Hey there, fam!I am thrilled to have all of you in this extraordinary behind-the-curtain meeting with the one and only Vinnie-Dangerous. This guy isn’t just fresh outta Fayetteville, North Carolina, but he’s also multi-talented; he’s not just a rapper and a producer, but he’s a revolutionary superstar that has the Music Industry by its balls. As Vinnie manages to get out from the old moldy mold and create his own fresh styles that are all distinctive to himself, he’s been able to carve a niche among the rap scene and emerge as a one-of-a-kind visionary.
Genuinely guys, Vinnie-Boy, there is no such thing as diplomacy. He is the one who is fearlessly living by his own experiences and those songs touch you in depth with the emotions and the authentic story-telling.
His current album, “Dream ‘Til it’s Over”, is the closure of a trilogy that he has worked on for years, and it is dedicated to those concepts most responsible for our dreams: dreams, aspirations, and personal growth.
Here, we are going to unlock the world behind him and talk about his creative process, his influences, and the reasons why he writes the music he compose. Go on a journey with us as we explore the master artist’s soul and mind and unravel the mystery behind his most recent work in progress. Therefore, shall we get started with Vinnie’s world and explore how music has made it so pretty?
Listen to Dream ‘Til It’s Over
Follow Vinnie-Dangerous below
What is your stage name?
– Vinnie-Dangerous
Is there a story behind your stage name?
– When I was in middle school, I performed at a school talent show and afterwards the host said “I like him but he sounded anger. He sounds Dangerous” and it stuck. Vinnie is the nickname of my grandfather that passed away that many in my family who knew him said I remind them of him.
Where do you find inspiration?
– I find inspiration from my life experiences and my interpretation of the world. I like to view my albums like journey entries and people listening to my albums can listen to it and follow along with my journey.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
– I was very shy growing up and music helped me find my voice.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
– My father was a rapper and my mother is a poet and published author. My grandfather was also a guitarist
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
– I was inspired by 2pac’s Me Against The World album and other artists like Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Jay-Z, Joe Budden and Tyler, The Creator
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
– I studied song structure by listening closely to the radio and CD’s my mom had and taught myself how to write songs and count bars.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
– The 1st concert I went to was in Dallas TX and the underrated rap ground Tanya Morgan was performing. I was 14 so I don’t remember much more than that but I remember they were super dope.
How could you describe your music?
– I describe my music as vulnerable, aggressive, and artistic hip-hop. My songs are very introspective, unfiltered and lyrical music trying to push the artform as far as I can.
Describe your creative process.
– It really just comes to me. I’m a big fan of music, not just an artist, so I’m always thinking of new ideas and listening to those who inspire me. I could be reading a news article, listening to a song in a different genre or running arrands then an idea comes to me and I go from there.
What is your main inspiration?
– Right now, its my family. Since becoming a father, I’m amazed watching my son as he grows and develop. I see the world a lot differently now seeing the world through the lens of being a parent and I care about the future of it. That will be reflected in my new album and music moving forward.
What musician do you admire most and why?
– I admire 2pac for being so unfiltered with the truth, passionate and multifaceted. The way his music and words connect with people all over the world is something I strive to do. He is my biggest inspiration.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
– Yes, I’m always trying to grow and develop. I’m forever a student of the game so I’m always learning new skills and techniques to add as a producer, songwriter, performer or engineer. One thing fans can look forward to with every release is that no two albums are the same.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
– My main competitor is myself and self-doubt. Of course, as a rapper I want to be the best and want to rap at the highest level but I’m also an artist and I feel like community is more important than competition. There’s room for everyone in this game.
What are your interests outside of music?
– I’m a big wrestling fan. My wife and I really love watching AEW and WWE specifically but I also love watching NJPW on occasion. I’m also big into movies and cinema. I really love abstract, thought provoking and creative movies. Some of my favorite directors are Stanley Kubrick, Christopher Nolan, Spike Lee and David Lynch.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
– I’d probably be either an aspiring actor or a writer. I just want to create.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
– Trying to balance business and music & trying to find the right people to have on my side/ my team. Its been hard balancing my creative ambitions with a business mindset and having people that understand you is so important in that as well.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
– I would leave the suits out of it honestly. The businessmen and women know how to make money and handle admin, but they shouldn’t have the final say on the creative process. Most of the time you are dealing with people who have never made a chord telling you how to do something you’ve done all your life.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
– Originally the title was going to be Dream Deferred naming it after the famous Langston Hughes because it was going to be my last album but during the process of creating this album I fell in love with music all over again. So I changed it to Dream ‘Til It’s Over because I
What are your plans for the coming months?
– The album will be released April 30th and I have an online listening event on Bandcamp on April 28th. Other than that I have a lot of content and showing coming in the next few months.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans
– Now that I have completed this album, I plan to do more collaborations both in and out of music. A lot of great artists and personalities I want to work with.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
– This is an album I poured my heart and soul into for 2 years. This is something I feel like you will be able to connect with on so many levels. The message I want everyone to take away from this album is that nothing is impossible, no dream is unachievable. It’s not over until it’s over.
