“Steppin,” by Flow $tro (featuring Skooly), is an ode to the quiet confidence of a beautiful woman. With a smooth beat, a bassline that bounces like a basketball, and wavy, synth-infused vocals, the song’s melodic trap vibes hook the listener from the jump. Flow $tro lets his woman know, I like how you steppin’:
You know how good you look but you don’t never brag
She ain’t got no makeup on, baby girl don’t need a man
Virginia-based artist Flow $trow got the idea for “Steppin” in a spontaneous moment in the studio late one night. He explains, “I heard the beat and just came up with the concept.” This is a track exuding confidence, swagger, and a deep admiration for the beauty of a well-put-together woman. The song captured the attention of Atlanta rapper Skooly, who raps a guest verse on the bridge about “Her body sent from heaven / She the devil.”
Flow $tro says has long admired Skooly. "I really looked up to how he was doing music coming up," he says. The collaboration was put together by his manager, Wave Team, a man he considers "like a big brother, family for sure." No doubt having this support system combined with management helps Flow $tro stay grounded and focused on his art.
Flow $tro has evolved as an artist, both in his style and his creative process. Compared to when he started releasing music in 2021, he now favors a much more improvisational approach in the studio. "Back then, I wrote more of my music ahead of time,” he reveals. “Now I kind of punch in and follow the music." Recording line by line, this method allows him to be more responsive to the beat's energy and create a more fluid sound. “I’m more listening to the beat, trying to find the melodies, then coming up with the words based on what I’m hearing.”
To source beats, Flow $tro works with a talented network of producers. “Steppin” was produced by Yayo and Noisy J, both from North Carolina. Other producers he works with include RK and 88. Sometimes the producers send beats to them. Other times he reaches out to them. These producers complete the wide-ranging team responsible for Flow $tro’s impressive creative output.
Flow $tro is carving his own niche in Virginia and the wider hip hop scene, offering a sound that blends seamlessly between hip-hop and R&B. He describes it as a “melodic sound,” drawing on his diverse musical tastes, drawing inspiration from both old-school legends like The Temptations and Smokey Robinson and contemporary stars like Future and Lil Baby.
In the immediate future, Flow $tro's goals are clear: "Release more content, release more videos, continue dropping music, and hopefully get this sh** to pop off!" He embraces the challenges of being an independent artist through resourcefulness and a level of dedication that simply doesn’t quit.
Fans won't have to wait long for more content. The music video for “Steppin” is out on Valentine's Day, 2025. And he's already planning his next single release for later this year, as well as more visuals and videos on the way.
Stay up to date with Flow $tro on Instagram, X, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Watch out as Flow $tro continues to "Step" into the spotlight and make his mark on the music world.
Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly space for playlists put together by artists, collaborators, and people from all corners of our circle. Over the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted selections from Zack Fox, Danny L Harle, and Mckayla Twiggs. This latest edition spotlights British French songwriter and producer Lauren Auder, who released her second album, “Whole World as Vigil,” just last week. Created alongside Dviance and Alex Parish, the project explores the emotional layers of human relationships, from the struggles to the moments of beauty. To celebrate the release, we invited Auder to curate a playlist for us and share a few personal insights along the way.
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Where do you dance? In the bedroom.
London or France? Unfair advantage for France, being a whole country.
What song on this playlist is your guilty pleasure? I have no guilty pleasures!
What’s your favorite sound effect? Roblox “OOH” or Bathory’s horse neigh on their album Blood Fire Death.
Dream collab, dead or alive? Lou Reed, obviously.
Who do you trust most with the aux? My roommate, Cajm.
What do you pray about? More time, more rest.
Best arrondissement in Paris? 20th probably?
What song is currently on replay? “Close to the Edge” by Yes.
What album was your coming-of-age soundtrack? Mysterious Phonk: Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp.
Tell us a secret. I cheated my way through Latin class in secondary school.
Night or day? Day!
What is your studio session pet peeve? Weed smell :/
Which Skins character did you relate to the most? None, I’m 27!
What are you listening to as you complete this questionnaire? Space heater next to my bed, Italian lesson next door.
What does your notes app look like? Incriminating.
You just arrived at the function. What are you drinking? What are you smoking? Cheap lager or expensive red wine, a Syrah if it’s winter.
The world is ending. What are you wearing True religion jeans and a white button down, as per.