DJ King Flow interviews Imam T.H.U.G for Mixtape Addict 12.

French DJ King Flow has announced the lineup for his forthcoming weekly show, Mixtape Addict, which will include an interview with Imam T.H.U.G. Scientific Sound Asia operates as a radio station, event organiser, music news publisher and DJ agency in Asia, catering to a global audience.

Since the age of 14, the French artist known as DJ King Flow has made a significant mark on the scene. His exceptional mixtapes have captivated audiences worldwide. His passion for Rap music ignited his creativity, propelling him to industry prominence, where his unique style and innovative beats have garnered him extensive acclaim and respect.

Over the years, he has become a trailblazer in music production, constantly challenging boundaries and redefining the art of sound mixing and fusion. His collaborations with esteemed artists such as Ras Kass, Torae, Juicy J, Tragedy Khadafi, O.C., and Khujo Goodie from Goodie Mob have showcased not only his versatility but also his skill in seamlessly integrating various musical genres into a harmonious whole.

He transcends cultural barriers, forging a profound bond with listeners through his music, which is rooted in his affection for the genre's history. His beats are a medium to convey emotions, narrate stories, and communicate experiences. His fervent dedication to his craft and relentless quest for musical excellence set him apart as an innovator in the scene, inspiring and encouraging emerging artists and dancers across the globe.

Since 2012, he has been committed to connecting cities like New York, Dallas, Providence, Miami, and Seattle, aiming to establish a vibrant transatlantic Rap scene alongside his esteemed partner, Young Amsterdam. This ambitious project has necessitated widespread travel across the United States to cultivate connections and collaborations with enthusiasts beyond geographical limits.

Conceived in late 2015 by him, Mixtape Addict garnered international acclaim on radio stations worldwide. Beginning in early 2019, the team embarked on tours to France, Canada, and New York, launching the innovative video interview series, the Mixtape Addict Report, featuring interviews with rap legends and global Hip Hop stars, marking a significant milestone in delivering Hip Hop news globally.

Interview guest Imam T.H.U.G.

Imam T.H.U.G. is a name that resonates powerfully within the hip-hop community, embodying the raw and unfiltered essence of the genre. Originating from the gritty streets of Queens, His influence extends far beyond the borough, touching the hearts and minds of listeners across the globe.

His track "Queensmatic" is more than just a song; it’s a rallying cry for the streets. The beat is the pulse of Queens itself, with its relentless energy reflecting the hustle and resilience of a community that has produced some of the most iconic figures in hip-hop.

The song captures the essence of urban life, sneakers hitting the pavement, graffiti splashed on every available surface, and the undeniable rhythm that defines the culture. Through his lyrics, he paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that come with life in Queens, turning everyday experiences into a powerful narrative.

He is deeply rooted in the golden era of hip-hop, channelling the spirit of the 90s in every verse. His music evokes a time when vinyl crackled under the needle, drum machines laid down the backbone of tracks, and emcees delivered poetry that spoke directly to the soul. Listening to his verses is like stepping back into the days of block parties, breakdancing competitions, and boomboxes blasting the sounds of Wu-Tang Clan. It’s a journey to a time when rap was raw, real, and unfiltered.

His voice is a constant presence on the airwaves, his tracks woven into the fabric of hip-hop radio. His music is the soundtrack to life in the city, whether it’s playing during late-night drives or early-morning commutes. Each song he releases reinforces his connection with his audience, as his voice becomes a familiar friend guiding them through their day.

But Imam T.H.U.G. is not just an emcee; he’s a master producer as well. In the studio, he transforms beats into experiences, with every kick and snare hitting with the force of a thunderstorm. His MPC pads are his tools, and the samples he selects tell stories of their own. Collaborations with other producers result in beats that are both innovative and deeply rooted in the traditions of rap, creating tracks that make heads nod and speakers thump.

For those who follow the news, Imam T.H.U.G. is a name that’s always on the radar. His journey from underground cyphers to major label deals is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the craft. Every move he makes adds another chapter to the ever-evolving history of the genre, reminding us that this genre is not just about music; it’s about storytelling, culture, and the lives of those who live it.

Standing at the intersection of tradition and innovation, he is a bridge between generations. His flow connects the past to the present, while his beats echo with the timelessness of hip-hop’s origins.

So, the next time you hear the scratch of a vinyl record or see a piece of graffiti, remember the contributions of artists like Imam T.H.U.G., who continue to push the boundaries of what hip-hop can be while honouring the legacy of those who came before them.

Episode 12 of Mixtape Addict launches with Tragedy Khadafi and Imam T.H.U.G’s Alluminati and True Confessions, marking a gritty return to Boom Bap realism and Queensbridge lyricism. REKS and Napoleon Da Legend continue the momentum with Good Thing, pairing sharp delivery with a reflective message. Tracks like Paranoize by El Mal De Ojo and Graffiti On The Wall by Mic Bles and Graff Roots link street art culture and Hip Hop consciousness, capturing the underground’s creative core.

Mid-show, Imam T.H.U.G takes the spotlight again on Undefeated and Bridge Boi, solidifying his status as a Queensbridge stalwart. Collaborations like The Recipe with Prodigy bridge old-school grit and modern fire, while DJ King Flow’s Mixtape Addict with Lefty Pachino and Flow featuring OSVN & D Goynz highlight his global collaborative reach. Maine The Medicine’s Cocaine Raw (Remix) and G Hood’s Stove add street-wise edge and hustler ethos.

The production palette broadens with Westcoast Mo’s Fire Fresh Produce and K.A.A.N & DJ Hoppa’s Bon Appetit, injecting a coastal contrast to the East Coast dominance. Make It Home by Leo Tribe & Dr G and Sliding Music by Russ T Gunz & Carlito Black underscore a melodic and reflective close before the final interview.

In the final stretch, Bills (Remix) and Kitchen Table reinforce the connection between classic and contemporary voices, maintaining lyrical focus through to the end of the musical section. The episode then transitions into an in-depth interview, shifting the focus from performance to perspective, positioning the programme as both a curated mix and a deeper exploration of the artist’s viewpoint.

This conversation provides deeper insight into how Imam T.H.U.G. sees both his own path and the larger structure around him. Early on, he responds to the standard Mixtape Addict opening question with humour, first naming DJ King Flow before giving a more formal salute to DJ Modesty in France.

That answer is more revealing than it first appears, because it shows how strongly he values DJ relationships and how long he has been building connections outside the United States. He specifically notes Modesty’s production work on Immortal Legend and frames that collaboration as part of a much wider respect for the DJs and artists in France who have kept Queensbridge music alive abroad.

The interview’s strongest historical section centres on mixtapes. Imam T.H.U.G. speaks about that era with genuine affection, describing it as a time when exclusivity still mattered and when appearing on the right mixtapes carried real weight. When asked which legendary New York DJ he would have chosen for a dream tape, he names DJ Clue, while also shouting out DJ Whoo Kid and others from that circuit.

What matters here is not just the names, but the way he talks about mixtapes as a proving ground. In his account, they were not casual side projects, but a serious part of how artists established themselves and reached new listeners. That leads naturally into a broader reflection on Queensbridge’s worldwide influence.

Imam T.H.U.G. explains it in simple but effective terms, arguing that the music travels because the conditions it describes are recognisable everywhere. Poverty, pain, pressure and survival are not unique to one housing project in New York, and that is why people in places like France can still feel the records.

He presents Queensbridge music as relatable rather than merely local, which helps explain why its style and energy have had such a long afterlife across different rap scenes. At the same time, he resists reducing Queensbridge to darkness alone, pointing out that hip hop should also leave room for different emotions, different tones and records that uplift as much as they confront.

That balance is important when he discusses Immortal Legend. He describes the album as a project made in response to the idea that his style had faded or gone quiet. Instead of returning with a narrow or purely grimy record, he consciously chose to explore different directions and treat the album as a wider exploration of creativity. That explanation adds useful context to the project because it frames it not as a simple comeback, but as a statement that his artistry could still stretch in multiple directions while remaining recognisably his.

The newer material with Steve Sola points in a different direction again. Imam T.H.U.G. is clear that the upcoming EP with Sola will be much rawer, closer to the harder edge many listeners associate with his core sound. What stands out in this section is the respect he has for Sola’s role in shaping records, not just technically but creatively.

He describes Sola as someone who gives direction, reorders verses, suggests structural changes and helps sharpen the final form of a song. That is an important detail because it shows the project is not just another loose collaboration. It is being built with a producer-engineer who understands both Queensbridge history and Imam T.H.U.G.’s particular strengths.

The interview also gives a strong sense of how he thinks about self-sufficiency. When asked for advice to younger artists, he does not focus on fame, visibility or quick success. Instead, he stresses freedom in the craft, the importance of staying active, and above all the need to become self-sufficient.

He argues that many artists become too dependent on teams, labels or one key relationship, and that this can become a weakness when things stop moving in their favour. For him, entrepreneurship and artistic independence are not abstract business slogans. They are practical tools for staying stable while continuing to make music on your own terms.

That theme runs through the later part of the interview as well. He hints at wider business activity outside music, suggests that a deeper conversation on entrepreneurship could happen another time, and repeatedly returns to the idea of building a life that does not rely entirely on one stream of income or one creative lane. Even when discussing merchandise, physical releases and future plans, the emphasis stays on control, infrastructure and having enough of your own system in place to keep moving regardless of outside shifts.

The conversation closes by circling back to community and legacy. Imam T.H.U.G. speaks warmly about the support he has received over the years, from Tragedy Khadafi and CNN to the wider Queensbridge network, and makes clear that he still sees himself as part of that collective history. He also remains forward-looking, talking about new visuals, the EP with Steve Sola, more work with Amadeus, and the possibility of building a stronger audience in France through future releases and live performances.

Taken together, this edition of Mixtape Addict works as both a reminder and an update. It reminds listeners of the long reach of Queensbridge rap, of the role mixtapes played in building underground credibility, and of the way certain artists helped define that space.

At the same time, it updates Imam T.H.U.G.’s story by showing him as an artist still actively creating, still collaborating at a serious level, and still thinking beyond music alone. The result is an episode that feels rooted in history without becoming trapped by it, carried instead by a clear sense of purpose, self-sufficiency and continued loyalty to the culture that shaped him.

Mixtape Addict episode 12.

Tragedy Khadafi & Imam T.H.U.G - Alluminati

Tragedy Khadafi & Imam T.H.U.G - True Confessions

REKS & Napoleon Da Legend - Good Thing

El Mal De Ojo - Paranoize

Imam T.H.U.G - Undefeated

TruWerdz - If The Shoe Fits

Mic Bles, Graff Roots, Maniac & Tone Spliff - Graffiti On The Wall

DJ King Flow, OSVN & D Goynz - Flow

Imam T.H.U.G - Bridge Boi

G Hood - Stove

Kadiz - On Point

DJ King Flow & Lefty Pachino - Mixtape Addict

Imam T.H.U.G & Prodigy - The Recipe

Westcoast Mo - Fire Fresh Produce

Maine The Medicine - Cocaine Raw (Remix)

DJ King Flow & Stevie Franks - Out There

K.A.A.N & DJ Hoppa - Bon Appetit

Russ T Gunz & Carlito Black - Sliding Music

Leo Tribe & Dr G - Make It Home

DJ King Flow & Khujo Goodie - Bills (Remix)

Benny The Butcher - Kitchen Table

DJ King Flow - Interview with Imam T.H.U.G

Listen on Mixcloud here.