Examining CFL HIPHOP: UNderground wav. benders
Written by Carlito
WTF is Good with Hip-Hop in CFL?
I've been performing and producing shows via this medium for a while now, and I don’t know if it’s the competitive spirit that guides an MC or the abrasive nature of the genre, but I swear to God, this scene has more hating-ass mofos than a Ku Klux Klan rally. Personally, I’m tired of it. In the year 2025, I say we do away with the gatekeeping and start promoting a sense of community among artists.
That being said, I’m not going to write a blog about how much I hate the elitist mindset of artists. Rather, I’d like to examine how disjointed hip-hop has become in CFL. I can identify two main groups that participate in the greater Central Florida hip-hop scene: producers and rappers. Kinda derpy, I know, but these two main groups break off into smaller, more independent scenes.
A gem that has always seemed to glimmer amid the shadows are the Underground wav. Benders. My personal favorite event, produced by @hoggleggnation on Instagram, is called Please Understand. It happens every 3rd Friday of the month at The Nook on Robinson, and these guys consistently put on a great show. Every time I go, I look forward to the new mixes that I’ll only ever hear at this holy grail of a gig.
So many different vibes are encapsulated at this show. It’s interesting and refreshing how one artist can run an entire UK jungle/garage set and somehow transition seamlessly into industrial/progressive hip-hop. It really speaks to the care and attention to detail these performers exhibit when it comes to their creativity.
The Nook is a fun spot, too. The staging is set up with the wav. Benders performing under a projector near the front door, facing the bar, with walls adorned in seasonal decor. The sound is fantastic for the venue as well. Honestly, it’s a hell of a vibe, and I always look forward to the 3rd Friday of the month so I can go non-verbal and tap my foot to something I’ve never heard before. It’s a great taste-break for me, especially since I often get jaded from listening to my Spotify Daylist on repeat.
You can scan the walls and find random VHS tapes, grab a hipster beer you’ll never find in stores, and mingle with the plethora of other producers who come out to support this community.
A lot of local producers show up to this gig looking for opportunities to do quick, impromptu sets—often bringing flash drives, keyboards, and samplers. I find this community to be the most open-minded, welcoming new beatmakers with open arms. I’ve had great conversations with people at these gigs. Everybody is just there to hang out and have a good time.
Back in April 2024, I did a few interviews with some of the performers, and when I listen back, it really just feels like a swell night. Here’s an interview with me and @m0therw0rm.
If it isn’t evident, I can’t speak highly enough about this group. Catch me outside dancing to whoever is spinning at Please Understand every 3rd Friday of the month. Thats all for now.
This is Carlito from CFLTV.net, signing off.
Cheers!
