Gifting season is here, and we’re here to give you a gift like no other! Inspired by Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, Donell Jones, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, and more! The DMV AUX presents to you, the genuine promising, rising Hip-Hop artist, Ant Flow.
Our newest featured artist, Ant Flow, is coming out of Waldorf, Maryland, twenty-three miles south of our nation’s capital. Before settling in Waldorf, Ant’s family moved around frequently during his younger years. “It took a toll, but once we settled, it became a lot easier, but moving around allowed me to grasp and understand many perspectives,” he stated.
Ant was raised in a Christian household and fell in love with music early on. Although family members restricted the extent of music he could listen to, his father was contrarily lenient when it came to secular music. His father is also one of his biggest influences; teaching him the technical side of music, styles, and importantly, how to sing. “When I was younger, music was like my kryptonite, and kept me focused when needed.”
As time progressed, Ant confidence did as well. At the end of high school, he started taking his talent seriously and realized that music was frankly his calling. “At the time, music not only felt natural, but it was the only thing that made sense,” he stated. From there, he proceeded with developing his craft, becoming knowledgeable on the business side, and learning new things like playing the guitar!
In light of the DMV music scene, Ant is aware of the vast amount of talent, but he thinks we’re missing the unity. He stated, “If you look at Atlanta, New York, or Los Angeles, they have an industry with not only the artists but the people behind the scenes as well.”
He feels as though, for the DMV, it’s a matter of having a unified understanding of the development of our industry. “The moment someone stands up and wants to put on for the city, instead of ‘I want to get on,' it will be a start.” Personally, for him, Ant plans on giving back and setting up opportunities/scholarships in his area. He stated, “It’s more to life than music; I want to make an impact in and out of the studio.”
When it comes to his musical style, Ant differentiates from others simply through his perspective and use of double entendres. He wants his audience to perceive the message and relate one way or another to his personal experiences. In addition, he uses double entendres, allowing his audience to interpret the song in many ways. “If you listen to my song Pina Colada Rain, it sounds like a song about a romantic relationship, but it’s also about the relationship between an artist and their label.”
In the next year, Ant is set on bringing like-minded musicians together to create a collective and perform live shows. “There’s nothing like the feeling of hearing a live band, it’s better than anything,” he exclaimed. Additionally, he plans on releasing an album and several new singles in 2020 and may release a surprise single before the year ends! His unreleased album, “Dreams over Love,” will tackle the narrative of balancing life and goals and will be an hour’s worth of good music!
Aside from music, he’s a family-oriented foodie and enjoys bringing people together. In the future, along with many business ideas, he plans to travel the world to try different cultural foods.
Ant also works a 9-5 job, but with the dreams/goals he has, the uncertainty of it all drives his anxiety. “One day, you could be extremely confident that you’re going to make it, then the next, like “damn, it’s looking bad out here.” For him, it’s a rollercoaster, and there’s a lot of yes men out here, but having real people around certainly helps!
When it comes to advice for aspiring artists, Ant would tell them to keep going and never quit. You must understand that it’s not easy, and you’re going to have to grind. “It’s literally a process that you have to fall in love with; take the good and bad and just roll with it,” he stated. He advises you to sit with yourself and figure out if you want it or not; If you do, then put in the work. “Not busy work, like my father would say, anyone can do busywork, you have to work smart, and get things done.” At the end of the day, it’s all about growing and adapting.
Read more about Ant Flow with a closer look below.
Say you're at home and a natural disaster is coming, you have to evacuate immediately what 5 items are you taking?
If something crazy is about to happen, I have to have underwear! Can’t make any moves without clean draws! I’m also taking a weapon, warm clothes, an AM radio, and an item my grandmother gave me before she passed.
What’s a few things you absolutely need in the studio?
The right mindset/vibe, the right people, and snacks for sure!
What’s one thing you wish you didn’t have to pay for?
I wish I didn’t have to pay for gas, studio time, and mixing & mastering.
Free gas for life, oh my goodness, I’ll jack up the O-zone!
Would you rather be an extreme couponer or an antique hoarder?
I would rather be an antique hoarder, I used to work at a grocery store and wouldn’t want to do that to anyone [cashier].
What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
I can’t stand liars, bad energy, and lazy people, especially at work!
Magnified Topic of the Week: Ant Flow EP “Binsecure”
Ant released his EP Binsecure consisting of five incredible eloquent songs in November of 2019. Most artists stress when it comes to putting together a project, but for Ant, it came naturally. “You ever noticed that men have insecurities too?” A question that sparked the motive of this entire project.
Listen to Binsecure on all streaming platforms, and be sure to check out Ant Flow’s Newest EP “Home Body” tonight!