Mixtape Addict 94: DJ King Flow Interviews Rigs - Boom Bap, Hip Hop
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DJ King Flow interviews Rigs for Mixtape Addict 94.

  • 1 hour ago
  • 7 min read
Portrait of Rigs (Da Cloth), hip hop artist from Rochester, New York, featured on DJ King Flow’s Mixtape Addict episode 94, wearing a cap and hoodie against a brick wall background with text and logos.

French DJ and producer DJ King Flow returns with a new edition of Mixtape Addict, delivering a carefully curated exploration of underground hip hop. Broadcast via Scientific Sound Asia, the Vietnam-based international radio station, promoter, music news platform and DJ agency, the programme continues to operate as a global platform for artists committed to the core values of hip hop culture.


DJ King Flow began his journey at the age of fourteen, developing a style rooted in boom bap while maintaining a contemporary perspective. His sound draws from the foundations of 90s hip hop while remaining connected to the present, consistently supporting emerging voices across the underground scene.


This ability to bridge generations has earned him recognition from listeners and artists worldwide, establishing him as a trusted selector within lyrical hip hop. Over the years, he has collaborated with influential figures including Ras Kass, Tragedy Khadafi, O.C., Juicy J and Khujo Goodie, relationships that reflect his continued commitment to preserving the genre’s lineage.


Since launching Mixtape Addict in 2015, DJ King Flow has developed the series into a respected hub for independent artists, combining hip hop radio broadcasts, interviews and mixtape releases to highlight genuine talent and reinforce the strength of the underground community. Alongside his work as a selector, he continues to expand his creative output as a producer.


His instrumental album The Adventures of F.J. Parker brings together jazz-influenced melodies, soulful textures, deep grooves and the gritty character associated with classic hip hop production. In recent years, he has expanded his catalogue with projects such as Trill Legacy (Instrumentals), a beat-focused release built around layered production and cohesive sonic themes, alongside tracks including Warzone featuring Ice Crimi and Win or Lose featuring Imam T.H.U.G.


His collaboration Money with Lex Lakaiser reinforced his presence within contemporary underground hip hop, while mixtape compilations such as Industry Pirates 2, Industry Pirates 3 and Time Travel (Beat Tape) reflect continued creative activity. His 2025 releases, including Money, Give the Town Some Hope and additional forthcoming collaborations, demonstrate ongoing artistic development and a clear dedication to the craft.


Portrait of Rigs, hip hop artist, wearing a cap and hoodie, standing under a microphone against a red background with hands clasped.

Interview Guest: Rigs.


Rigs (Da Cloth) is a hip hop artist from Rochester, New York, known for gritty lyricism, direct delivery and a strong connection to street-focused boom bap. Emerging from the Upstate New York scene, he has become closely associated with the resurgence of raw East Coast hip hop, particularly through his affiliation with the Da Cloth collective.


His music reflects a stripped-back approach built on hard drum patterns, dark samples and uncompromising storytelling. Themes of survival, loyalty and environment are central to his writing, delivered with a measured but forceful presence that aligns with the current underground movement centred around authenticity and realism.


Rigs has built a consistent catalogue of independent releases, including projects such as Gold, Gold 2, American Greed and Contraband, each reinforcing his reputation for cohesive, street-driven narratives and disciplined execution. His work often features collaborations with fellow Da Cloth members and associated artists within the wider New York underground network.


He has worked alongside a range of respected artists, including Mooch, Rome Streetz, Eto and other contributors to the modern boom bap revival, positioning him firmly within a scene that prioritises lyrical substance and production integrity over mainstream trends.


Within the context of Mixtape Addict, Rigs represents the raw edge of Upstate New York hip hop, combining street realism, consistent output and a grounded approach that reflects the show’s focus on authenticity and lyrical craftsmanship.


The session opens with interview guest Rigs setting a dark and focused tone through Dead Flames, Drano, and We Made It, blending underground Boom Bap with gritty street realism. Shipping Containers extends that cold, cinematic atmosphere, while Crack Era reinforces classic East Coast intensity with raw storytelling and heavy drum patterns.


The momentum builds through Finesse and If You Scared Go To Church, pushing energy and aggression before Three In The Chamber delivers a full cypher-style assault. Styles P brings a veteran perspective on Simulation, while Keyboard Castro Killer and Gun Sleeve maintain a tight underground hip hop groove with lyrical precision.


A shift in tone arrives with Stop Counting My Pockets, introducing a smoother West Coast feel before Life Sucks And Then You Die pulls the mix back into darker territory. Predators adds sharp East Coast Hip Hop lyricism, while RIP Old Me provides a reflective Southern moment.


The closing stretch intensifies with OMG and Find Out, both delivering heavy Southern rap energy before Dreamix returns to Boom Bap fundamentals. DJ King Flow closes the hour with an in-depth interview with Rigs, framing Episode 94 as a cohesive underground session built on gritty production, lyrical focus and cross-regional hip hop influence.


During the interview, Rigs names the late DJ Kay Slay as his all-time favourite DJ, not only for his technical ability but also for his commitment to the culture. He describes Kay Slay as someone who stayed loyal to hip hop’s foundations and continued to support artists without losing sight of what mattered.


That choice sets the tone for the rest of the conversation, which repeatedly returns to the idea of staying true to the essence rather than chasing trends. Asked about the mixtape era, Rigs makes it clear that he misses the raw freedom of that format.


He reflects on a time when artists could jump on beats without restrictions and create some of their strongest material outside the usual album structure. He also points to classic mixtape eras shaped by DJs such as DJ Clue, Whoo Kid, Big Mike and others, noting that some artists delivered work on mixtapes that listeners still revisit more than official albums. For him, that period represented a different level of spontaneity and hunger.


The conversation then moves into his I Got Samples series, which Rigs explains grew from a street phrase that translated naturally into music. The concept is simple but effective, letting people hear the product and decide whether they connect with it.


In his view, the principle applies just as much to music as it does anywhere else. He also speaks about authenticity in modern hip hop, saying that while there is still plenty of shallow material around, more listeners now seem to be craving honesty, vulnerability and direct storytelling.


One of the strongest sections of the interview focuses on self-reliance. Rigs explains that he learned to mix his own vocals and build his own recording process because he did not want to depend on studio schedules, limited sessions or outside delays.


That mentality extends to his wider approach to music. He speaks openly about putting in the reps, adapting to modern promotion, and embracing the less glamorous side of the business in order to keep control of his output. His attitude throughout the interview is consistent. If something matters, you learn how to do it rather than waiting on someone else.


Rigs also discusses Da Cloth, the Rochester collective he helped build alongside close collaborators and relatives. He explains that the group came together in 2012 when the members, already active individually, decided to unite and move strategically as a team.


While he does not confirm a full collective project yet, he suggests that the focus is currently on rebuilding momentum following his hiatus and making sure the next major move lands with full impact. Europe also comes up as an important part of the conversation.


Rigs says he works regularly with European producers and artists and is planning to tour overseas. He notes that listeners across Europe often seem more committed to the purist side of the culture, especially compared with the more trend-driven atmosphere he sees in parts of the United States. That appreciation for lyricism and authenticity is one of the reasons he is looking forward to performing there.


When asked what advice he would give to younger artists, Rigs keeps it direct. He urges them to be honest, to be themselves, and not to follow somebody else’s path. He stresses that nobody can fill another person’s role or tell their story in quite the same way, so imitation is ultimately a dead end. Even if success does not come immediately, he argues that artists should keep going until their work connects rather than changing themselves to fit outside expectations.


The interview closes on a note of gratitude, with Rigs thanking listeners for taking the time to hear his story and support his work. Throughout the exchange, he comes across as focused, self-aware and deeply committed to the craft. Rather than chasing quick visibility, he presents himself as an artist building steadily, learning constantly and preparing for a strong run ahead in 2026.


The live broadcast is set for Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, from 8 to 10 PM Indochina Time (ICT), with a replay scheduled on Saturday from 8 to 10 AM (ICT).


DJ King Flow Mixtape Addict episode 94.

Rigs - Dead Flames

Rigs - Drano

Rigs & Estee Nack - We Made It

Daniel Son & Futurewave - Shipping Containers

Barz Banga & AliBlack - Crack Era (Prod Stan Da Man)

Casablanca The Gawd - Finesse (Prod Araabmuzik)

Big Gates & Camoflauge Monk - If You Scared Go To Church

Obleak, Yotto Beatz, Ruste Juxx & Rockness Monstah - Three In The Chamber

Styles P - Simulation

Emskee, Jake Palombo & DJ Dainja - Keyboard Castro Killer

Mic Handz & Aul Purpis - Gun Sleeve

Snoop Dogg - Stop Counting My Pockets

Obleak & Yotto Beatz - Life Sucks And Then You Die

Lateb, REKS & M Dot - Predators

Paul Wall - RIP Old Me

Young Buck, Yelawolf & DJ Paul - OMG

DJ Paul & Freddie Gibbs - Find Out

M Dot - Dreamix

DJ King Flow - Interview With Rigs


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