Producer Spotlight: JFlow

With over 15 years of producing expertise under his belt, JFlow has mastered the various sounds that make hip-hop what it is today. Amidst implementing arrangements with trap-like flair, the New Jersey beat wiz paves a lane of his own, often complimenting top-tier lyricism with an atmospheric tone. In the same light, JFlow stays true to the popular genre’s roots by adding in kick-snares, hi-hats, sub-bass, and piano arpeggios. Yet, he never sticks to one musical styling. In fact, JFlow has also dabbled in drill, afrobeat, lo-fi, and symphonic-ridden elements, always keeping things cohesive. 

“I hope people can see that it’s not always about doing the most on a track and that sometimes less is more,” he says. “I think it also makes it easier for people to maintain focus when listening to my beats because if you have a lot going on, it can make it difficult to catch a vibe or rhythm, and that can make or break the beat. 

His latest accomplishment was dropping Lighta, a seven-track album that includes verses from Trippy Troy, Fuegogami, YK Genre, Jay Po, Post, La Vie, and Malc B. Moreover, this project is proof that the producer has a way of meshing spacey and dark ambient backdrops with staples that give rap a whole new meaning. Lighta also showcases his versatility. Take, for instance, “Move.” In this track, JFlow contrasts the album’s consistent sound by carrying a more fast tempo and, surprisingly, draws from Afrobeat. 

“I had to go back to my roots and pray a lot,” he says about the creative process. “I began thinking hard about what defined my brother’s character and taste for music. I also had to listen to some of our old music to dig up ideas and references of what he would like so I can continue to execute our vision we had.”

JFlow, also known as Joe Flvco, is a producer and engineer. His stage name came about when he and his brother decided to create music in high school. JFlow says that his brother would write freestyles and ask him to record. Eventually, JFlow taught himself how to work all aspects of music throughout the years. He’s inspired by Ryan Leslie, Mike Dean, and an important figure that pushed him to keep at it: his brother. When it comes to formulating beats, JFlow enjoys going for a simple ambient setting with distinctive 808’s and vocals to go together. 

He states, “I feel like if your 808 hits hard and the vocals cut through nicely, then you’ve achieved a track that people can easily listen to and not be distracted by so much going on.”

His advice for producers looking to collaborate with artists is to listen to each other’s ideas and try everything. 

“If you have a vision, start with that. Don’t believe that it’ll always end up bad because nothing ever goes as planned. Sometimes a spur of the moment is needed to take something to the next level to where people will love and embrace it. And never forget to stay humble and be yourself. People love authenticity.”

Listen to JFlow’s recent album, Lighta below: