Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicki Street. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Vicki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
One thing my parents have always done right was supported me and my dreams no matter what. That might sound cliche, but when you’re in a field like the arts, it’s actually pretty common for a parent to try and sway you against pursuing something creative vs. traditional.
As a former admission’s counselor at Columbia College Chicago, I spent a great deal of time explaining the value of an arts education in a metropolitan environment with the world’s top creatives, faculty and state of the art facilities.
No, I didn’t come from a lot of money. And many of my students didn’t either. But when explaining the financial piece to families who had a hard time closing the tuition gap, I often told them about the story of my college admission’s process and how my parent’s supported me.
Many people finance cars, homes, and phones, but shirk at the idea of taking out a Parent Plus Loan as a means of investing in their child’s future.
I get everyone isn’t in the position to do so (especially if they have pre-existing loans), but in the ever-so-frank words of my dad “We we’re gon’ be in debt anyways—let’s do it!)
My parent’s decision to take out a college loan for me has greatly impacted my career because I was given a chance to experience and excel in the field of entertainment. I am forever indebted to them and continue to pursue my dreams as a means of returning their investment.
Vicki , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Like most black artists and musicians, I grew up in the church. My parents were pastors and gave me my first platform of expression. Testimony service was one of my earliest memories being able to touch a mic, get comfortable with my voice and interact with a crowd. I solely ran the AV ministry from the time I was 8 years ago until it was time for me to go to college. I didn’t know it at the time but I think this is what largely shaped me into the MC that I am today.
In the early 2000’s, my parent’s hosted a radio show called God’s Divine Broadcast on WYCA 102.3. As a kid who also loved hip hop, I remember going up to the station and over hearing the jocks across hall at stations like Power 92. I think the seed was planted then for me to do something in broadcasting.
At this point, studying TV & Radio broadcast made sense for me. At 17, my career in media began to flourish when I enrolled at Columbia College Chicago and rebranded myself as the Voice Of The Streets. I hosted hundreds of shows and interviews throughout this time frame and really became a household name within the live events scene in Chicago. No mentor. No regrets. Just a microphone and the prayers of my mother to keep me going.
Last year I celebrated ’10 Years In The Game’ of media and entertainment. During my celebratory event, I was awarded by my former internship coordinator with the Multimedia Maven award.
I’m most proud of my influence on creatives and recognition as a young trailblazer within and arts.
This event also acted as a formal launch for my production company called Jump Street Entertainment. I didn’t want another Chicago creative going 10 years trying to “figure it out”, so I created an agency to take out the guesswork. We produce music, media and events and our ultimate vision is to beautify the community through the arts.
I am proud to be able to employ and collaborate with fellow visionaries (many of which currently attend my alma mater). We love a full circle moment!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson that I had to learn was: Everybody can’t go with you
Most people know me for my genuine nature to want to help other’s and see them excel, especially within the arts. Unfortunately, everybody that show’s up to your shows isn’t rooting for you. And everybody that’s smiling, ain’t happy. I remember someone (who I consider to be a friend) told me that they unfollowed me because I was “too happy”. I’ve had “friends” hear my event concept and then days later I see it on a flyer being produced by them.
The biggest lesson in this is discernment. I’ve had to learn to protect myself without hardening my heart.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As a society, to best support artists, we should be evenly spreading knowledge, resources and opportunities.
Money plays a big part in why people do what they do. And what they are ABLE to do.
Everyday, someone is choosing between creating art and surviving. Some people create art TO survive. It’s unfortunate how much mental health is connected to the finances that it takes to produce pieces.
It all boils down to budget. When an artist’s career isn’t progressing, sometimes it’s not even that their art isn’t good. Sometimes they just don’t have the budget for wardrobe, videographers or graphic designers that can help elevate their brand. As an independent music artist in 2024, it’s crucial to have a marketing budget because even if you produce quality work, only a small percentage will see it.
It can sometimes feel like “what am I doing this for?”
We need more curators throwing shows that provide paid opportunities for artists to perform.
And curators need more funding, just like artists, to be able to put on these showcases.
DCASE (Chicago’s Cultural Arts and Special Events ) Department is good at offering artist grants throughout the year. I’d like to see more of this from organizations who are able to help.
No one should ever feel like they need to withhold their art because they can’t afford it.
Contact Info:
- Website: vickistreet.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/_vickistreet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVickiStreetShow/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/voiceofstreets
- Twitter: twitter.com/voiceofstreets
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@jumpstreetnation
- Other: www.jumpstreetnation.com
Image Credits
Sterling Gilmore Orel Chollette Ryder Visuals Brinicki Productions