Born Anthony Grant, Blow Flyy is a songwriter and Canadian hip-hop/rap artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Interestingly, Blow Flyy grew up writing poems of inspiration, love and happiness. Having been in the underground hip-hop music scene in the years that followed, he took time to study how the music industry operates and discover his unique niche. Blow Flyy steers clear of the traditional mainstream fodder by using more creative language in his lyrics and keeps it clean so that he can reach listeners of all ages. The music that he produces and pens are influenced by his family and passion to create good music. Perhaps it is for these reasons, that audiences have responded so enthusiastically to his debut single 'That's My Girl' and follow up radio hit 'My Wings'. Reporter Lily Clark caught up with Blow Flyy recently to learn more about this intriguing new hip-hop artist:

LILY: When did you first discover your love of music?
BLOW FLYY: I first discovered my love for music listening to guys like Maestro, Fresh Wes and Dream Warriors. Great Canadian hip-hop artists’ music had a lot to do with me discovering my love for hip-hop music. Also coming from a family that had musicians and singers, I feel it’s in me to be a part of music in some form.

LILY: Your song 'That's My Girl’ has been a big hit on radio for its third straight month. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BLOW FLYY: I was grateful. I gave thanks to God. That was my first reaction. God is the reason for everything that is going on with my music. I am blessed to have a dedicated manager that believes in me and that I can fully trust to give me the right advice on what we should do next as I continually grow as a songwriter and artist. Also I am blessed to have a producer that is always growing, learning and being relevant and creative with my sound. This is only possible with God’s will and I give all thanks to Him and my fans. 

LILY: What was the inspiration behind 'That's My Girl’? Was there someone in particular you were writing about?
BLOW FLYY: The inspiration behind ‘That's My Girl’ had a lot to do with some personal experience. All my music is filled with my real life experiences, and things that I see that go on all around me. 

LILY: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as 'That's My Girl'?
BLOW FLYY: No, each song has its own story, own mood and feeling. I want to give a variety of music moods and feelings to the world.

LILY: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
BLOW FLYY: I'm down-to-earth and fun-loving yes, but I can be serious when it's time. My friends and family will say the same. As a songwriter and artist, I think we need a lot more of the down-to-earth and fun-loving.

LILY: Some of your listeners are wondering if a music video for this song is on the horizon. What can we tell them?
BLOW FLYY: Right now my management team and I are talking about doing a ‘That's My Girl’ video and currently are in the process of getting funding possibly to do a video by year’s end. 

LILY: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
BLOW FLYY: What I find most rewarding about being an artist is that I get to express my feelings in a way people all over the world can relate to and find their happiness. The most challenging part about being an artist is getting the right people around you that believe in your vision and help you work towards that so everyone can be successful. This along with working on a very limited budget is challenging. As it is, I also work a 9 to 5 job to support my family and my music. My manager also works 9 to 5 to support his family and the Blow Flyy Brand.

LILY: Who are your role models in music?
BLOW FLYY: I don't have role models in music. My role model is my mother, somebody that works two jobs to keep food on the table, fresh gear on my back and a roof over my head. That's my role model. My mother, grandmother and aunties, the women of my family, are my role models.

LILY: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BLOW FLYY: Be yourself. Tell the truth in your music. There is always somebody that can relate to truth better then lies.

LILY: What's next for Blow Flyy? Is there a follow-up single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BLOW FLYY: Currently working on a new album called ‘Born To Dream’. Look out for that album and more great music.

LILY: I look forward to it. Thanks for sharing your story with me. I wish you continued success and good luck!

© 2014 Greycastle News Corporation