By Carlos Lima-Lopez

At this point, and at the risk of sounding like a complete music snob, there is no reason for anyone NOT to know who Flying Lotus is. This West Coast maestro is a legend, an icon, and without a doubt, the most singlehandedly influential musician to arise in the last few years. Having been a fan for so long, I can honestly say nothing gets me my money’s worth like hearing FlyLo.

The man has changed the game with each release of his albums, pushing the boundaries all while having fun himself. He is often talked about, and is currently sought after by the likes of Odd Future, Mac Miller, Herbie Hancock, and a slew of other musicians. He has started his own label, Brainfeeder, and has brought about an interesting array of musicians such as The Underachievers, Taylor Mcferrin and the ever amazing Thundercat. Damn it, he has an empire.

Now he has a new album on the corner, and it’s getting me excited. For starters, he has bass wizard Thundercat and new roster of guests. Gasp! Deantoni Parks is on the album. Herbie Hancock is playing on two tracks. Snoop Dogg will be there. The awesome Niki Randa will be providing her chill vocals. Oh, and KENDRICK LAMAR!!! You get the point.

This week at L.A. Power 106, the radio premiered a brand new song by Flying Lotus. Needless to say, it had all the FlyLo fans going completely bonkers. It was perhaps the most viewed song of the night, and all this attention has made Mr. Lotus extremely happy.

How can I describe it? The new song “Never Catch Me” with Kendrick Lamar is aggressive, serene, jazzy, glitchy, and dreamy all at once. It must be noted that Thundercat and drummer extraordinaire Deantoni Parks make an AMAZING rhythm section. They are tight but definitely have room to improvise. The way they jam is undeniably mean.

Kendrick Lamar, being dope as he is, knows how to ride to FlyLo’s music efficiently. This dude is so in the pocket, you’ll be amazed that he never misses a beat. Hearing Kendrick rhyme about life and spirituality is an emotional rollercoaster.

Flying Lotus’s new album, “You’re Dead!” is shaping up be a heater, a game changer, or whatever you want to call it. The new album will be on some next level type ish, and if it’s any indication, that FlyLo/Kanye West collaboration might actually come to fruition.