I first met Chase “Flow” Bradley at least 10 years ago when I was working at the Grammy Awards. I can’t remember the context but I do remember him being a genuine and consistently cool person as well as a multi-talented, multi-disciplinary rapper, DJ, and producer dedicated to not only his craft but also to mentoring youth to pass on what he has learned about songwriting, production, DJing and the business aspect. A true music lover, he has collaborated with artists across genres including electronic and dance. In fact, he has performed with a long time friend of mine, the beautiful and talented dance electronic artist, L. Ariel. I’ve just seen him continue to grow over the years and been really impressed with his commitment to both developing his craft and always having the community and youth in mind. Recently I saw that he had been performing all over the globe and was really excited to learn more about his experiences bridging cultures and crossing borders especially taking hip-hop from his hometown of Philly to spots as far as India, Tokyo, and the Philippines.
Here is a condensed version of some of what Chase shared with me:
What styles of music growing up sparked your love of music?
“The music that sparked me into wanting to create was by Bad Boy Records and the Wu-Tang Clan, though I grew up listening to a wide range of music from Jazz to Funk to Gospel, but ultimately it was Hip-Hop that resonated with my spirit. Two groups I recall hearing do Hip-Hop for the first time were Christian groups Transformation Crusade and my older brother’s group Infinity as well as the pioneering hip-hop band Arrested Development. They were my introduction to the game, but ultimately it was the production of RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan and the witty lyricism of the late great Notorious B.I.G. that captured my attention and made me fall in love with the culture and the art.”
Can you share some other artists who have been heros or influenced you in your work?
“Definitely powerhouse dynasties like Wu-Tang, Bad Boy, Roc-A-Fella are standouts that influenced and sparked my love for the genre of hip-hop. In terms of rappers, The Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West, Black Thought of the world famous Roots crew, Jadakiss, Jay-Z, and Nas. On the production and songwriting side, RZA, Stevie Wonder, The Neptunes, Quincy Jones, Just Blaze, Kanye, Pete Rock, J Dilla, Gamble and Huff, Bruce Hawes, Thom Bell, Robert Glasper all have inspired me in my style. “
Can you tell me about the youth organizations and mentoring you have been involved in?
“The Chase What Matters Program (The CWM Program) is a nonprofit program I started fall of 2022 back in my hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania teaching children the basics of songwriting, music production, DJing and the business of music. I first got involved with working with youth 2014 working with an organization in Anaheim, California, Rytmo (Reaching Youth Through Music Opportunities).
My vision is to expand the program globally and empower youth who aspire to become professionals in the music industry and create channels for youth worldwide to be able to connect and collaborate with each other. “
Can you share the story of how you ended up going internationally to play music and what has that experience been like? Have you found local music in the different countries that inspires you? What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned?
“My first time I ever traveled out the country was in high school to Quebec, Canada for a retreat with my school. But it was a trip to Hong Kong and The Philippines with my cousin in 2017 that would change my life. Ever since that trip I haven’t missed a year of traveling internationally even through Covid. Traveling for me is a huge part in my life and feeds my creative energy. I find it important to see life from other perspectives to help me broaden my view from just what I knew from growing up. As a DJ, knowing what moves people and how to blend that with stuff I know and like, shows how we are all connected in life. I’ve deejayed on cruise ships, night clubs, and bars all around the world and the power of American music continues to be impactful everywhere I go. In terms of some of my go-to international songs that really get people excited, there is Master KG-Jerusalema of South Africa, Stan Rogers – Barrett’s Privateers of Canada, Joe Arroyo- Rebelión of Colombia, just to name a few.
I recently just came back from a tour through Asia touring my latest project Thank God 4 Hip Hop and the vibes of that continent were very very inspiring for me. A standout inspiration for me was Shibuya, a region in Tokyo, Japan. As I was headed to DJ, I saw an impromptu crowd gathered in an alley having a concert. It just showed me that no matter language, color, religion, or gender music is something that connects us all as humans. One thing as a DJ no matter where I go or what crowd I play for, Michael Jackson always gets the party moving. “
Can you tell me more about your specific projects and ventures you are working on?
“I’ve been apart of starting so many different ventures over the years. 2013 I started my own production company/label Chase What Matters Music Group (CWMMG), Pretty Girls Rave (PGR), the Outro Radio Show and my newest Thank God 4 Hip Hop.
Thank God 4 Hip Hop is a compilation album/mixtape I put together to showcase music I had produced and wrote for different artists. This was my introduction as a host mixtape DJ by myself. Thank God 4 Hip Hop is really more than just a brand logo and music, but an homage to two important things that saved my life, God and Hip-Hop. This is just my way of saying thank you to God and the culture of Hip-Hop. There will be more projects, merch and content coming soon under the brand.”
What kind of dreams and goals do you envision?
“My dreams as a musician of course charting in the billboard hot 100, having a few number ones, platinum and Diamond records, a few Grammys, AMAs, etc as a producer, songwriter and artist. I want to help over a thousand kids worldwide, create more jobs and opportunities for people by helping guide and inspire the future musicians of the world through my program initiatives.”
I have no doubt that Chase will be walking up to that Grammy podium in short order! In the meantime, he continues to shine his light worldwide! You can find Chase at the links below and if you’re in the Philly area catch him at the Chitlin Circuit Presents: Summer Sun-Sets Live Concert featuring The Inglorious, and a live DJ set by Chaseflow International on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Indy Hall in Philadelphia.
- Chase Flow International Website
- Chase What Matters Music Group Store
- Chase Flow x Wavyy Jonez x $Major$- Keys 2 the Kingdom
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