Hollywood FLOSS

Southern rap artist and school teacher Hollywood Floss has been simultaneously building his music career in his native Houston, while giving back to the community and he’s chosen two organizations that tie in with his love of hip hop. We Give A Jam gathers school supplies for inner-city students with a breakdancing competition as the main event and Rap Camp is an outreach program for aspiring MCs, DJs and producers.

“These organizations are both huge in my life because I know how important they are to helping new talent and keeping good talented kids away from the streets or helping smart students who may not have all the school supplies they need get what they need from the We Give A Jam giveaway,” the 30-year-old born Bruce Jones tells Samaritanmag.

“Each year, one underprivileged school is chosen; the event and fundraiser is held at the school or near the school. The event includes a free concert from local talent recognized by the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle, artists who come out and draw, and 8 to 10 teams of breakdancers who have a battle — the highlight of the evening.”

On We Give A Jam Facebook page, it describes the event as “a one of a kind breakdancing competition and community outreach fundraiser. Once a year, the RNS Community Outreach Program sponsors a Houston inner-city school to hold a breakdancing competition, also known as a ‘jam.’

"Breakdancers from around Texas come to compete for prize money and spectators from the school and community have the opportunity to watch people using the arts to excel. People wishing to compete or attend will be asked to bring $10 in school supplies to be donated to the sponsored school."

In addition to the 2 on 2 breakdancing contest, the family-friendly event also includes live music, dance exhibitions, community speakers, food, games, face painting and reading programs for children.

Interest in youth and community stems from Hollywood Floss' job as an inner-city teacher. His decision to get involved with We Give A Jam and Rap Camp came from seeing the growing number of kids interested in music and entertainment, but not having the funds to explore it further.

He also sees the valuable role that these organizations play in helping to bring the youth of Houston together in a positive way.


We Give A Jam 2012 B-boy contest, at Pearland Shopping Center — photo credit: David Garcia.
“Houston is a huge city and everything is so spread out; there are so many talents everyday that you never get to see, so when you have one or two centralized organizations trying to help out, it really pushes for unity in the city,” he says. “You also see collabs with more musicians from southwest artists with north-side artists who might never work together or don’t have the funds or a place to record professionally.”

While there’s a cash prize incentive in the We Give A Jam breakdancing competition, Rap Camp also tries to offer cool ways to reward the artists who participate. The best performers at this year’s event will have the opportunity to open for Memphis, Tennessee giants Three 6 Mafia when they play Houston in August, Hollywood Floss says.

Of course, it isn’t all fun. There are challenges with taking on projects of this magnitude in a city as big as Houston. When asked about how his charity work has changed him, he says, “I’m not going to lie — it tests your patience to the highest degree dealing with so many personality types. I’d like to believe I have a little more patience.”

- See more at: http://www.samaritanmag.com/spotlights/rapper-hollywood-floss-uses-urban-arts-help-houston-youth#sthash.S3UMvpbj.dpuf - Julia Wallace

This young Houston, TX native drops this new 12 tracked gem on us. Peep the tracklist and download below.

- Combat Jack

This young Houston, TX native drops this new 12 tracked gem on us. Peep the tracklist and download below.

- Combat Jack

I got out of the van in time to catch the 4th overtime of the Texas A&M game in the V.I.P. Lounge before wandering over to Hollywood F.L.O.S.S. I recently saw F.L.O.S.S. open for Das Racist and loved how the full band transformed the energy of an impatient crowd of waiting hip-hop fans. Saturday night wasn't much different except for the fact that no one had been waiting two hours for a headliner. Everyone seemed like they were there to see - Allison Wagoner

http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2009/08/hollywood-floss-art-or-fiscal-intelligence-mixtape

"..his talent is unquestionable.
After pledging allegiance to “Houston’s Underground” earlier this year over a slick, string-heavy beat and Bun-B voice-sample, ‘wood was nominated for two awards (Best Underground Artist and Best New Act) by the Houston Press. If traditional promo’s not enough to gain your ear, homie is also currently pushing his new mixtape, Art-or-fiscal Intelligence, which you can download for free below."
- BEWARE

Houston’s Hollywood Floss is more than just a rapper. He is a teacher in every sense of the word.

A middle school teacher by day, by night he can best be described as a science professor. Floss concocts savvy raps and progressive ways to make a name for himself on the Internet, while schooling the competitive local scene on how to hustle and be relevant. The experiment is working. Floss — a hit with some of hip-hops more influential music sites in 2dopeboyz, the Smoking Section, weworemasks —will be opening for Dead Prez at 8 tonight at Fitzgerald’s.

“You need that credibility in this day and age,” Floss said about the blog world. “I can never go to China, but if you post me on there (the Internet), I’m in China or I’m in Singapore in an hour. It was a blessing I could get on those sites that can hold your career.”

The Internet is just one aspect of Floss’ attack. He has targeted urban, hip-hop-based retail shops throughout North America by sending 2010 release, House of Dreams , for free distribution.

“Once a week, I mail out 10 of my CDs to stores and ask them to put them in the bag and give it away.” Floss said. “This isn’t just Houston stores; I’m talking about Boston, San Francisco and Canada. Internet is just one hustle. Some have the hustle in the streets and don’t have the Internet. I’m trying to combine both.”

Hollywood Floss began rapping in 2006 in what he described as a “natural progression” from hanging out with his hip-hop-loving older cousins. In 2008, he released his first mixtape in unique fashion. With record sales down throughout the industry, Floss looked toward the future.

95.com MusicHouston rapper Hollywood Floss to open for Dead Prez
<< Houston's The Energy gets split personality | Main | Philippe: The French Cowboy's saloon in Houston >>
Mike Damante at 3:06 pm on August 17, 2011

Hollywood Floss schools the local scene on Internet hustle.: Cody Duty
Houston’s Hollywood Floss is more than just a rapper. He is a teacher in every sense of the word.

A middle school teacher by day, by night he can best be described as a science professor. Floss concocts savvy raps and progressive ways to make a name for himself on the Internet, while schooling the competitive local scene on how to hustle and be relevant. The experiment is working. Floss — a hit with some of hip-hops more influential music sites in 2dopeboyz, the Smoking Section, weworemasks —will be opening for Dead Prez at 8 tonight at Fitzgerald’s.

“You need that credibility in this day and age,” Floss said about the blog world. “I can never go to China, but if you post me on there (the Internet), I’m in China or I’m in Singapore in an hour. It was a blessing I could get on those sites that can hold your career.”

The Internet is just one aspect of Floss’ attack. He has targeted urban, hip-hop-based retail shops throughout North America by sending 2010 release, House of Dreams , for free distribution.

“Once a week, I mail out 10 of my CDs to stores and ask them to put them in the bag and give it away.” Floss said. “This isn’t just Houston stores; I’m talking about Boston, San Francisco and Canada. Internet is just one hustle. Some have the hustle in the streets and don’t have the Internet. I’m trying to combine both.”

Hollywood Floss began rapping in 2006 in what he described as a “natural progression” from hanging out with his hip-hop-loving older cousins. In 2008, he released his first mixtape in unique fashion. With record sales down throughout the industry, Floss looked toward the future.


“Say you make 80 songs — I mean, obviously, an underground person can’t do that — say Kanye West makes 80 songs in the span of a year and puts them on his website with 30 seconds snippets of the songs,” Floss explained. “Depending on the snippets, the fans choose 10 of the songs and they pay $10. That was the future; that is what I was thinking.”

Floss had the business model in place but didn’t have the budget, so he adapted his idea for a smaller scale.

“Of course I don’t have that budget, so say I make 20 songs and I give it to you for free and you make the track listings off of your favorite eight songs and make your own Hollywood Floss CD,” Floss said. “It makes you part of the creative process, rather me just force-feeding (the listener); you are part of the project. I did club songs, emotional songs, concept songs and songs where I’m just spittin’ like Lil’ Wayne does. It is called ‘Experiment,’ where it is actually an experiment since I’m concocting a lab experiment with my music.”

Floss plans to release a new mixtape, One Fan At A Time , in September before revisiting the ‘experiment’ concept. In the meantime, he’ll be playing shows around town

The underground hip-hop scene is just as competitive as any, and Hollywood Floss plans to shine by just being himself.

“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I teach school and I love basketball,” Floss said. “I got no tattoos, I wea - Mike Damante

Houston’s Hollywood Floss is more than just a rapper. He is a teacher in every sense of the word.

A middle school teacher by day, by night he can best be described as a science professor. Floss concocts savvy raps and progressive ways to make a name for himself on the Internet, while schooling the competitive local scene on how to hustle and be relevant. The experiment is working. Floss — a hit with some of hip-hops more influential music sites in 2dopeboyz, the Smoking Section, weworemasks —will be opening for Dead Prez at 8 tonight at Fitzgerald’s.

“You need that credibility in this day and age,” Floss said about the blog world. “I can never go to China, but if you post me on there (the Internet), I’m in China or I’m in Singapore in an hour. It was a blessing I could get on those sites that can hold your career.”

The Internet is just one aspect of Floss’ attack. He has targeted urban, hip-hop-based retail shops throughout North America by sending 2010 release, House of Dreams , for free distribution.

“Once a week, I mail out 10 of my CDs to stores and ask them to put them in the bag and give it away.” Floss said. “This isn’t just Houston stores; I’m talking about Boston, San Francisco and Canada. Internet is just one hustle. Some have the hustle in the streets and don’t have the Internet. I’m trying to combine both.”

Hollywood Floss began rapping in 2006 in what he described as a “natural progression” from hanging out with his hip-hop-loving older cousins. In 2008, he released his first mixtape in unique fashion. With record sales down throughout the industry, Floss looked toward the future.

95.com MusicHouston rapper Hollywood Floss to open for Dead Prez
<< Houston's The Energy gets split personality | Main | Philippe: The French Cowboy's saloon in Houston >>
Mike Damante at 3:06 pm on August 17, 2011

Hollywood Floss schools the local scene on Internet hustle.: Cody Duty
Houston’s Hollywood Floss is more than just a rapper. He is a teacher in every sense of the word.

A middle school teacher by day, by night he can best be described as a science professor. Floss concocts savvy raps and progressive ways to make a name for himself on the Internet, while schooling the competitive local scene on how to hustle and be relevant. The experiment is working. Floss — a hit with some of hip-hops more influential music sites in 2dopeboyz, the Smoking Section, weworemasks —will be opening for Dead Prez at 8 tonight at Fitzgerald’s.

“You need that credibility in this day and age,” Floss said about the blog world. “I can never go to China, but if you post me on there (the Internet), I’m in China or I’m in Singapore in an hour. It was a blessing I could get on those sites that can hold your career.”

The Internet is just one aspect of Floss’ attack. He has targeted urban, hip-hop-based retail shops throughout North America by sending 2010 release, House of Dreams , for free distribution.

“Once a week, I mail out 10 of my CDs to stores and ask them to put them in the bag and give it away.” Floss said. “This isn’t just Houston stores; I’m talking about Boston, San Francisco and Canada. Internet is just one hustle. Some have the hustle in the streets and don’t have the Internet. I’m trying to combine both.”

Hollywood Floss began rapping in 2006 in what he described as a “natural progression” from hanging out with his hip-hop-loving older cousins. In 2008, he released his first mixtape in unique fashion. With record sales down throughout the industry, Floss looked toward the future.


“Say you make 80 songs — I mean, obviously, an underground person can’t do that — say Kanye West makes 80 songs in the span of a year and puts them on his website with 30 seconds snippets of the songs,” Floss explained. “Depending on the snippets, the fans choose 10 of the songs and they pay $10. That was the future; that is what I was thinking.”

Floss had the business model in place but didn’t have the budget, so he adapted his idea for a smaller scale.

“Of course I don’t have that budget, so say I make 20 songs and I give it to you for free and you make the track listings off of your favorite eight songs and make your own Hollywood Floss CD,” Floss said. “It makes you part of the creative process, rather me just force-feeding (the listener); you are part of the project. I did club songs, emotional songs, concept songs and songs where I’m just spittin’ like Lil’ Wayne does. It is called ‘Experiment,’ where it is actually an experiment since I’m concocting a lab experiment with my music.”

Floss plans to release a new mixtape, One Fan At A Time , in September before revisiting the ‘experiment’ concept. In the meantime, he’ll be playing shows around town

The underground hip-hop scene is just as competitive as any, and Hollywood Floss plans to shine by just being himself.

“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I teach school and I love basketball,” Floss said. “I got no tattoos, I wea - Mike Damante

The jazzy hip-hop trio teams up with Hollywood Floss for a chill, relaxed track.

- Vibe Magazine Online

The jazzy hip-hop trio teams up with Hollywood Floss for a chill, relaxed track.

- Vibe Magazine Online

Houston, Texas’ Hollywood FLOSS is of a rare breed. While he might ask you to check out his music on Twitter or elsewhere, he isn’t obnoxious or annoying in his approach. Rather, he does so in a genial manner amidst discussion of, say, the new Phonte album. That same approach can be heard throughout FLOSS’ latest project, the free One Fan At A Time album. It’s not terribly understated or anything like that — there are several flat-out bangers on here like “Lights Out” — but it’s an honest, direct project from the young rhymer who’s absolutely due for a bigger audience.

- Andrew Martin

It’s said that it’s all in a name. One exception to the rule is Hollywood Floss. The emerging rapper isn’t from the city the movie industry made famous. Rather, he’s from Houston. Nonetheless, the Texan has material that demonstrates he may deserve some time in the spotlight.

His free album “One Fan A Time” features solid production and well-executed concepts and lyrics. “Dear Fans” salutes his followers and includes a well-placed and imaginative beat change, while “Champion SH!t” features him trading rhymes with Kidz in the Hall’s Naledge.

Although it’s not on “One Fan At A Time,” Floss also engages in some clever wordplay on “Attack of Hollywood REDUX,” where he cleverly weaves the name of actors and films into a compelling narrative, a la GZA/Genius. Hollywood Floss clearly isn’t in the same league as the Wu-Tang Claner yet, but he’s definitely got potential.

- Soren Baker for Red Bull

It’s said that it’s all in a name. One exception to the rule is Hollywood Floss. The emerging rapper isn’t from the city the movie industry made famous. Rather, he’s from Houston. Nonetheless, the Texan has material that demonstrates he may deserve some time in the spotlight.

His free album “One Fan A Time” features solid production and well-executed concepts and lyrics. “Dear Fans” salutes his followers and includes a well-placed and imaginative beat change, while “Champion SH!t” features him trading rhymes with Kidz in the Hall’s Naledge.

Although it’s not on “One Fan At A Time,” Floss also engages in some clever wordplay on “Attack of Hollywood REDUX,” where he cleverly weaves the name of actors and films into a compelling narrative, a la GZA/Genius. Hollywood Floss clearly isn’t in the same league as the Wu-Tang Claner yet, but he’s definitely got potential.

- Soren Baker for Red Bull

The name Hollywood FLOSS might appear to be a glaring discrepancy in the Houston native’s moniker, but don’t let the name fool you. Since the release of his first solo mixtape The Art or Fiscal Intelligence, FLOSS has been gaining love and working the festival circuit performing at A3C and SXSW. His new project, One Fan At A Time dropped September 20th and features appearances from Jackie Chain, Brian Angel (Day 26), and Naledge (KIDZ in the Hall).
“Stalker” and “Attack of Hollywood” are a couple tracks off the aforementioned project. TWV interview coming soon.

- Nene Wallace Reed of The Well Versed

Hollywood Floss: One of Houston's hardest working underground rappers, it seems that the lyrically adept Hollywood Floss is featured on yet another music blog weekly, if not daily. A great ear for production paired with a good flow, and a bit of playfulness infect his rhymes. To top it off, he often performs with a live band, the Pinecones -- something we love to see rappers do. Grab his latest mixtape, One Fan At A Time, which dropped in late September, and then hit up his website to find the rest. - Marc BruBaker of Houston Press

Hollywood Floss: One of Houston's hardest working underground rappers, it seems that the lyrically adept Hollywood Floss is featured on yet another music blog weekly, if not daily. A great ear for production paired with a good flow, and a bit of playfulness infect his rhymes. To top it off, he often performs with a live band, the Pinecones -- something we love to see rappers do. Grab his latest mixtape, One Fan At A Time, which dropped in late September, and then hit up his website to find the rest. - Marc BruBaker of Houston Press

Hollywood FLOSS caught our attention in 2009 [see breakthrough artists of 09] and hasn’t stopped since. Consistently dropping dope music since, the Houston emcee’s hard work recently culminated with the release of his debut album House Of Dreams [purchase]. FLOSS has no plans on stopping for 2010 as he preps the release of the Xperiment Volume 2 dropping shortly. With the recent album release and a mixtape on the way, it was a perfect time to get into the mind of the T.H.E.M. collective member. Hit the jump to learn more about Hollywood FLOSS.

- Justin Ivey

The Break Presents: Hollywood FLOSS
This Houston native is ready to bring his distinct flavor and music with a message to the masses…

- Adam Fleischer

The Break Presents: Hollywood FLOSS
This Houston native is ready to bring his distinct flavor and music with a message to the masses…

- Adam Fleischer

"His goals are to pave a musical path for underprivileged musicians who do not have the ability or monetary means to record their music. His favorite motto is: "Build the foundation and the rest will follow." - Val Fouche

A string of new artists emerged this year

Hollywood Floss - Justin Ivey of Kevinnottingham.com

Hollywood FLOSS - Artist of the Week:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2008/12/artist_of_the_week_hollywood_f.php
- Shea Serrano

So there you have it peeps, Hollywood F.L.O.S.S. in full effect. I hope you enjoyed learning about this dude as much as I did. He seems to have just what it takes...
You can check his song "80s Baby" at the link below. You know I'm bringing you the HOTNESS! - Andre Gamble

Hollywood FLOSS - Artist of the Week:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2008/12/artist_of_the_week_hollywood_f.php
- Shea Serrano

The 163rd entry in our DJBooth.net Freestyle Series comes courtesy of Hollywood FLOSS, the Houston native who earned reader approval for Mr. Big Stuff back in late March. On his brand new, exclusive Sparks When My Pen Starts freestyle, the Kwiet Riot Music Group rapper flows over an Orel Yoel/David Appleton-produced instrumental originally featured on Asher Roth‘s Lark on My Go Kart. Hollywood FLOSS is currently preparing for the May 3 release of his Xperiment Vol. 2 mixtape, which will be followed by debut studio album, House of Dreams. In addition, fans will be able to catch him on tour over the course of the summer.

Readers can download a copy of In the Booth (Volume 4), featuring exclusive freestyles 91 through 120, here! Volumes one, two and three are available for download here, here and here. Watch for Volume 5 to hit our front page in late May. - DJBooth.net

http://www.hiptics.com/2009/09/17/undiscovered-hip-2-its-all-about-hollywood-floss/

"Hollywood FLOSS got next!" - HIPTICS.COM

Like I’ve said numerous times in the past, one of the worst things about running one of the best hip hop sites on the internet is being bombarded with 980215 rappers trying to get on. I honestly don’t like shitting on folks dreams, but some people just catch me at bad times. Another thing I hate is when I’ll get 10 submissions from the same artist within a 24 hour period (some have even done it in an hour). Hollywood FLOSS has done a little bit of both, but he’s figured a way to do it correctly. He’s kept his distance when needed but never stopped trying to “get on”. Something I’ve gotta respect. Finally when I had some free time to check his shit out, I was impressed. And here we are now (with a post I actually started back at the top of the year but haven’t gotten around to finishing it until now haha).

Ladies and gentlemen… meet Hollywood FLOSS. An emcee/producer out of Houston, Texas whose influences range from Andre 3000 to Lupe Fiasco to N.E.R.D. to Green Day. Check below for a couple cuts off his upcoming mixtape, The Xperiment v.2. Then hit the jump for artwork and download links to three of his previous projects. - 2dopeboyz

He’s not just another Houseton rapper, in fact he’s a refreshing addition to the music game. We featured his mixtape up here before, but I felt he needed a proper introduction.

Where you reppin? Houston, TX born and raised but we going global with the music… dont get it twisted!

What people need to know about you: I want people to know I’m a rapper and producer and i appreciate all types of music from Lupe to Fiona Apple to Johnny Cash, music is definitely a LOVE not a trend

Main priority at this moment? My main priority is making the best music I can and spreading it to new fans… that means press and touring so holla at me, I’m available!

Why you’re not like every other “trying to be a emcee” rapper: Because i consider myself an artist not just a rapper… so my music is versatile and ever-changing… These other MC’s get caught up with impressing others and lose themselves.

When did you and hip-hop first encounter? I really dont know… Its like I grew up into hiphop from my older cousins, but I can say Aint Nuttin But A G Thang had a big impact on me, and i’ve been in love with hiphop ever since!

Last comments? follow me on Twitter.com?HollywoodFLOSS and I wanna save the world but i gotta get my stacks first! - Miss Ls

Like I’ve said numerous times in the past, one of the worst things about running one of the best hip hop sites on the internet is being bombarded with 980215 rappers trying to get on. I honestly don’t like shitting on folks dreams, but some people just catch me at bad times. Another thing I hate is when I’ll get 10 submissions from the same artist within a 24 hour period (some have even done it in an hour). Hollywood FLOSS has done a little bit of both, but he’s figured a way to do it correctly. He’s kept his distance when needed but never stopped trying to “get on”. Something I’ve gotta respect. Finally when I had some free time to check his shit out, I was impressed. And here we are now (with a post I actually started back at the top of the year but haven’t gotten around to finishing it until now haha).

Ladies and gentlemen… meet Hollywood FLOSS. An emcee/producer out of Houston, Texas whose influences range from Andre 3000 to Lupe Fiasco to N.E.R.D. to Green Day. Check below for a couple cuts off his upcoming mixtape, The Xperiment v.2. Then hit the jump for artwork and download links to three of his previous projects. - 2dopeboyz

http://www.illscene.com/?p=398 - Kwestro