HipHopDX Exclusive Premiere: As the scrappy city of Cleveland basks in the glow of NBA Championship glory, Ripp Flamez puts his own ambition on display with DayOne Forever. The follow-up to Day One, DayOne Forever showcases Ripp’s progression with both songwriting and beat selection, as the city’s rising star hones his melodic sound of new wave rap/R&B. Anchored by standout tracks like “Shine Light” and the aptly titled “LeBron Flamez,” Ripp draws attention to his melodic delivery on the 10-track project, keeping guest appearances to a minimum.
Born in the Garden Valley Projects, one of Cleveland’s roughest areas, Ripp Flamez found himself alone after his father died and his brother got locked up. Ripp channels his struggle and brings his experience to life through his rhymes. “The Cleveland music scene is kind of like everything else here, you always come so close, but never actually make it,” he says. “There’s a lot of different talent in the city, with a lot of genuine support. I found my sound in the midst of all that; so did Kid Cudi and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, two of the artists I look up to most… It’s a tough city and you have to earn your support, you have to show what you really about.” Named Best New Artist in the 2015 Ohio Hip Hop Awards, Ripp Flamez is bringing his infectious melodicism and confessional lyrics to a national audience with DayOne Forever.
