Vice Souletric

It was an evening early last month when I received a cold-call — if you will — from an Ohio-based rapper named Vice Souletric. A quick peruse of his SoundCloud revealed an impressive amount of quality material and features, which I directly correlate with cosigns. Ones that immediately jumped out at me were “Respect The Legends,” produced by the iconic 9th Wonder, “Stayin’ Out The Way,” featuring the BK rapper Skyzoo, and “Return Of The Blackman,” featuring Talib Kweli. Alongside his partner in rhyme, G.Huff, the two have formed an on-wax chemistry similar to Cuban Linx-era Ghostface and Raekwon. With premieres on platforms like Okayplayer, and most recently Revolt, the two seem to be making a tonne of moves at an accelerated rate.

Aside from rap, Vice is also an accomplished [visual] artist and producer. The latter he attributes to sheer necessity; “I couldn’t find anybody who made the type of beats that I like, so I learned how to make beats myself. Being from Ohio, it’s crazy because a lot of cats around here aren’t necessarily on that East Coast boom bap type of feel, but that’s what I like, so I had to teach myself how to make type of beats.” His cover artwork also led to him forming a relationship with producer Pete Rock, whom he’s considered a mentor over the past 3-4 years. With their biggest release yet, Vice and Huff [finally] released a song produced by Chocolate Boy Wonder, “Bills,” with a visual expected to follow shortly.

With two knocking mixtapes under his belt, and tonnes of exciting things in the pipeline, I decided to take some time to sit with Vice and learn more about his process, his music, and more. Check out the new song, “Bills,” and the interview below.

One thing that stuck out when I went through your stuff is that you had some pretty heavy features. Give me a sense of how you got involved with some of these people?

Over the last two years, I dropped two projects. One was an EP called Vice for President. On there, I was able to work with Guilty Simpson and Reks from Boston. Then this last project, Vice for President 2, was a full-length EP. I was able to work with Kweli, Skyzoo, 9th Wonder, and Rapper Big Pooh. A lot of times people do ask me a lot, like “Wow, how did you get to work with these cats?” It’s nothing more than stepping to these cats in a business manner — keeping it completely professional. Handling my business the way that they want to handle it. To be honest with you, I’m not personally friends with any of these cats; I had to hit up their management. I had to hit them up directly to see what they were talking about and just had to network. If I had to break off some bread, I did that; in some cases, I didn’t have to do that. But, at the end of the day, it’s just about building the best mutual respect, and I think all those cats have respect for me. I’ve got respect for them.

Did they give you feedback on the joints?

Oh yeah, definitely. All the cats that I worked with gave me feedback. One of the cats that I collaborated with that I didn’t have direct contact with was 9th Wonder, though. I collaborated with King Magnetic on that track, and he has a direct relationship with 9th. So as far as that beat, he pretty much worked with 9th on that, but as far as everybody else, I heard back from them, and they gave me good feedback. They liked the tracks; and you know, a lot of times with these cats, it doesn’t matter what the terms are, they’re not going to be a part of something that they’re not feeling.

Your latest joint on Vevo with Hi-Tek — how did that come together?

With that situation, that track is part of G.Huff’s album, and I’m featured on the song. We had to go [hard] for the longest, with us being from Ohio, to be able to reach out to Hi-Tek, and it was just something where we reached out to him on Facebook. We presented our music to him; we told him who we are, what we were trying to do, and it took a while — because Hi-Tek isn’t a cat that just works with anybody. So it took a while to crack that nut, but he eventually responded back to us like, “Yeah, let’s work,” and he sent us a few beats. It was very hard to pick the one beat that we wanted to use, but you know, we’re happy with it, and he liked the song. Like after the video came out and everything, he hit us up; he gave us our blessing, like “Yeah, that’s dope.” We intend on doing some more work with Hi-Tek in the future.

Alright, so you guys are indie right now, yeah?

We’re indie, man. Everything. It’s like I’m a producer, I naturally write my music, I’m a graphic designer, I do all my covers, websites, all of that stuff, man. Like, we’re pretty much a one stop shop. We take care of all of our business because, one, you need to be able to do that, just to cut costs, because it’s very expensive trying to do music. Two, it gives you more leverage when you’re trying to network and work with other people — being able to wear more hats. So yeah, we’re completely indie. We would like to get signed, that would be ideal, but right now we’re indie, and we’re happy with our position.

Have you had any interest from labels? Have you talked to labels?

We’re just in the beginning stages. To be honest with you, we’ve been doing it for a while, but just over like the last year and a half, people have been starting to take notice of what we’ve been doing. We buckled down and started releasing these projects that we put a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of resources into. But we are getting more interest by the day from different A&Rs, we’re connecting with a lot of different people in the industry, and they’re looking at us. As of right now, we haven’t had a contract pushed in our face yet, but with the moves that we’ve made, and a couple of things we have in the works, we’re expecting something to pop by the end of 2016, for sure.

Who are some of the artists that maybe you haven’t worked with yet, or that you wanted to get on this project, that you’re going to try to get in the future?

Well, one is Pete Rock. Like I have a joint on Vice President 2 called ‘Irap’, and like I know him personally — and I want him to rap on the song. Like I didn’t even want a beat, I just wanted him to rap, because the song is all about being a producer and an MC, so I thought it would be great to have him on it. It wasn’t able to go down because he was really busy working on this project he has coming out with Smoke Dza. But actually, Huff and I were just down there this past weekend, and we hooked up with him, and we got a beat from him. We’re going to be releasing a joint with Pete Rock real soon. It’s gonna be crazy; it’s gonna be nuts, man. [Editor’s Note: The song has since been released, it’s called “Bills.”]

You’ve been friends with him for quite a while, and you consider him sort of a mentor. Maybe talk a little bit about that relationship.

I would say maybe for like the last four or five years; he’s a real cool cat. Like, he’s a cat that interacts with people via social media, so we’ve always interacted online, and actually like I said, I do graphic design, so I did a cover for him. If you remember the project that he did with Camp Lo
maybe about two or three years ago, he had like this cartoon type cover – I did that. I’m the one that did that joint, so that’s sort of how we linked. It was real crazy. He hit me up in the middle of the night, dude. He hit me up, because he got my number from Huff, and he hit me up in the middle of the night with like 20 text messages. I wake up to all these messages from Pete Rock, talking about, “Yo, I need a cover.” So I did the cover man, and ever since then we kept in contact. You know we talk sports, we talk hoops; we talk music every once in a while. He has a mutual respect for us, but we never try to be too thirsty with him, and like beg him for beats, this that and the other. Everything has to happen in its own time, and you know, now it’s time, so we about to get it cracking.

So what’s next? What’s the next project we can look out for?

What I’m working on now is an instrumental album. Because I put out the two projects that I was rapping on, and I just want to showcase like the beats, and let people know like how serious I am, and how into the production I am, and how detailed I am with it. So that’s the next thing coming out, that’s probably going to be dropping within the next two months, and it’s not going to be throwaway beats either. Like I already told my boys in my crew, “Y’all gonna be pissed when y’all hear some of the beats I put on this because I’m putting out heat.” Because, no matter what you release, you’ve always got to put your best foot forward, and I want people to take me seriously as a producer as well, so that’s the next thing that’s coming out.

Any last words, or anything else you’d like to leave on the blog?

Pretty much, man, just check out Vice for President 2, and check me out on vicesworld.com — that’s my website. You can find all my social media up there. We are just trying to represent Ohio, man. Like this is a big year for Ohio, but we’re trying to put Ohio back on the map musically, hip-hop wise, so by the end of 2016 man, we’re just gonna try to be in the position that we want to be in. - Above Average Hip Hop

Ohio has long been an enigma in Hip Hop. Though several legends in music find their origins there, few and far between have taken on the task of placing the state on their back when it comes to Hip Hop. Enter blue-collar MC G.Huff and frequent collaborator Vice Souletric. The Ohio natives rep their home state to the fullest on their new exclusive leak, “Bills,” which is produced by the legendary Pete Rock.

G.Huff and Vice effortlessly paint the realistic picture of day to day life as artists, businessmen, and fathers over a raucous and horn-laden Pete Rock banger. The classic East coast beatsmith’s style meshes perfectly with the duo’s Midwest anecdotes as G.Huff claims he has a “New York frame of mind in the Buckeye State,” and Vice spits, “Official Hip Hop. Family Guy edition. Produced by Peter Rock, Vice for Pres as Peter Griffin.”

Drop your comments below. - Hip Hop DX

Vice Souletric demands respect for the G.O.A.Ts of rap in his latest single, “Respect The Legends.” The Lorain, Ohio native drops bars which commands aspiring rappers and die-hard rap fans to show their admiration for the veterans who constructed hip-hop from the ground up. Vice teamed up with Philly’s own King Magnetic to come up with their ode to the legends over a carefully crafted instrumental — created by famed producer 9th Wonder.

“I always told myself I would only want to work with legends,” Vice exclusively told VIBE. “So when I got the chance to obtain production from one of my all-time favorites, 9th Wonder, I jumped all over it. King Magnetic made the connection.”

The conscientious record is the final leak before the independent release of Souletric’s forthcoming album Vice For President 2. The 11-track LP is set to feature other legends such as Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, and former “Little Brother” wordsmith Rapper Big Pooh.

Along with his latest release, Vice’s second album will also hold other powerful songs like “T.A.M.I.R.,” where he vents his underlying frustrations about the horrific killing of young Tamir Rice by a police officer.

“‘Respect The Legends’ is not just about new upstart artists respecting their elders,” says Vice. “But is also calling on the elders and Hip-Hop fans alike to respect the new great artists who now carry the torch and continue to take Hip-Hop to new heights.”

Vice For President 2 is set to drop Feb. 26. Listen to the world-premiere of “Respect The Legends” below. - Vibe Magazine

Before the Cleveland Cavaliers took home the coveted trophy at the end of the NBA Finals, Ohio rapper G. Huff dropped off the official visual for his Hi-Tek produced record “Be Easy.” Huff, along with his close friend and fellow Ohio emcee Vice Souletric, keep it humble as they trade bars in Cleveland inside an abandoned building with scattered graffiti art across the walls.

READ: Ohio Rapper Vice Souletric Enlists King Magnetic & 9th Wonder On “Respect The Legends”

The Youngstown native spits braggadocio verses alongside Lorain resident Souletric over a smooth composition crafted by esteemed emcee and producer Hi-Tek. Huff delivers the ideal visual treatment to the last track off his album Royalty For A Lifetime, which features Nore and Jersey City rapper Ransom.

Cop the album here and watch G. Huff & Vice Souletric in the official visual for “Be Easy” below. - Vibe magazine

At a time where real estate mogul Donald Trump has positioned himself as a viable candidate for President of the United States, another candidate looks to gain some public support. Vice Souletric, a hardworking, Average Joe from Small-Town USA, is trying to make a difference.

The rapper/producer is poised to lay down the planks of his platform that present him as the right man for the job, playing unheard songs like "T.A.M.I.R." and "There's No Tomorrow Til You Wake Up" from his latest release, Vice for President 2.

"I'm just an artist in the purest sense of the word," Souletric says as he sits at console of his in-home studio. "Musically, I'm a producer, I'm an emcee. I actually started rapping first. I only started making beats because I couldn't find anybody to make the type of beats that I like. So it kind of forced me to learn the style and the rhythm because I always had an East Coast kind of influence in the stuff that I liked and the stuff that I wanted to do. What a lot of people don't know is that behind the scenes. I do everything. I do my own artwork. I do my own CD art. I do my own web design. I'm pretty much like like a one-man show. The only thing I don't do is my final mix. I've got a cat in Germany who does that. He's off the hook, so I let him handle that. It makes it easier when you're working on a solo project, like the last two that I've done."

If elected, Souletric already has his Cabinet selected in the form of his United Grind collective.

"We actually have a website UnitedGrind.com that is a blog supporting independent hip-hop and gives independent hip-hop advice to artists," he says. "It consists of myself, G. Huff and HiJinks. We're all artists as well as bloggers. We've been in the game for so long and we have so many different experiences that we try to help other artists out. "

While Souletric was born in Louisville, he's called Lorain home since the age of one. He acknowledges a small town can have its limitations, but he's thankful for it all the same.

"Lorain is your typical small town," he says. "And with growing up in a small town, you have a lot of small town mentality but I'm that cat who comes up in a small town with bigger town aspirations. It's almost like being a big fish in a small pond. But the small town environment is what keeps humble. It's what keeps me grounded. And what keeps me laid back. I guess I can appreciate that. "

Souletric and his crew were late bloomers and didn't really get serious about their craft until they were in high school. In fact, Souletric says he didn't create his first beat until he was 21 years old.

"I first got into rapping by just being in the back of art class freestyling," Souletric says. "We would just crack on each other for the fun of it, then we would go over to Johnny's [HiJinks] house after school and freestyle and that turned into us getting a little more serious. It was me, Jinks and another friend of ours by the name of Dwayne, we were in a group called Play Havoc [in which Souletric rapped and produced under the name Ill Advice]. We actually did shows in the Cleveland underground hip-hop scene for awhile in the early 2000s. We did our thing, so a lot of people met me through those Play Havoc days. Then it ended up being just me and Jinks after Dwayne ended up quitting. Then after that, it was just me. As far as the production, when we first started rapping, once we got to the point where we were going into a studio and making music, we figured out that we couldn't find anyone to make the type of beats that we wanted to rhyme to. We were big into DJ Premier, Pete Rock and that kind of stuff and we couldn't find anybody around here making that kind of stuff. We couldn't even find anybody with a MPC or an SP-1200 [sampler]. I took it upon myself to invest into the equipment."

The investment seems to have paid off as Souletric has collaborated with the likes of Talib Kweli, N.O.R.E. and KRS-ONE among others both as a rapper and producer.

"With Vice for President, that was like the debut album for me as a solo artist," he says. "That was the first time where it was just completely me and my project from beginning to end. Before that, most of the features that I would have would be pretty much doing the production. A lot of the stuff I did when I was working with people was production, but everything you're hearing from me now as far as features is me rapping."

One of Souletric's career highlights up to this point would be the collaboration with Talib Kweli on his latest single, "Return of the Black Man." He describes making the connection with Kweli's management as a "shot in the dark," but Soletric and G. Huff would find that they had just enough skill and talent to hit their target.

"I'll never forget the day I got the email [containing the track] back," Soletric says. "We had company over here, and I went into the bathroom like 'I gotta listen to this now'. So I put on my headphones and I was in the bathroom rocking and thinking 'He killed this!' I couldn't even believe it. The other thing is that when you're working with somebody and it's not really their project and they have no stake in it, it's hard to get the best out of them. I made sure that we had sent him a reference of the song with me and G. Huff's verses already on it so he could get a feel of what we were really trying to do instead of just sending him the beat. I think he was able to vibe off of that and he gave us honestly one of the best verses I've ever heard him spit."

Released on February 1, "Return of the Black Man" speaks with frustrated voices from the point of view of some black men living in today's society.

"Probably with everything that's going on in society, it sort of just hit me," Souletric says. "As far as putting Kweli on it, me and Huff already knew that we were gonna go in and we were thinking something like, 'If we got somebody. who would be the only person in the industry?' And we couldn't honestly think of anyone better than Talib Kweli to put on it. So that's how that came about. As far as the concept of the song, we just wanted to make noise because I feel like a lot of hip-hop artists are dropping the ball as far as speaking about what's going on. It's cool to rap about whatever you rap about, but I think a lot of the big names are dropping the ball as far as talking about the things that's relevant to what's going on right now."

Even with that, Souletric insists that there's something for everyone to enjoy on Vice for President 2.

"I love hip-hop, so I just put everything into it that I think hip-hop should be about," he says. "Partially, it should be about coming with a message. I don't think everything should be preachy. I think hip-hop should show lyrical skill. You should be able to show that you can really rap and come up with clever metaphors. I also feel like hip-hop should be like feelgood music. You know, people should be able to vibe to it. It should be a party atmosphere. You should be able to put your song on and people don't have to pay close attention. Like 'Return of the Black Man' is a song where you have to listen because there's a lot of stuff we're talking about but 'Stayin' Out the Way' is more of a jam where it's like riding music. I try to incorporate all of that in the album so somebody can't necessarily say, 'Oh, he's one of those conscious rappers' or 'He's trying to be like Little Brother.' No. I'm influenced by all of that stuff, so that's what comes across in the music."

Vice for President 2 comes out tomorrow and can be pre-ordered on Bandcamp. Souletric says he's looking forward to addressing his supporters live in a house party-like atmosphere.

"I've got my release party, on March 5," Souletric says. "It's going to be at a spot called Our Space. That party is going to be a '90s hip-hop house party type of thing. It goes back to where we were talking about hip-hop starting off as just music to vibe to. The way we're doing it in the format of a regular party. We're not going to have a "stop and perform" type of situation. He'll just bring my beat in and I'll grab the mic. It's something different, but it's something I always wanted to try."

Vice Souletric CD Release Show, 9 p.m. Saturday, March 5, Our Space, 201 East 29th St., Lorain. Tickets: $10, clubourspace.net. - Cleveland Scene

While crafting his Vice For President project, rapper-producer Vice Souletric had a mission. The Lorain, Ohio (about 30 miles west of Cleveland) resident wanted to salute his area.

"I always wanted to shed light on the fact that the region of the Midwest is truly the heart of Hip Hop,” Vice Souletric says during an exclusive interview with HipHopDX. "I feel the Midwest has contributed as much if not more to Hip Hop culture than any other area. Several of the greats, from Eminem, Common, Kanye, and Dilla, all come from the Midwest. The musical contribution extends past Hip Hop when you talk about The Jacksons, Motown and G-Funk. But more than anything, I think you find more pure, hardcore Hip Hop fans in the Midwest. Small towns all over the heartland will pack out to see a great show, and that’s what keep this culture alive.”

With these points in mind, Vice Souletric crafted Vice For President selection "Midwest Blues.” The song’s video is premiering on HipHopDX below.



Midwest Rap Blends All Regions' Styles, Vice Souletric Says

Images of Freddie Gibbs, Hi-Tek, Common, Twista, Kanye West and Eminem are among those that appear in the video for “Midwest Blues.” Vice Souletric says they are representative of the diversity that bleeds into the area’s music.

"Midwest rap is a perfect blend of all the other regions’ styles,” he says. "We have always loved and [haven’t] held a biased stance when it comes to the East Coast, West Coast and South. In the Golden Era of the ‘90s, while there were beefs and politics segregating those areas, we sat back and loved all of it. It shaped the music we made moving into the next millennium.”

In 2012, Vice Souletric partnered with rapper G.Huff for the Where Do We Go From Here album, which uses the same title as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1968 book. With Vice For President, which features G.Huff and REKS on “Treadmill Lifestyle,” Vice Souletric wants to continue a specific Rap lineage.

"My goal is to contribute to the Hip Hop tradition of great emcee-producers,” Vice Souletric says. “It's time for a new name from a new place. I want people to have that same feeling they had when they first heard [Kanye West's] College Dropout, [Pete Rock's] Soul Survivor or [Little Brother's] The Listening. I just want people to know we make bangers up this way. The game is so wide open right now. It’s very little separating the Kanye Wests of the world from the Vice Souletrics, and I am trying to take advantage of that with great music.”

The stream of Vice Souletric’s Vice For President is as follows: - Hiphopdx

Welcome back to yet another informative episode of WIB Meets. On this special day, we were afforded the chance to sit with emcee/producer Vice Souletric. The homie just dropped his latest EP aptly titled “Vice for President“. Vice Souletric takes charge on said project producing the bulk of it while spitting as well. definitely something y’all should give a listen. In the interim, we were able to get the man to enlighten us about his music and then some.

For the benefit of anyone who’s been living in an underground bunker for the past few years…who on earth are you?

My name’s Vice Souletric. Over the last few years, though who do know me recognize me for producing a lot of dope music for my homie G. Huff. If not that for my artistic [graphic design] talents. Those who REALLY know, me recognize me as one half of the Hip-Hop group’a Play Havoc, where I emcee along my homie HiJinks. Vice is short for ill Advice.

How did you get started in music, and what drives you to continue?

I got started in music by simply wanting to create one song, and have one tape for me to listen to. Nothing more than that! Once I did that, I couldn’t stop. Most artists would agree creating is almost like a drug, and you have to meet that fix. It’s your duty as an artist.

Do you remember the first beat you ever made? How did you go about it?

I honestly can’t remember the first beat, but I can remember the first DOPE beat. It was called Labrynth because it had about three or four different flips in the beat. First time I played that in the studio, about 4 ciphers broke out all at once! I made that on a little beat machine called the Electribe ES-1. Ha!

If a movie about your life in music was to be made, what interesting/strange moments and stories would you share to make the movie cool?

I definitely would have to include the time I got a phone call from Scarface. Yeah, the real Scarface. I had sent hime some beats on the humbug and he actually hit me right back that same night and picked one. Still hoping that one makes his album! There’s also the time me and Jinks took over a college radio show, and the campus police caught us because they had tuned in. Ha! Great times.

Are there any other interesting facts about you that hardly anyone else knows?

I am an illustrator and graphic designer as well. I have created album covers for a few of your favorite artists including Pete Rock and Rapper Big Pooh. I drew the cover, 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s 2.

What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity?

The greatest thing about the music industry is there is no set formula on making a hit or making it big. Its simply about working hard and living your dream. No rules, except work hard! Only thing I would change is not wasting so much time early on trying to cut corners with presenting my music the right way.

Looking back, what have been the most important moments in your life so far?

Marrying my beautiful wife, having my kids, giving my life to Christ. After that everything else falls into place.

What have been the biggest highlights?

My first show in front of a big crowd in Cleveland,OH. We opened for the Beatnuts. The host forced me to kick a freestyle at the end I pulled it off flawlessly! Another highlight would be being on the Sway In The Morning Show last year with G.Huff. Sway is the coolest cat in the game and treated me and Huff like we were Kanye and Jay-Z. And that’s real.

What has been your biggest challenge…and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been trying to make a name for myself being from a small town in Ohio. I overcame it by getting my ass on the road to NYC and ATL as often as possible to perform in beat battles, do shows, and to just network in general.

Who are your heroes? Why do they rock your world?

My musical heroes are Jay-Z, Kanye, and Dr. Dre. I look up to those guys because they truly made themselves into what they are today and wasn’t handed anything. Thats the same road I’m going to have to go to make it where I want to be. I have many tricks up my sleeve moving toward the future.

Who have been the coolest, most memorable people you’ve met along the way, and how did they make an impact on your life?

Sway definitely is at the top of the list because of how humble of a person he is. My close friends, Jinks, Huff and El-One all have been a big influence on how I move as well.





When you’re sitting on the porch age 97 what would you like to look back on and smile having achieved?

I will smile knowing I made that one song I wanted to make from the beginning, along with several others. Great thing about art is that if no else appreciates it, you will always love it, because it is an extension of your soul.

What has been your most memorable or inspirational gig and why?

The first time me and G.Huff performed in NYC was definitely my most memorable. It was at Tammany Hall, right after Pete Rock had a show there. Police had raided Pete’s show the week before for some reason, so it was a question whether or not our show would take place. Well, it did. And we murdered it!

What has been your strangest celebrity encounter?

My strangest celebrity encounter was when I met 9th Wonder at A3C. I was standing next to him and Big Pooh. When I turned around it looked like paparazzi! I didn’t realize it was one of the first times in a while that the wo had even been seen together talking, and there I was in the pic…ha ha!

Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?

My ideal dinner guest would be Beyonce, and I would serve her whatever she wanted.

What are the greatest songs, albums, books, movies, TV shows, websites you’ve ever come across?

• Album: Michael Jackson – Thriller

• Book: Misery, by Stephen King

• Movie: Star Wars (the entire series)

• TV Show – The Cosby Show

• Website: Okayplayer.com

Name 5 songs (yours excluded) that we would expect to find on your iPod or Music Player

• Nas – “Nas Is Like”

• Average White Band -“Schoolboy Crush”

• Jay-Z “Hard Knock Life”

• Gangstarr – “Royalty”

• Pete Rock & CL Smooth – “T.R.O.Y.”

What special-hero type skills are you blessed with?

Most people don’t know I have the power to see through bullshit. So please don’t try to fight me with that, Ha!

Where can everyone reading this interview keep up with your adventures?

http://www.vicesworld.com

Final thoughts?

Thanks for this opportunity! I just want to give real heads the music I think they are looking for. I’m playing with house money so what I bring is 100% authentic. - TheWordisBond.com

Since 2016 will be an election year, Vice Souletric has decided to throw his name into the running with the release of his debut EP, Vice For President.

As the headliner, the producer/emcee shows off his talents behind the boards and on the mic, both of which you can enjoy today as part of an exclusive, pre-release listening session.

Vice doesn't shy away from making a strong statement with the project, touching on "the need for both political reform and personal growth." Produced entirely by Souletric himself, the EP features a total of seven original tracks, including the reader-approved "Treadmill Lifestyle." G. Huff, REKS and Guilty Simpson round out the features.

Though Vice For President will be officially released for sale tomorrow, April 7, you can enjoy full, free streaming today exclusively in The DJBooth.


Written by Brendan V on Apr 06, 2015 - DJBooth.net

Many times, it can feel like we’re living a Treadmill Lifestyle. You think you’re moving forward, but as you take a look around you realize you’re caught in the same position. Ohio producer and emcee Vice Souletric is here to break that cycle over his own boom bap backdrop, and calls on a couple of more-than-capable lyricists in longtime collaborator G. Huff and and Boston veteran Reks for assistance. Treadmill Lifestyle is the third leak off of Souletric’s upcoming debut EP, Vice for President, set to drop April 7 via United Grind. - DJBooth.net

As a ‘SOHH FIRST,’ we’re pleased to give you a bird’s-eye-view of Vice Souletric’s campaign trail, as he performs the EP’s debut leak, “Troublesome,” which features the aforementioned Simpson, at Cleveland’s renown, Grog Shop. Considering that Vice is opening for the legendary Pete Rock, and Slum Village, I think it’s safe to say that he’s on his way. When April 7th arrives, be sure to vote, ‘Vice for President.’ - SOHH.com

Vice Souletric channels his inner Malcolm X on his latest visual for "Hate Myself." The Ohio emcee is ready to challenge the Black community to join him in banishing self-hate that is perpetuated by media, tell-lies-vision and white privilege.

As an Asian-American, I can attest that this is something that seems to effect most people of color. From the skin-bleaching epidemic in Jamaica to the skin-whitening trend that seems to plague East Asia, in particular, Korea and China. Theories seem to point to East Asian women not being comfortable in their "yellow" skin due to the white supremacy doctrine that having a pale complexion conveys a "higher social status," and although I could counter that argument and go on and on about the power of melanin in this post, I'll save it for another time.

Vice, pardon me for jacking your post - but I guess that's one of the reasons why you wrote this song; to evoke these types of much-needed discussions. - 2dopeboyz.com

Upstart Vice Souletric debuts a socio-politically charged joint in the form of Troublesome alongside Guilty Simpson. In these times where those who are sanctioned to uphold the law treat innocent citizens with reckless abandon, we sure need more voices and opinions against such atrocities. Vice Souletric bares it all on this cut and says it factually for all to hear and listen.

Like the late 2pac said many years ago “I wonder why it’s hard being black…”. I guess we know the answer all too well. - Wordisbond.com

It’s been a long time since last we heard from Ohio-based producer/emcee, Vice Souletric. After collaborations with KRS-One, Rapper Big Pooh, and Saigon, to name a few, Vice Souletric returns today with this OKP premiere. Vice drops the first leak, “Troublesome,” off of his forthcoming EP, Vice For President. To get things started with a bang, Vice gets an assist from Detroit mainstay, Guilty Simpson, for a guest verse. The self-produced track has the two emcees exchanging bars and touching on topics like civil rights, police brutality, and racial profiling – listen up. Look for Vice For President to drop on April 7th. - Okayplayer.com

We’ve been lied to. The “land of the free and the home of the brave” may have been true at one point in American history, but the mantra couldn’t be any farther from the truth today. The media has painted a picture of minorities as criminals to be feared. Law enforcement comb the streets, often acting as judge, jury and executioner, to those who have no affiliation with criminal activity. It’s this very behavior that destroying the bedrock of our country, and the notion of liberty.

Leading the pack in fighting for what’s right are Vice Soulectric, and Guilty Simpson with “Troublesome,” the debut leak taken from Vice’s forthcoming EP, ‘Vice for President.’ As Vice drops knowledge on being called into question for being wrongfully accused by those who are sworn to protect and serve, Guilty echoes a Biggie bar, reminiscing on that fact that for many, sports and entertainment are the only way for African Americans to be successful in this current system. The highly charged, futuristic head nodder produced by Vice, serves as a much needed dose of reality rap. Mark your calendars for the April 7th release of Vice for President, which is set to drop through Vice’s United Grind imprint. - Allhiphop.com

I2G chilled with Vice Souletric for an exclusive interview. We discuss his new single, Hate Myself, his upcoming EP and much more so check it out.

Illuminati 2G is here with Vice Souletric, how’s it going?

I’m good man. In full blown grind mode right now.

Tell me a little bit about how your Hate Myself track and video came about.

Hate Myself is a track that forces all humans to look at themselves in the mirror and realize when we hurt each other, we hurt ourselves. Self hate is a serious problem in the black community particularly, so I’m calling it out for what it is.

I wanted the video to be very introspective and personal. I am the only person in the video for a reason. The cemetery theme is an allusion to self genocide. The black and white to color transitions represent enlightenment.

Now this will be on your new EP entitled Vice For President on April 7th. What are listeners in store for once they check out the project?

I am from the Midwest so the sound is very diverse yet stays in a traditional Hip Hop pocket. I produced the entire project so its cohesive. My influences production wise is Dilla, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek…so that should tell you what I’m on. Content wise I am using this project to introduce my self to the world by showing I can spit, where I’m from, and what I’m about.

Do you have any videos set to drop from the project?

I am trying to flag down the homie Guilty Simpson to record a video for my lead single, “Troublesome”. I also plan to record vids for “Midwest Blues” and “Brag Rap”.

What other projects do you have in the works?

I produced a few joints for G.Huff’s upcoming album and I am already organizing tracks for my next project that I’d like to drop by the fall.

What are your thoughts on the state of hip hop today?

Hip Hop is in a great place right now because it is open season. If you know how to handle your business and you have talent you can stand with the big dogs. The internet provides lanes that didn’t exist 15 years ago. Also there is no set formula or style that you have to use to blow up. Your limit is only your own creativity and resourcefulness.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour dates?

Yes me and Huff will be rocking in Pittsburgh May 15 with Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Brand Nubian, and Das Efx.

What is your website info for people wanting to check out what you have going on?

Check me out at www.vicesworld.com. Twitter is @vicegotbeats. Instagram is Vice_Souletric

Appreciate the interview. Is there any last words or shoutouts you would like to get out there?

Big shoutouts to my crew United Grind Society which consists of HiJinks, G.Huff and El One. And thanks to you for the opp to spread my word. - illuminati2g.com

[Each week, SOHH asks two entertainment personalities to name their Top 5 rappers of all-time. To make things tricky, we’ve created a “Hall of Fame” of emcees (see right) who are universally respected and therefore may not be mentioned. After Bobby V revealed his top picks earlier this week, producer Vice Souletric Beats brings out his fave five.]

Busta RhymesBusta Rhymes. I’ve never seen him live but he’s the emcee’s emcee. As far as versatlity? He’s the man. As far as his presence on tracks? He’s tearing it apart.

CommonCommon. I put Common on there because he can touch on any subject. He’s sort of what people are calling the conscious rapper. He has the great voice on the mic and he can tell stories. He has that real, original brand of hip-hop.

Andre 3000Andre 3000. He’s another one. The thing about Andre, he drops whenever he wants to. Once he does drop [new music], it’s always incredible. People want an album from him. He’s just another one of those cats that’s super gifted. He’s just a super intelligent cat.

p-snoop-dogg.jpgSnoop Dogg. Out of everyone in the Top 5, he’s probably had some of the best commercial success. He knows how to make hit songs. That’s one thing that a lot of non-mainstream and underground cats haven’t been able to grasp. He knows how to pick beats. Snoop knows how to spit.

p-lil-wayne.jpgLil Wayne. Just like Snoop Dogg, he’s had some of the best commercial success. He knows how to make a hit that everybody likes rather than just one demographic. Lil Wayne knows how to pick beats and he keeps it very versatile with the type of sound that he messes with. Him and Snoop have to be there just off the fact they know how to make hits. - SOHH.com

The relationship between the police and the citizens that they are sworn to serve and protect has historically been a strained one in communities where the minorities are the majority. On "Troublesome," rapper and producer Vice Souletric (@ViceGotBeats) teams up with Guilty Simpson (@GuiltySimpson) to give their 2-cents on this topic.

Vice crafted his own instrumental here and uses a combination of a steady 1,2 drum sequence and dark synths to create the vibe here. Let the conversation continue... - Istandardproducers.com

On Monday, we brought you an exclusive G.Huff interview. Now we bring the the producer of the dope album “Where Do We Go From Here” – Vice Souletric Beats.

Check it out!!!

Tell us a bit out yourself (introduce yourself)

I am a hip hop producer, graphic artist, lover of God, music, and lasagne.



How long have you been a lover of hip hop?

I have loved hiphop since about the age of 7, ever since my big brother introduced me to Run DMC, Eric B. and Rakim, and Public Enemy.



Why did you give yourself the name Vice Souletric?

“Vice” is short for “Ill Advice” which is my former MC name. “Souletric” is a description of my production. I try to create a mixture of soul with a futuristic twist.



You produced G. Huff’s “Where Do We Go From Here”, how was the experience of making the album for you?

It was the best experience I have had as a producer. To find an MC that is truly an artist and knows how to create quality songs with your production is priceless. It is also hard to find someone with the serious drive and work ethic. The workflow was smooth as well. I would give Huff beats, and he would hit me back later that night or the next day with a DOPE song completed! The further we went into the process, the better the chemistry became, and we etched out a commendable work of art.



I recently interviewed G Huff who said he was not shocked by the huge positive response to the album, were you?

I am a believer that hard work really does pay off. Not only does hard work pay off, but attention to detail helps a lot as well. We created the album from a hip hop lover’s perspective so we figured that true connoisseur’s of music would enjoy the project. G. Huff touched on a range of topics and emotions, making the music accessible and relatable. So I guess my answer is no. *laughs*.



Who would you say has been the biggest influence(s) on Vice Souletric’s beat making process?

Good music touches emotions and paints a mental picture for the listener. It also makes you move automatically. With that said I try to create beats with the smoothness of Pete Rock, technical clarity of Hi-Tek, creativity of J. Dilla, and with the “it” factor of Dj Premier.


What makes your sound so different?

I think the fact I am from the Midwest makes my sound different. I have no bias about south, east, or west coast sounds. Though I do have a heavy boom bap influences to sequencing, I try to make music with no barriers or guidelines. A lot of people tell me my style is “unorthodox” . I always try to create my own melodies too, instead of just relying on looping a sample. The best beats have a good balance of the sample and original keys and instruments.

Are there any artists out right now who you would like to work with in the near future?

I would love to work with Busta Rhymes, Jay-z, Royce Da 5’9”, Drake, Skyzoo, Rah Digga, I could do this all day.

What’s in the ‘Works’ for Vice Souletric?

G. Huff and I have another project in the works. I am also working on projects with Bronx MC, City Da God, Cleveland MC, Drastic, and the homies Hi Jinks and El One of Code Red are working over some of my production right now.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any shout outs?

I want to let your readers know that G. Huff and Vice Souletric are here for the long haul to give lovers of hip hop what they really want, which is the truth! Shout outs go to everyone supporting the movement! - Rawroots.com

Vice Souletric has collaborated with some of the best in the game, and that trend continues in the shape of this new track with Guilty Simpson. Troublesome is taken from new EP Vice for President, and is sounding real nice. - Grownuprap.com

Vice is one of Hip Hop’s best kept secrets. He has worked with Hip Hop Titans such as Talib Kweli, 9th Wonder, N.O.R.E., KRS-One, Saigon, REKS, Termanology, Reek Da Villian, Rapper Big Pooh, Guilty Simpson, Skyzoo and many more. Along with longtime collaborator, G.Huff, Vice is an official Shade 45 Sway In The Morning “Get In The Game” Artist.

In 2016, Vice plans to continue to make noise with his sophomore album, Vice For President II: There’s No Tomorrow Til You Wake Up which features appearances from Kweli, 9th Wonder, Big Pooh, Skyzoo, King Magnetic, G.Huff and HiJinks.


1) Do you remember the moment you wanted to be a hip-hop artist?

Absolutely, I first wanted to be an artist when I listened to Reasonable Doubt for the first time. I was intrigued and excited about the creativity and wit that could be used to write rhymes. I’ve always been a clever cat and I had finally found a way to use it.

2) What was it like creating your latest project – Vice For President 2?

My latest, project, Vice For President 2 was a very focused project from the beginning tip end. I pretty much knew how I wanted to execute each step of the recording, mixing and promotion process before I started penning the first song. I developed all the concepts first and after hearing feedback about the project I think I hit the mark!

3) What are you trying to achieve with Vice For President 2?

With this project I’m trying to cement myself among Hip Hop’s new elite. I want listeners to know that they have a new voice and a new sound coming from a new place. There are not too many Hip Hop artists from Ohio that are trying to do the things that I am doing, nor presenting it the way I am either.

4) What are your thoughts on staying independent or signing to a major label?

I will remain an independent artists as long as it makes sense. I like having complete control of my music and brand. I like connecting with my fans personally. I think my brand lends itself to independent success because people really want to hear authentic music that isn’t boring, but is innovative.


5) How do you feel about the independent hip-hop industry right now?

The indie game is wide open right now. If you know what you are doing there isn’t too much separating you from the next guy up. The Internet allows you to link with so many dope artists and producers that their is no excuse as to why a serious artist can’t garner at least a small bit of real success in this game.

6) As an independent hip-hop artist grinding it out, what sort of promotion and marketing are you doing to stand out from the rest?

I am also a graphic designer, so other than the basic blog presence, which is VERY important, I always create new artwork and promo vids that I can post on IG and FB, I try to keep interesting content up that my followers can enjoy. I also spend a lot of time on social media getting to know my followers and developing lasting relationships.

7) How do you think you’ve grown as an artist?

I think I have grown most on the business side of the game. I now realize so much about the industry and the myths that go along with it. I think I have etched out a sold strategy now that I can build on. I also have my entire package from sound quality, image, videos and presentation on point as well.

8) How do you feel about hip-hop today?

Hip Hop is still great. It as grown. Hip Hop now has so many sub-genres and I think its high time each one get its own individual attention so that no one area gets disrespected. You have Underground, Trap, Old School, Trippy, Gospel, Gangsta, and many more.There are dope artists in aloo f those sub-genres.

9) What artists in the game today do you look at for inspiration?

I used to look at artists for inspiration when I first started. Those were DJ Premier, Pete Rock, J Dilla, Kanye, Jay-Z and Common. I am a producer as well as an emcee so am inspired by the greats of both positions.

10) Who are your top 5 rappers dead or alive? - Stop The Breaks

HipHopDX Exclusive Premiere: Ohio emcee/producer phenom, Vice Souletric presents, a chilling spoken word piece targeting the issue of police brutality and racial injustice within the borders of the United States. Vice uses the first name of the slain young man, Tamir Rice, as an acronym to bring home his message.

“I am from Northeast Ohio so I took this event personally. I have children so empathize deeply with parents who have lost children to senseless violence of any kind. Like all of my music, it may make some people feel uncomfortable, but its the truth.” - HipHop DX

Along with campaigning for President with his second solo album, Vice Souletric ran heavy with his “Respect the Legends” motto — and certainly lived up to it throughout 2016.
The Lorain, Ohio-based emcee found himself collaborating with esteemed luminaries such as 9th Wonder, fellow Ohio native Hi-Tek, Talib Kweli and Pete Rock, just to name a few.
Speaking of the Soul Brother #1, Vice is set to hit the road with Pete Rock’s other half, CL Smooth as a part of the Unplugged Tour tomorrow (March 23rd).
In light of this news, the author of “The American Machine Is Racist” has decided to let loose the first video-single for “Testify” from his upcoming EP T.R.A.P. or (The Reality of All People), shot by Chem Vision, directed by Big Mos and produced by See See Beats (2 Chainz, Joey BadA$$, Action Bronson).
Watch the video up top and stream it on Spotify or Apple Music below and check out the dates for Vice’s appearances at CL Smooth’s Unplugged Tour below. - 2dopeboyz.com