the world for them…is too unreal…so you’ll only hear………only hear…”. Right then I began breaking down the sample into meanings.

1. “Try…and understand…the way you feel”-I had just finished talking with someone who asked how did I like being out in Los Angeles, being that I’m from Milwaukee. The move was a culture shock because out in LA I rarely saw many blacks outside on a daily basis, unlike in Milwaukee. The blacks that I did encounter were very bourgeois or standoffish, and at times were nonsocial to an outsider like myself. Then dealing with other ethnicities became a hassle as well because they were either making fun of blacks, or believing everything they had seen from TV about blacks, mainly BET or UPN.

2. “The world for them…is too unreal”-my experience out in California felt like the MTV show Real World. It was surreal at times. Most people whom I met from Cali never had to leave so they thought that partying, shopping and being at the beach all the time was the way of life for all. On the flip side, “the world for them is too unreal” was taken into context of “them” being black people. Even now more blacks are enslaved through the prison complex and are in a mental state of solace.

3. “So all you hear…”-I sat and thought about what a man told me while riding the bus and subways a few nights before. He said “none of us was ever supposed to be free”. He felt that the actions of blacks in modern day were outrageous. Lack of unity, low morals, no respect for self and no motivation to help our own gave the rest of the world reason to believe the stereotypical images from all media outlets. As “only hear…” repeats throughout the song, I thought about what I’ve heard throughout my life about what people thought “being black” really means.

So throughout the song, I give my opinion on what being Black in America is as a black man. I touch on issues the black community face like black men running away from the responsibility of fatherhood, black men trying to make a quick dollar from the sale of drugs, and trying to prove their toughness or machismo by having guns.

I was on a flight back home to Milwaukee looking out the window admiring the greenery. As I looked out the window, I thought about all the ups and downs I’ve experienced while living out there, and was trying to decide if I wanted to return. The song opens up with me asking the listeners “would you believe or doubt someone if they told you a year from today your life’s going to change if you follow your heart?” That is what I was told prior to moving out west. I chose the title “chasing dreams” because a lot of naysayers said it would be foolish for me to leave my job and everyone I knew, to move across country chasing a dream.

I was angry and frustrated for numerous reasons. I had gone from a place of comfort to an unknown land. I had no support from my uncle who initially convinced me to move west, and ultimately abandoned me after deals did not go through. Eventually I became homeless - The Mad Bloggers

Every Tuesday night I do the Mad Kids Radio Show on 91.7FM WMSE. It's an underground and old school hip-hop radio show. Sometimes I have guests that talk about their music. So, why not spread the news? Just kind of makes sense when you think about it.

Local fan favorite and one of the few Milwaukee emcees that is at almost every show, Frankie Flowers and his new partner in crime, Jay One came through last night to discuss what they've been working on. They go by the Local Nobodies because they've grown tired of the "local emcee" monikor as if they don't have any quality work. They also discuss how this collaboration happened, what type of sound they are aiming for and why we haven't seen Frankie out that much.

We previewed four tracks, but the lead single for the still untitled album is "So Lost".

The Local Nobodies plan to release a new track every Monday until the album release which is Valentine's Day weekend. You can go to to their website for more info and to hear all the music that they've released. And yes, it is alot so you need to spend so time. - DJ Bizzon, Special to the Journal Sentinel

Every Tuesday night I do the Mad Kids Radio Show on 91.7FM WMSE. It's an underground and old school hip-hop radio show. Sometimes I have guests that talk about their music. So, why not spread the news? Just kind of makes sense when you think about it.

Local fan favorite and one of the few Milwaukee emcees that is at almost every show, Frankie Flowers and his new partner in crime, Jay One came through last night to discuss what they've been working on. They go by the Local Nobodies because they've grown tired of the "local emcee" monikor as if they don't have any quality work. They also discuss how this collaboration happened, what type of sound they are aiming for and why we haven't seen Frankie out that much.

We previewed four tracks, but the lead single for the still untitled album is "So Lost".

The Local Nobodies plan to release a new track every Monday until the album release which is Valentine's Day weekend. You can go to to their website for more info and to hear all the music that they've released. And yes, it is alot so you need to spend so time. - DJ Bizzon, Special to the Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee Hip-Hop duo The Local Nobodies were kind enough to share a song off of their current project, The Local Nobodies AP. This track features crooner Montrey Slayton. The production is excellent. Sonically it has a very soulful feel to it. It contains the prominent use of horns, a light bass, and a smooth vibe. The hook is flawless. Slayton has perfectly tuned vocals and the lyrics are top-notch. The verses are first-rate. Both Frankie Flowers and Jay One bring polished flows, artful wordplay, and choice rhymes. The duo sound off loud and clear on how they feel about the sheisty individuals they encounter.

Noteworthy lines include: “Here we go back in the flesh. Nature Boy Rick Flair, rap’s vet. Ravishing Rick Rude, attitude shrewd to these whack dudes but these hoes wanna have sex. And I don’t need to do an a** check. Last check, my chic got they a** stressed. Bet, you talking money and figures. Well money I hear ya. But n—a you can’t even cash the check.” Raw spitting right there and gotta love the nod to the old school wrestlers. Overall, this track is fly and a good reason to go cop The Local Nobodies AP. If this one track is on point, the others have to be just as hot or better, right? If they need more convincing readers can check out a review for “Lavish,” another cut off of the project, here. - MIRACLE LEROY

Milwaukee Hip-Hop duo The Local Nobodies were kind enough to share a song off of their current project, The Local Nobodies AP. This track features crooner Montrey Slayton. The production is excellent. Sonically it has a very soulful feel to it. It contains the prominent use of horns, a light bass, and a smooth vibe. The hook is flawless. Slayton has perfectly tuned vocals and the lyrics are top-notch. The verses are first-rate. Both Frankie Flowers and Jay One bring polished flows, artful wordplay, and choice rhymes. The duo sound off loud and clear on how they feel about the sheisty individuals they encounter.

Noteworthy lines include: “Here we go back in the flesh. Nature Boy Rick Flair, rap’s vet. Ravishing Rick Rude, attitude shrewd to these whack dudes but these hoes wanna have sex. And I don’t need to do an a** check. Last check, my chic got they a** stressed. Bet, you talking money and figures. Well money I hear ya. But n—a you can’t even cash the check.” Raw spitting right there and gotta love the nod to the old school wrestlers. Overall, this track is fly and a good reason to go cop The Local Nobodies AP. If this one track is on point, the others have to be just as hot or better, right? If they need more convincing readers can check out a review for “Lavish,” another cut off of the project, here. - MIRACLE LEROY

If you don’t already know, I’m working on developing a television show about Milwaukee’s music scene. You can follow our haphazard antics/developments on Twitter here. The reason that we’re doing this is because too many amazing local artists are being slept on. Artists like Frankie Flowers are the reason I’m working on this show. This EP is more than solid, and I really hope that people catch this one from him. His last album had some success with “The Coolness”, which featured a super catchy beat from Klassik. This EP is a step in a different direction for Frankie, but my goodness does he bring it on this thing. Please go download “The Local Nobodies EP”: - Allen Halas

If you don’t already know, I’m working on developing a television show about Milwaukee’s music scene. You can follow our haphazard antics/developments on Twitter here. The reason that we’re doing this is because too many amazing local artists are being slept on. Artists like Frankie Flowers are the reason I’m working on this show. This EP is more than solid, and I really hope that people catch this one from him. His last album had some success with “The Coolness”, which featured a super catchy beat from Klassik. This EP is a step in a different direction for Frankie, but my goodness does he bring it on this thing. Please go download “The Local Nobodies EP”: - Allen Halas

I am continually impressed by the rise of small, independent artists as well as the relevancy of the local artist in the modern music scene. However, as with any industry, the signal to noise ratio is exceptionally high.
?So, when a young man approached me at the Lupe Fiasco show with three paper sleeved albums and an eager smile I was simultaneously intrigued and skeptical.

It was a pleasant surprise.

The young man in question was Frankie Flowers of The Local Nobodies A playful hip-hop group local to Milwaukee, WI. While it is very clear they are a young band, they had a surprising sense of musical composition and rhythm. With judicious use of sampling and some auto-tune (used correctly, I might add) these guys bring an ear catching sound that is unique without being completely out of touch with the genre. It is hip-hop that is not sexist, which is refreshing. Front man Frankie Flowers mange’s to avoid many of the pitfalls that young hip-hop and rap artist fall into. He has a precise sense of rhythm a pleasantly cocky attitude.

Where The Local Nobodies falls short is composition. The album has a lot of stylistic variety witch can be good in an established artist. However, it comes across as Inconsistent in a newer artist.

Conversely, within the songs things get a little repetitive. I found myself missing a bridge on a few tracks. I would recommend longer verses as well.

I hear a lot of radio potential in these guys. They are catchy without being annoying and their style stands out. - Arin Wolfe

I am continually impressed by the rise of small, independent artists as well as the relevancy of the local artist in the modern music scene. However, as with any industry, the signal to noise ratio is exceptionally high.
?So, when a young man approached me at the Lupe Fiasco show with three paper sleeved albums and an eager smile I was simultaneously intrigued and skeptical.

It was a pleasant surprise.

The young man in question was Frankie Flowers of The Local Nobodies A playful hip-hop group local to Milwaukee, WI. While it is very clear they are a young band, they had a surprising sense of musical composition and rhythm. With judicious use of sampling and some auto-tune (used correctly, I might add) these guys bring an ear catching sound that is unique without being completely out of touch with the genre. It is hip-hop that is not sexist, which is refreshing. Front man Frankie Flowers mange’s to avoid many of the pitfalls that young hip-hop and rap artist fall into. He has a precise sense of rhythm a pleasantly cocky attitude.

Where The Local Nobodies falls short is composition. The album has a lot of stylistic variety witch can be good in an established artist. However, it comes across as Inconsistent in a newer artist.

Conversely, within the songs things get a little repetitive. I found myself missing a bridge on a few tracks. I would recommend longer verses as well.

I hear a lot of radio potential in these guys. They are catchy without being annoying and their style stands out. - Arin Wolfe