With most hip-hop groups these days hailing from the south, Flexx Squad is a bit of a twist from the norm. They have a bit more “swagger†than most rappers today, covering subjects ranging from girl troubles to globalization. The way their individual styles mesh is equal to no other hip-hop duo past or present because of the unique ability to combine musical influences from all over the map.
Although from different areas of Baltimore, they’ve both witnessed the harsh realities of the city as portrayed on HBO’s “The Wire.†Both participated in activities that could have garnered severe consequences if continued, but they’ve realized their mistakes and decided to walk a different path. As seen on the HBO series, slipping into the lifestyle isn’t difficult, but their mutual love of music rescued the duo from falling too deep into the game.
Aleem McAllister (known as Spade) was born April 7th in east Baltimore one of five children. Growing up the next to youngest child, he had responsibilities as a younger and older brother. At the age of twelve McAllister formed a rap group with neighborhood friends as a hobby. But, as he grew older he began to make a name for himself as a battle rapper. He later retired and decided to focus on writing songs to become a more diverse emcee.
Artez Blanks (known as Von) was born August 2nd in west Baltimore as an only child. Being raised by a single mother, he tended to stay to his self; therefore most of his earlier career was spent as a solo artist. He turned to rap music as an outlet at the age of nine, influenced by many different genres such as 70’s soul, 80’s and 90’s r&b and hip-hop, and 60’s pop and rock and roll. These different genres where also exactly what he needed to try a hand at producing. If asked he states, “ I rap better than I make beats,†but obviously those beats where a necessary spring to bring his music career to a hire level.
The two met through a mutual friend in 2003 while forming a rap group. This group consisted of about ten people who came and went over the years. Von and Spade are the only members left of this group still actively pursuing careers in the music industry. Their unique sound and creative approach, is bound to take the business by storm. With that said be sure to anticipate the arrival of the Flexx Squad to arenas, clubs, and TV screens near you .