Westword Music Showcase 2005

Native or transplant?

It's a mixture of both.

Rose Hill Drive

Love .45

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What's in a name?

The literal translation of Yo, Flaco! is "I, Skinny" in Spanish. But it's also a slang term for "What's the skinny?" or "Yo, skinny!"

When did you form/start performing?

Yo, Flaco! formed in 1997 with a somewhat different lineup. We had a female singer up front (for about a year) instead of the two MCs we now have. Our current lineup and style of music has evolved as the members have freely written whatever they want and have pulled inspiration from all genres of music, not just one.

Releases /discography:

Yo, Flaco!; Skeptimistic; Goin' at It; Bring the Battle On; and The Skinny.

Who or what do you think you sound like?

Yo, Flaco! combines a blend of deep, funky grooves, introspective lyrics and live shows grounded in crowd participation and improvisation. Following in the footsteps of such innovators as Tribe Called Quest, Jazzmatazz and the Roots, Yo, Flaco! is a forward-thinking group that moves hip-hop ahead while still remaining accessible to lovers of all kinds of music.

What are some of your noteworthy recent feats?

We are sponsored by Budweiser's National "Bud True Music Live" program. Yo, Flaco! was recently asked to perform live at the annual New York Marathon in November! It's a huge honor to be asked, and we're really psyched, as we've been asked to play on one of the final two stages at Columbus Circle or the finish line in Central Park. Yo, Flaco! will also be playing at two prestigious festivals this year, the Midwest Music Summit in July and the SouthPark Music Festival in September.

What albums have had the biggest impact on you?

Anything by Stevie Wonder, Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Dizzy, Coltrane, Ozomatli and hundreds more! I could go on and on...

What artists have had the biggest impact on you?

Stevie Wonder, Tribe Called Quest, the Roots, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Dizzy, Coltrane, Ozomatli and hundreds more! I could go on on...

How do you pay the bills? What are your day jobs?

The bandmembers do everything from working in restaurants to the VA hospital to painting houses to musical side gigs -- all of which helps to pay the bills.

Finish this sentence: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd...

Play music all day, tour whenever and wherever we wanted, too, not be rushed or concerned about money in the studio. It would give us a lot more freedom, that's for sure!

Finish this sentence: I'd rather be...

Sitting on a beautiful beach.

Who would play you in the screen adaptation of your life?

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On tour all over the world! Let's hope!

What's the biggest misconception about you or your band?

That the band has some big record deal pending; we've heard this rumor for several years. It cracks us up, 'cause if it ever actually happens, no one will beliexve it.

Give us a random factoid about yourself or your band:

Someone set fire to our touring van and trailer last summer, and they burned to the ground. It was quite a bummer.

Elliott Smith or Jack Johnson?

Jack Johnson.

Weezer or Winger?

Weezer.

Jay-Z or Z-Trip?

Jay Z.

Football or foosball?

Foosball.

Parting shot?

Thanks to Westword and to all the supporters of Yo, Flaco! over the years! We could not do this without you.