Vocab Slick’s passion for music and Hip-Hop is infectious. In addition to dropping critically acclaimed projects both solo and with his group Distant Relatives, he co-founded the highly successful Slap Frost tour featuring the likes of Planet Asia, Locksmith, and Chino XL, among others. He’s accomplished all of this in the face of personal loss and struggle, which have only motivated him to continue creating important, gripping Hip-Hop. As Vocab says, ”I took that pain and poured it into my music’‘.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Vocab Slick about the latest music, technology, surviving the lock downs and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m from Santa Rosa, CA. I would describe my music as Lyric Driven Hip Hop
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I always loved Hip Hop growing up I was attracted to everything about it. Me and my friends would freestyle for hours over whatever instrumental we could get our hands on. We would also attempt to write and record songs with what little equipment we had. As time went on Life did too, I battled with drug addictions and stints in jail until I finally had to make a change. With that change came a need to channel some positive energy, so it wasn’t a difficult decision to have that positive energy be Hip Hop. As time went on my therapy became a profession and something I was good at. Being able to write songs that hopefully someone could relate to became and continues to be quite a gift.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My newest project ‘’Language’’ is my best project to date. I’m very proud of this work. The album is a statement on our universal need to be heard and understood. I think that’s something we all have in common in one way or another.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The biggest challenge I had during these crazy times was being unable to preform. Thats a big part of what I do and it was hard to not be able to do it. What I did instead was created a space I can write a record at home with, that really helped me stay creative and productive.
What was the last song you listened to?
Benny The Butcher, Thowy’s Revenge
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
As a listener I prefer streaming platforms as an Artist I prefer Vinyl.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
www.vocabslick.com and @vocabslick on Instagram.
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
When listening to my new album I want people to have a positive experience with it. I want them to understand that Lyric driven Hip Hop exists and is as important as ever, not only for the culture but as a vehicle for communication.
