French DJ and producer DJ King Flow returns with a fresh episode of his weekly show Mixtape Addict, unveiling a brand-new playlist and featuring special guest Sympl MC for an exclusive interview. Broadcast via Scientific Sound Asia, an international DJ agency, radio station, music news outlet and music platform based in Vietnam, this instalment continues to honour underground hip-hop in all its raw forms.
DJ King Flow began making beats and curating mixtapes at just 14 years old in France. Over the years, his unique sound and dedication to the craft have earned him a respected place in the global hip-hop community. His mixes bring together classic Boom Bap aesthetics with modern flair, always rooted in lyrical quality and DJ precision.
He has worked with legends like Ras Kass, Torae, Tragedy Khadafi, Juicy J, O.C., and Khujo Goodie, helping to bridge generations of hip-hop and spotlight authentic artistry. Since launching his professional career in 2012, he has built strong connections across major US cities, collaborating with MCs and producers from New York to Seattle.
In 2015, DJ King Flow founded online radio show Mixtape Addict, a platform focused on independent hip-hop. The project has since grown to include the Mixtape Addict Report, a video interview series filmed across France, Canada, and the US. These sessions document hip-hop culture directly from its creators, with insight, history, and raw passion.
This week’s guest, Sympl MC, brings fierce lyricism and thoughtful reflections to the show. His conversation with DJ King Flow shines a light on the realities of independent artistry today. With every new edition, Mixtape Addict continues to amplify underground voices and preserve the creative energy that drives real hip-hop.
Interview Guest Sympl MC
SympL a.k.a Ernesto “sympL” Gutierrez is a Greenville, South Carolina–based MC and hip-hop veteran whose journey stretches across two decades. He emerged in the early 2000s, carrying a boom bap ethos and DIY spirit into solo projects and collaborative crews like Projekt Lotus and droidmotor
Known for his razor-sharp pen, SympL has consistently championed authentic hip-hop, fully embracing its roots as a musician, booking agent, tour manager, and author. In recent years, SympL has teamed up with DJ Scientist to release new music under their joint banner.
Their joint focus includes tracks like “Gimme A Dollar,” “Lemonade,” and “There It Is,” and their live album Built in A Day stands as a testament to the power of spontaneous musical collaboration. His latest single, “Body Wave” (featuring Flexzy G), dropped in July 2024 and continues to highlight his sharp lyricism set over soulful, boom bap–driven production
Whether performing live, guiding independent tours, or building bridges between generations of hip-hop heads, SympL operates with unwavering dedication to the culture. His Instagram profile shows an artist who’s a father, turntablist advocate, and curator, always pushing for real hip-hop from the heart
As a guest on our next episode, SympL will dive into his creative process, the trials of the road, his work with DJ Scientist, and how he channels the legacy of classic boom bap into fresh, dynamic music. Expect insight on lyricism, touring hustle, and the ongoing journey of an underground MC stealing hearts with soul and substance.
DJ King Flow's Episode 59 kicks off with three tracks by Sympl MC & DJ Scientist, showcasing classic Boom Bap craftsmanship with sharp loops and no-nonsense flows. Gimme a Dollar, Lemonade, and There It Is reintroduce Sympl’s underground ethos with a nod to early 2000s independent Hip Hop.
The middle section of the set dives deep into raw and lyrical material. Tracks like Ashes to Palaces and Warriors Two (Remix) pair gritty verses with cinematic beats, while Charles Herron’s Fredrick Douglas Freestyle brings a conscious edge, threading history through bars with poignant clarity.
DJ King Flow’s selections push the Boom Bap revival further, weaving in highlights like Mafia Moves, Shot Down, and Cameras. There's a strong presence of East Coast hip-hop grit and lyricism, bolstered by hardcore punchlines and battle-ready flows from artists like RJ Payne, Grea8Gawd, and Willie the Kid.
This episode closes with Blood on Ya Hands by Black Stax and a feature interview with Sympl MC, providing personal insight into his process and message. True to the Mixtape Addict format, this is a powerful episode for fans of Boom Bap, Hip Hop culture, and underground hip hop voices that still command the mic.
The interview began with Sympl MC explaining that he has been working on new music in the background for several years and is now ready to roll it out. When asked about his all-time favourite DJ, he again named DJ Scientist, praising his cuts, technical ability and contribution to the culture. He also used the moment to highlight the wider role DJs play, from supporting local showcases to handling sound checks, equipment and live performance duties.
A major part of the interview focused on why DJs remain vital in hip hop. Sympl MC explained that pre-programmed live shows may be convenient, but they cannot replace the interaction, timing and musicianship of a live DJ. He compared the relationship between an MC and DJ to working with a band, where communication, transitions and energy all shape what the audience receives.
Sympl MC then discussed his project with DJ Scientist, explaining how their collaboration developed after years of mutual respect in the South Carolina scene. The two first built chemistry during a show opening for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, where a single live track proved they had a natural stage connection. Later, while Sympl MC was touring with R.A. The Rugged Man, DJ Scientist began sending beats, which eventually led to a full project written in sequence.
The project itself was described as sincere, genuine and funky. Sympl MC said the songs came from honest songwriting and life experience, while DJ Scientist’s production brought a soulful, movement-focused foundation shaped by years of DJing. He explained that the album felt like something that was meant to happen, with the timing allowing both artists to bring maturity and deeper experience to the music.
The conversation also explored the value of full albums in an era dominated by singles. Sympl MC compared the project to writing a book, stressing the importance of sequencing, artwork, liner notes and the experience of listening from front to back. He said he wants to bring back the feeling of classic albums that reward complete listening rather than simply pushing out disconnected tracks.
King Flow and Sympl MC also discussed the return of authentic hip hop and the need for music that reflects real life. Sympl MC noted that hip hop is entering a more mature stage, where listeners are increasingly looking for meaning, connection and substance rather than only flashy presentation. He also reflected on his own earlier electronic and bass-heavy influences, while explaining that DJ Scientist’s beats pulled him into a more soulful and personal direction.
Towards the end of the interview, Sympl MC gave advice to younger MCs, encouraging them to study the craft, organise their work properly and understand that careers are built through experience, endurance and learning from difficult situations. He shared a touring story about ending up at a terrible hotel, using it as an example of the realities artists face behind the scenes.
The interview closed with Sympl MC sharing release details for the project. He directed listeners to follow Sympl MC and DJ Scientist on Instagram, confirmed that songs will arrive on streaming services on July 21st, and explained that a limited run of 100 vinyl copies is being prepared through Freedom Music and his Drop Science brand. He also revealed that further work with DJ Scientist is already underway, alongside another project with Odd Pilot, continuing his commitment to independent hip hop and direct connection with supporters.
DJ King Flow Mixtape Addict Episode 59: first hour
Sympl MC & DJ Scientist - Gimme a Dollar
Sympl MC & DJ Scientist - Lemonade
Sympl MC & DJ Scientist - There It Is
Umang BBZ Darney & Paranom - Ashes to Palaces
Benny The Butcher Method Man & Lefty Pachino - Warriors Two (Remix)
Charles Herron - Fredrick Douglas Freestyle
Contageous Funk - No Way Out
Casablanca The Gawd & El Cotola - Larceny
Napoleon Da Legend - Napoleon Noir
J Roberts & Ren Thomas - Shot Down
Renaaz Peoplez & Tone Butta - Mafia Moves
Grea8Gawd - 4 KyAire
Uncle Lush - Cloud 9
Benny The Butcher & OT The Real - Cameras
RJ Payne Dat Guy Ike & Saint Profit - Road Rash
Willie The Kid & V Don - Gun and Roses
Black Stax - Blood on Ya Hands
DJ King Flow - Interview with Sympl MC
Listen on Mixcloud here.