F.L.

With the recent overwhelming popularity of cannabis legalization, the face of the industry is changing entirely, and the rappers who promote the plant are changing along with it. No longer is it relevant to write songs about criminal or gang activity relating to cannabis, and that might even hurt the chances of it being accepted in mainstream culture. As such, a new breed of rappers like Wiz Khalifah and Kid Cudi are gaining strong momentum, who aren’t about being tough or badass, they just plain love to smoke and embrace everything about cannabis.
In this vein, a rapper by the name of FL is taking the Denver music scene by storm. FL, aka Jayce Cabell, has been making music his entire life, but entered the music scene seriously in 2007, with local hip-hop group The Foodchain. In 2013, he decided to embark on a solo career, and since has released music and collaborations, played shows, and gotten signed as a Red Bull Select artist. His recent release, Young Amsterdam, is not just a hot album—it’s a hot album with a message. FL sees Denver as a place with potential to be the next hotbed of music, culture, cannabis and creativity. As such, he has started the New Amsterdam music to support the arts and cannabis in the city.
“Legalizing weed increased our population, made us a worldwide tourist attraction, and changed the way the rest of the country views Marijuana and the culture that surrounds it,” FL told CULTURE. “Having legal weed made us a ‘Young Amsterdam’ in a sense and the city of Denver has embraced the moniker with open arms. Young Amsterdam is more than a song, more than an album, more than a movement. It's a way of life.”



Young Amsterdam focuses on supporting legal cannabis, promoting the culture, and helping those in need of good medicine. “The Young Amsterdam movement is about embracing the Denver marijuana culture and living it every day, whether you use it for medicinal purposes or recreationally,” FL says. “It's about good natured, fun loving marijuana users, spreading a message of peace and fun while raising awareness across the country. Marijuana Users are normal people who carry themselves like adults and lead responsible lives regardless of their love for the herb. My movement reflects that.”
As part of his Young Amsterdam platform, FL also partners with a local dispensary. “I'm affiliated with an amazing company called River Rock Wellness,” he told us. “They do incredible work on the medicinal side of marijuana consumption, helping with a variety of ailments and even diseases with their PRANA pills. They also have really, really good flower, and have pioneered some of the [new] processes in creating hash.” The dispensary provides backing for FL as an artist, and he in turn promotes awareness of their product.
FL will soon be recording a video for his new song “Cameras” at Green Labs in Denver, a space dedicated to helping cannabis startups and business. The song features plenty of smoking and general chillness, but there is also a strong message behind it. “The song itself is about Amendment 64 making weed legal, and how the whole world is now paying attention to Denver Colorado, and are interested in finding out more,” says FL.
FL’s newest release, Young Amsterdam, is available now, and he is constantly playing and promoting his music live, recording videos, and getting out there to be active in the community. Keep your eyes peeled for the Young Amsterdam movement getting huge in Denver, and for new music from this performer. - Culture Magazine

Like many who call Denver home, Jayce "F.L." Cabell of hip-hop collective the Foodchain enjoys weed. But the reason his most recent album, Young Amsterdam, includes plenty of marijuana imagery and was released on 4/20 has more to do with the interest in Colorado's weed culture than it does with his own enthusiasm.


"I used the idea of 4/20," he says. "Amsterdam is a hub for marijuana around the world, and I was just saying we're next up when it comes to this type of thing. Weed culture was a constant in Colorado for a long time before it was legal. It is the epitome of the culture itself."

FL used the attention earned by last year's legalization of pot for recreational use not only to lure fans, but also to pull in producers from different regions. "One of the producers I found in L.A., named Fortune, was familiar with Denver because of the weed culture but wasn't really familiar with the music scene."

FL isn't alone in believing that the interest in weed culture can spark interest in other parts of the Denver scene. Fortune wasn't initially that enthusiastic about Young Amsterdam, but the finished product hooked him. "I bought a few beats from him, and I never sent anything until it was done," says FL. "And then the questions about the scene here just started flowing.

"I wanted to show the best qualities of the city as a whole to someone who isn't familiar with us. You can go to the liquor store, then the little corner store for some cigarettes and sodas, and then to the dispensary -- all in one stop."


Young Amsterdam attempts to build that bridge between pot culture and Denver culture, but FL knows it takes more than a concept to accomplish something like that. The music has to be compelling on its own.

"You have, like, thirty seconds to get someone's attention," notes FL, "or the first two tracks of an album. If they're rocking with it, they'll get deeper into the project or song. Then they're ready to listen to whatever else you play for them next."


Like much of FL's music, Young Amsterdam has melancholy undertones. It is meticulously crafted, with high-quality production, stinging punchlines and calm bravado. And although it's his second solo release, his work with the Foodchain -- a group that's been featured on major hip-hop blogs, opened for a slew of national headliners and recorded with the likes of Raekwon -- is still much better known.

"Foodchain is well known as a group, but most fans didn't even know our names," says FL. "I'm one of the most elusive members; it's just my personality."

On Young Amsterdam, he employs a wide range of sounds and delivers some of his most impressive lyrics. The album is more than capable of keeping the attention of fans who started out just caring about the connection to pot.

"It's not just about weed. I can talk about the culture as a whole in that light," says FL. "The Chronic and projects like that are classic because of the concepts. I wanted Young Amsterdam to be an experience more than anything. I wanted to make it about the culture and my own personal situation. I'm a heavy weed smoker, but on top of that, I'm talking about the culture in our city." - Westword Magazine

F.Lawless -

A member of The Foodchain, Jayce Cabell, aka FL is one of the most talented lyricist in the game. His flow paints vivid pictures with poetic delivery. Recently releasing Young Amsterdam, FL gives fans a taste of Colorado culture that reaches far beyond the cliche stereotypes. His production selection is top notch greatly displayed on his previous project as well, Limbo. FL is currently a Red Bull signature artist and is highly featured on the 3hree project with the single, “All or Nothing.”

Personal Song Picks – “The Game,” “Ridin Shotty”
F.Lawless Of The Foodchain – The Game (OFFICIAL V…: http://youtu.be/XVOngTkfsjU - Respect The Underground (Blog)

If you’re out here in Colorado with us there’s no way you’re unaware of this great states recent achievement. In celebration of this, FL of The Foodchain recently titled his latest mixtape after the cities recently adorned nickname of “Young Amsterdam”. Hailing from the great state of Colorado himself it’s pretty clear FL is content lounging out here in CO. “Cameras” is the opening track on the “Young Amsterdam” tape. Between the ominous beat that back this track Squizzy Gang’s AP also strolls through to make sure things start burning up right. You can find the remainder of the tape via this link: Here, but in the meantime see how this Denver emcee does his thing. - The Dankles

Young Amsterdam, FL’s latest release named after the budding weed culture in Colorado very much follows the tried and true procedural method of smoking herb. FL, fresh off the release of LIMBO last year, wasted no time and dropped Young Amsterdam on wildly appropriate 4/20. Yet there is not one thing about this project that feels rushed. Ideally crafted like a finely rolled blunt, from spark to roach the listening experience feels almost like the smooth smoke twisting and twirling into your lungs, each track inching you closer and closer to the euphoria you’re anticipating.
The preparation begins over the Neon Brown produced intro, starting slow with a gradual uptick over a slow and deliberate cannabis friendly diatribe, the listener is given ample time to roll up. The second track, “Cameras” marks the first couple pulls on the stick, FL gets it really burning strong with the combination of gentle articulation and forceful language, passing to AP midway. The beat with a Lana del Rey cut produced by Future fits both of the emcees styles snugly.
“Just Fine” symbolizes the transition, as you’ve smoked enough to be in the “limbo” between that desired head change. The almost bipolar and heavily layered Mass Prod beat teeters between the two different dimensions effortlessly, sonically massaging the brain through the transformation. From the subtle nod at the age old “cannabi for men” joke to the numerous metaphors and double entendres, FL is in fact in “his zone” on this one.
The repetitive and whimsical production on “Crazy Things” balanced by the vigorous spit of FL, Mr. Midas and AP is almost dream evoking. As it melts into the next track, “Dimes,” the albums energy eases up a notch, implying an almost sativa-like high. Quickly reverting back to mellow, the almost sedated “Tell Me,” produced by Mahxie employs a slowed down bridge, taking all thought to a screeching halt.
Young Amsterdam closes with the title track that doesn’t serve as a comfortable conclusion, rather a devotional ballad to the lady that inspired this project in the first place. Much like the first blunt, there’s no disappointment when putting it out, instead only contentment until it’s time for the next. FL is no shallow emcee. His clever, near prophesying quips ensure his fans remain eager and after an album like that, also hungry, for what’s to come next. - Hip-Hop Roll Call

The momentous energy that surrounds F. Lawless these days is palpable. He’s aligned himself with the upcoming summer season, snaking through block after city block with an onslaught of heat. He spoke with us about his recent membership in the Red Bull Sounds Select family (along with the equally unstoppable ReMINDers duo), his strategy behind his newly released project, and what else he has planned – spoiler, it’s more, and it’s sooner, than you’d expect.


So, congratulations are in order! You are officially a Red Bull Sound Select artist. What’s the story behind how that happened for you?
Thank you! So basically DJ Low Key has had a great relationship with Red Bull for the last few years. They recently approached him to be a Local Denver curator for their Red Bull Sound Select Program. Low Key has been a strong supporter of both foodchain, and my recent solo efforts, LIMBO and Young Amsterdam. Beyond that Low Key is a super knowledgeable, dedicated DJ and is really dedicated to displaying dope talent in our city. Long story short, Low Key felt that myself and The ReMINDers would be great fits for the Sound Select program, and the rest is history.
Red Bull tends to be very beneficial to their affiliated artists – what have they explained to you about their game plan for you and your music?
Indeed Red Bull is staking a claim for themselves in Music for sure! Not only do they have Producer, MC, and DJ battles, they’re really interested in breaking new artists as well. They basically explained that Red Bull is genuinely looking to help great artists further develop their career on the national/international level. They have helped place artists on festivals, helped with exposure, even helped a group of artist purchase a tour vehicle. The sky is the limit really. If I bring them something that I’m trying to do, and it makes sense, Red Bull will use their brand power to help me achieve my goals. Chance The Rapper, ScottyATL, Cherub, and GoldYard are all Red Bull Sound Select artists who have been helped along the way by this amazing brand. The game plan for me specifically hasn’t unfolded quite yet, but i’m looking forward to working with them 2014 and beyond for sure.
I’m Singing All The Hooks, I’m Shoutin’ My Gang Out, And Showing Love To The City That I Named The Project After; Denver, Colorado. I Did This One For Denver.
The new album Young Amsterdam is fire, and is burnin’ the whole city up. While you retain your signature sound, it’s fair to say it’s a departure from LIMBO. What was your goal with this album?
Ultimately my goal for this album was to do just that; depart from LIMBO. I feel like LIMBO was a project I had to make. Something that I needed to do. Something I needed to get off my chest, to show people where I’m at, and display that I’m just as human as the next person, and that I have this goal to be considered a great. With Young Amsterdam it’s different. I explained to someone that Young Amsterdam is more of an Experience than anything. I wanted to just make shit I thought was dope, regardless of what people have come to expect from me. I’m singing all the hooks, I’m shoutin’ my gang out, and showing love to the city that I named the project after; Denver, Colorado. I did this one for Denver.
Your albums employ various producers but your sound is this incredibly distinctive G’d out etherialism. How does your beat selection remain cohesive despite all the different hands on it?
youngamsterdamFirst off thank you! I’ve never had my music described to me so that’s dope haha. I went on the hunt for beats for a good 2-3 weeks just listening to a lot of shit. I smoke a lot of weed, and play Soundcloud all day, so that part came easy, haha. I began to look at a specific circle of producers and through doing that, I found Fortune, who is a dope young guy from LA. I put some records together and he sent me a few more, which spawned “TIME,” “Half Baked,” and “Cameras.” From there I just picked a lot of production I felt like was in that vein. Synth heavy, melodic, and easy to vibe wit. I found out about Mahxie and KushedOutTreezy who are two young dudes from Denver, and really got them involved with this project. “Crazy Things” was one of the first Mahxie records I did, and “1000 Roses” came out so well with Treezy, I ended up doing “Dimes.” Mass Prod of course provided a heater, with “Just Fine” and I reached out to my extended foodchain fam Aly from Stockton CA for “The 1 Up.” Neon Brown finished everything off with the Intro. I showed him the entire project, and he just bodied that intro. It all just fit together really well I think because everyone felt the scene I was creating and wanted to do their part.
You hailed Young Amsterdam as the official album of 420, and indeed performed at the huge Civic Center rally (some estimates clocked the crowd at 80,000). What was that experience like for you?
I Became A Part Of That Moment In History. I’m Proud Of That.
That’s one of those once in a lifetime things. Definitely a surreal experience! Being a part of the first legal rally was huge for me. I made the project not knowing I was going to be a part of the rally, and once I learned that I was gonna be there, it just made sense to label it the official sound track to 4:20. Im glad I did, because I think it drew people who had never heard of me before into wanting to learn more, and even buying copies and merchandise from the rally. I became a part of that moment in history. I’m proud of that.

The Bun B show is Sunday night, and it seems like everyone and their mama is excited for it (us included). How are you feelin’ about it and what can we expect on the 27th?
bunbAh man! To share the stage with a legend of this caliber will be incredible. The originator of Trill, one half of one of the greatest duo’s in rap, UGK! You can expect me to give my all, as well as a lot of tunes from the new project, but most importantly you can expect really dope music from The ReMINDers, myself, DJ Low Key, and of course, OG Bun B.
Any shout outs, events, and/or plans for the future you’d like to mention?
No Doubt! S/O to everyone who contributed, and assisted me with the creation of YA. The list is short, you know who you are! S/O my foodchain brethren. Oren L, formerly known as ChampionSoundKillaBlack (CSKB), will be releasing a project called BS | BS | BC super soon, so look for that! I have a lot of performances coming up, so check out my facebook page for updates.
I have TWO more projects coming this year (maybe more), the first one being Mister Freedom which is a duo, consisting of me and Neon Brown. That should be very dope and extremely different from both LIMBO and YA. I’ll be finishing the year with E.I.T.R. which I’m kind of keeping secret for a while! And last but not least S/O HipHopRollCall for always showing interest in what I’m doing. It’s great to have support from you guys. - Hip-Hop Roll Call

Denver native FL preps his fans for his Young Amsterdam project (out 4/20 of course) with his latest single "Time." Check it out below. - 2Dopeboyz

FL -- of the Denver collective The Foodchain -- comes through with the release of his debut solo project, LIMBO. 14-original cuts from the indie emcee. - 2Dopeboyz

If you pour liquid into any container, it occupies every space possible. No fissure, angle, or curve will be left untouched. The same can be said for the way FL occupies the space on his debut solo album LIMBO; he uses every inch of all 14 tracks, and fills even the most remote corner of the project. F. Lawless is surrounded by a talented camp, as his city is now well aware, and the fullness of the album is aided heavily by those dependable featured artists, as well as varied production that has only dopeness consistently in common. The sound is fresh, detailed, and oh-so fucking hip-hop.
The first track, “City Intro” is a bizarre introduction with almost indecipherable screwed vocals, and not necessarily sonically indicative of what’s to come. From there though, the get-down commences. “Beautiful Occasion” is a Samiyam-produced track with Jay-Z “Roc Boys”-esque horns. FL takes advantage of the swaggy backdrop by flexing his veteran delivery, complete with emphatic pauses, precise timing, and conversational inflection. LIMBO is drenched in lyricism, and “No Foldin” houses some of his most head turning verbal, “The city wasn’t ready but now they see we for real with it, lyricists risin’ above all these ventriloquists, didn’t write that but repeatin’ it like you killin’ shit.” We’re even treated to some rarely heard double time flow from FL on “Take Two,” and frankly he sounds almost as convincing as rappers that have long ago adopted that as their full-time style. His rhyme scheme and overall performance on “Young Amsterdam” (a hazey GunMetal Prod masterpiece) is arguably his best on the album. It also has one of ChampSound’s best featured verses, as he does his best to evoke Slick Rick in his attention to detail.
The production on this project is pretty impressive across the board, but when you hear a GunMetal Prod (known to most as Mass Prod) beat, it’s a fucking Pacquiao right hook to the temple. You don’t even have to look at the liner notes- you just know. The hidden track on the album is the best beat on the project, accompanied by well timed flow from FL, who intermittently matches up his vocals to the Lou Rawls “Early Morning Love” sample.
LIMBO is aptly named, as FL’s content revolves almost exclusively around his place in the rap game; this “limbo” that he’s in as a talent poised for take-over, teetering on the cusp. There’s no love songs, no stripper anthems, no mindless club bangers, and there’s only one weed track. While from another emcee that themed strategy might get tired over the course of 14 tracks, FL has the album dripping with solid wordplay over impeccable production that’s sure to keep your ear to the speaker. - Hip-Hop Roll Call