[Exclusive Interview] Meet Junoflo: The West Coast Rapper With A Unique Melodic Style
Korean-American artist, Junoflo rose to prominence as an all-rounder (rapper, songwriter, and producer) shortly after his debut in South Korea in 2016. Through his ability to blend an aggressive rap style with bright melodies, he has been molded by the golden era of jazz hip hop as well as the new melodic styles of today’s west coast rap.
As Junoflo’s following grew, his music allowed him to perform around the world, racking up some cool feats in the process. He became the first Korean artist to perform at an NBA Halftime show, and his first independent album, 222:AM, has garnered over 1.5m+ listens across streaming platforms. With his most recent project, Smiles & Tribulations, a collaborative album with fellow artist G2, Junoflo continues to showcase the evolution in his songwriting abilities as he illustrates his life’s journey.
Now on the eve of the release of his latest collaboration, which includes a new single and a show in LA on March 26 (with fellow LA Korean-American artists), we caught up with Junoflo to discuss his musicality, creative process, and what the future holds for this all-rounder.
Please introduce yourself to OK-What’s followers.
What's up? My name's Junoflo, and I'm a rapper, songwriter, and producer from Los Angeles.
Congratulations on your latest collaboration with Justin Park, Year of the OX, and G2. How has this collaboration influenced your music?
Thanks! How this collaboration came together was very natural. We're all homies, to begin with, so with this group of talented people, making all this music together was inevitable.
Please describe “DALE DENTON” in three words.
Hard
Dark
Rage
The lines in “DALE DENTON” include phrases in Spanish such as “hasta luego,” and “mas o menos.” Being from LA, how has the Hispanic/LatinX community inspired your music?
My family is from Argentina, so I've been influenced by Argentinian culture. Most of my family speaks Spanish, so I grew up hearing Spanish around the house.
The music video for “DALE DENTON” releases today (March 24) along with the single. Can you share with us a behind-the-scenes story from making the music video?
Once again, this MV came together pretty naturally. We're not trying to force anything or overdo the visuals. Our good friend Furis directed the video, and I've worked with him in the past-- he directed the music video for my song "Midas Touch," so I trust his vision.
Since returning to LA, how has your music changed?
It's gone through several phases of sound, and now it's heading into an entirely new sound. I’m very excited to share it soon.
Regarding your stage performance, what has changed the most since becoming an independent artist?
I love performing live, and nothing has changed since becoming an independent artist. If anything, it motivates me to hustle harder and make an impact every time I step on that stage.
What is a personal goal you have for 2023?
Push out all this new music that I've been working on in the past year, and DJ + perform worldwide.
What are three must-haves in the studio?
Besides the necessary equipment?
Yerba
Incense
Some moody lights
Regarding creative outlets, you’ve established yourself as a rapper/songwriter/producer, a photographer, and even dabbled in fashion. What’s next on the list of creative pursuits?
I’ve been diving deep into DJing. Catch me spinning in your city soon!
What would you say is an area where you’ve grown the most since your debut?
Musical maturity and production levels. My goal as an artist is to be able to be self-sustaining and not have to rely on someone else to creatively express myself.
What do you do when you need motivation or inspiration? How do you get the creativity to flow again?
I just go do some normal things. Take a walk, sit at a cafe and read, work out, go to a concert, etc. The best ideas come from just living life.
What advice would you give an aspiring rapper?
Being a good rapper is one thing, but focus on becoming a great songwriter
What are three songs on your playlist?
Right now…
“Play No Playa” by Shawty Pimp
“Stimulant Dub” by Pangaea
“15 Step” by Radiohead
Lastly, anything you want our followers to know?
I appreciate everyone's support, old and new. Tons of new music coming soon, so stay tuned!
You can follow Junoflo on Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | SoundCloud
*Special thanks to Junoflo, Mister X Rocks, 5A Label, and The Blended Group for this exclusive interview.
