We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful VLAAD. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with VLAAD below.
VLAAD, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My old high school mascot was a Spartan. In an attempt to create a trusting and free environment for the students, the faculty created Spartan Hour: an hour of free time where all students could do whatever their hearts desired as long as they were back before the designated time. Me and my only other two rapping friends would meet up during Spartan Hour at the school courtyard and show each other our most recent verses/songs. The crowd would grow from just us 3 to the size of a genuine underground cypher. I don’t think I ever straight up said, “I want to be a rapper.” It was something that was always in me. But those Spartan Hour cyphers are definitely what proved I could do it and do it well!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As VLAAD, I am a rapper and storyteller. I’m from PG County (DMV) where I first got into writing and poetry, but I started recording, releasing, and performing music in Baltimore at 14. Over the years. I’ve released a handful of raw and expressive rap projects tackling many things from ego, lust, desperation and violence to the cyclical nature of life and legacy. In high school I founded the collective 3SIDE which has grown to be a community of musicians, DJs, curators, visual artists, and more. At 3SIDE, we use art to examine all angles of our life stories and transform them into a shared experience for everyone. To me, the most compelling stories are the ones that consider all sides, right, wrong, good, or bad. As VLAAD, I use my music to explore the ugly parts of life and show how they’re right on the other side of beauty.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can support artists by continuing to value real people creating art. We can start by regulating the use of A.I. and pushing for legislation that ensures creatives are properly financially compensated for work that not only inspires and entertains the masses, but generates great profit for major corporations.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal as a rapper is to be as vulnerable and human as possible without sacrificing any sauce or edge. I want to carry on that raw, unbridled spirit of rap and have new conversations in the medium that are perceptive, considerate, and gut-wrenchingly honest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vlaad.bandcamp.com/
- Instagram: @3sidevlaad
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vlaad5769
Image Credits
Saraii Fairy Jarett Loeffler Ali Truman