LOS ANGELES, CA- An emo hip hop collective has been building a scene with like-minded degenerate artist’s hosting performances at dive bars throughout Los Angeles. Alternative rappers with an urban dance punk edge spit rhymes about Hollywood heart ache and raging against the machine.
SadFlex is a unique gathering which brings together emerging artists from diverse genres, but is unified by a tragic urban fashion sense and an alternative style of hip hop. Tattooed rocker models, edgy anime rappers, gangsta chic R&B lyricists, mob deep punk rap hoodlums; the fashion and music that is being generated from this scene has been building hype because each show offers so much amazing, undiscovered talent.
Ill $werve is the central promoter of the showcase, aside from promoting a creative platform for many artists, he also advocates mental health because it is such a widespread issue amongst Millennials, especially those that are drawn to the melancholy nature in this music. SadFlex features donation boxes and suicide awareness merchandise to support the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Ill $werve observes:
“Music, particularly this genre of hip-hop, has become a cornerstone of our culture, offering solace to those battling mental health challenges. These events foster a sense of belonging, especially for those who might feel isolated. This music offers unity and a communal space to share art, experiences, and emotions, all within a positive and vibrant setting.”
The event is a platform for celebrating individuality and embracing the full spectrum of the darkest human emotions that many shy away from, much of this artists expression at the SadFlex showcase can be categorized by the mainstream media as Emo Rap. The next SadFlex event will be held at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown LA on September 30th, although every lineup has surprised me with many acts I have become a fan of, I have a few favorites that stick out:
Ill $werve has a SoCal pop punk blend in his rhymes, think Blink 182 meets Post Malone. His catchy hooks are great for riding down the pacific Coast Highway with the convertible top down on the way to a beach destination.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ce2U6l70xHACtRVz9NFZ0?si=Dqa43xZeRfmqnQvQSeJh7
After releasing his album Mindwipe last month, Beckoner has been touring the US with a blend of edgy hardcore influences and a melancholy Southern drawl. A stoner day dream, Beckoner soliloquizes Hollywood tragedies through his chill, but aggressively climaxing style of hip hop.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Ck72eTe1jj5ynLa0xyKtV?si=MkVc8O3YSEiZAIoNirpZbw
Known for monstrous extreme vocals, Manifest0 lays down screams and growls on top of intense dark beats and raps about drugs, violence, and evil. Growing up in Los Angeles making metal and movin’ mad weight, he has got nothin but the truth.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4f8b9I2cWsMycLHSir5yfM?si=0bbHnRwFQierhrTadfbtuw
YUNG GR!M is also originally from the hardcore scene, he made his way into rap in 2022. He is always seen wearing his unique masks on stage and even as a spectator in the crowd. His music is a combination of metal, horror core, and west coast rap. YUNG GR!M’s music typically consists of bass filled—aggressive beats, phonk beats, a raspy deep voice, and occasionally backed by gutturals and screams. His top tracks are Vomit, Psychodrama (ft Beckoner), Shinigami, and his newest single Felons (ft Le’Dominque).
https://open.spotify.com/artist/05H6klbMpI9wOCAO0wlZYN?si=utVWsd20Qk-vwfLMfJEwCQ
Space-ghost ninja warrior exiled from his own kingdom on the planet Otherworld. Splice Sama brings a mix of dark interstellar vibes and griddy rage music. Latest album release is Blood Moon Tapes and is rumored to be releasing a new EP called Retrograde in the late fall.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57Wy0D1F4qwy6EZo4wVcWY?si=qtgmbOFSS6CwH8RmkbFEWA
A threat to the tired, regurgitated and uninspired status quo: Ape Gabriel spawned in a world obsessed with self sabotage, toxicity, and internalized fear. He aspires to help return bravery and free thought to his fan base and create the conditions necessary for the proletariat rise once again both socially, financially and most importantly spiritually.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4cBKOljF1J0Gf3VAuOFodh?si=YCPNwgvQTCmYg9OAJ7Cleg
LOWSOUL is an LA based artist originally from the east coast bringing a mix of electronic/cybernetic trap beats occasionally paired with some DNB. Powered with Metalcore vocals and some autotuned raps to compliment his sound he uses his background in visual effects/ videography to further the branding of what he hails as ‘Dark Cyber Trap’
https://open.spotify.com/album/6caZCK3F2eyZIOES0lDMdK?si=5nWsLeeuSVKkNZMqrgn-IQ
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