With record sales declining and hip hop becoming less recognized on a mainstream level, one would wonder what it would take to succeed in this music business. This is a thought that rapper/songwriter/producer Vada(vae-duh) has thought of and he has taken an interesting route to accomplish his goals. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles his story sounds very common from the surface – grew up a gang member, mom is a former drug addict and he utilized music as his outlet for a better life. Though all this is true, Vada’s story is deeper then what may appear initially and his music reflects the depths of his character.
While maturing in the streets all the while being a hip hop fan, Vada always wondered how he could get his music into the right person’s hands at the right time. “That’s the Scooby Doo mystery for an unestablished artist” the rapper says. After High School, Vada enrolled into the junior college SMC strictly to be eligible for an entertainment internship. After weeks of persistence he finally landed an internship at UMG’s Interscope Records. “I figured if I work hard enough I can be that important person to give my music to. Then I won’t have to be such a subordinate when it does come to contract signing,” the artist explained. After years of affiliation with Interscope Records as staff, Vada is now an administrator for Commercials, Promos & Trailers at the American Federation of Musicians conducting the residual side of the music business. He has also been doing music marketing for years working with artists such as Pitbull, Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland,Jason Durulo, The Game, Angie Stone, The Rej3ctz, Problem, Bobby Brackins, HyperCrush & many many more. He is an established entrepreneur behind the scenes who has several interviews online with socialites & has his own blog site (and posts on multiple others) to show these pieces in one realm. With a solid street background and an executive/rapper persona reminiscent of Jay-Z (because of his once held position at Def Jam), Vada does appear to have what it takes to finally achieve success his real goal. This leads us to wonder… what will the actual music sound like?
Vada has several different records with several different moods. The music is very intense, reminiscent of DMX but with the lyrical exhibit of a Rakim… with a sprinkle of Eminem; and the confidence of a 50 Cent. Each song that he's posted on youtube have accumulate thousands of youtube views. Sometimes when you search an artists song, his remix comes up in the top 3 videos! “When I write my music, I take so long with it it’s like… To be honest I pay attention to every word that I use. I want every line of every verse to be right when I present it to the public. You don’t get a second shot at a first impression so I want to be sure that people remember me [looks at posters on the wall] – for good things of course” the lyricist revealed with a grin on his face. With the focus that landed him a current corporate job title at the AFM and also made him a house hold name at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records all at the age of 20 (yes 20), one must presume that this same focus and determination will bring phenomenal music. Vada also writes R&B - he has written and co produced several records that are on pace to be released in 2013.
With a unique attitude and an outspoken approach, Vada is sure to arouse several opinions. He comes off as very truthful and bold; and he does not mind the backlash that comes with such a presentation. “The reason people love me is the same reason people hate me and I’m ok with that. I am what I am and if I ever change from who I am today then I change. As of right now I can just be me and if I can allow killers (from my neighborhood) to not influence me into doing something I don’t feel like doing, what makes you think I’m a let a punk a** journalist?” Certain people have a voice to be heard, a message to be understood and actions that are to be watched… Vada most definitely demands this kind of attention. Witty rhyme schemes, elaborate tales and distinctive word selection separates him bar none from other rappers today - not to mention he writes skillful and soulful love ballads. "But nah you won't ever hear me singing them (laughs).... I even threaten singers with diss records if they ever let my reference vocals leak (more laughs)."
Vada was asked if he could reveal anything off of the upcoming LP and he said “you can expect my music to be exact representation of my character. So whatever you think of me as a person – you’re gonna think that about my music. It’s songs out there right now like ‘Leave Broke’ ‘Who Booty Remix and ‘Cat Daddy pt.2’ but that aint representation of what we got cookin right now. I don’t wanna call it crazy cause I understand [some of] it but… it’s definitely entertaining” the South Central emcee says. With a track record like he has, who are any of us to doubt him? All we can do now is see this new material for ourselves. Seeing talent with modesty, work ethic and a plan brings sheer excitement to those who love the music genre!
Vada says that he is still modifying who he will work with on the highly anticipated project (regarding big names). Presumably enough he did not get too specific. One thing is for sure though; Vada is whatever he wants to be. It is a compelling feature for us to view.