The young artist’s musical influences were as diverse as the streets he grew up in – as much informed by classic rock as hip-hop. “I was into Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC when I was a little kid,” he recalls. This lineage would later manifest itself

in Vic’s role as front-man for Chicago indie outfit, Kids These Days. Formed in 2009, the eight-piece group’s sound married Mensa’s wandering cadence with horns and blues guitars. Their 2012 album, Traphouse Rock, produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, garnered them significant critical acclaim. Although the group disbanded not long after the debut release, the project introduced the world to Vic’s presence. As a performer, he is antagonistic. Vic draws a crowd in, before an inevitable frenzied collapse or release – a sonic exorcism. It’s a tension that you find more often at punk gigs than hip-hop shows. Characterised by a volatile transfer of energy from crowd to performer and back again. Perhaps it’s not surprising to discover that Vic counts The Clash as his favourite band. “I love the ability of punk music to make a catchy song out of a striking concept. Something that’s not a love song,” he explains.

2013 was the year that things changed for the young artist. It was a compelling time for Chicago hip-hop, drill rapper Chief Keef’s anticipated Finally Rich released in December of the previous year, and Vic’s fellow Savemoney crew member Chance the Rapper caused a major online frenzy with his irrepressible debut, Acid Raps. Exactly five months later Vic unveiled Innanetape. The meandering mixtape is an exercise in exuberance, an unapologetic expression of youth. The release spurred critical accolades for Vic, including a coveted spot on the cover of XXL’s 2014 Freshman issue, and slots on numerous best of year recap lists. The tape showcases Vic’s lyrical dexterity. Featuring packed bursts of meditative reflection, coupled with freewheeling production. Hit-Boy, Christian Rich, and Michael Uzowuru are among the musical collaborators on the project. While Vic appreciates the attention that the release brought, he’s not prepared to let it define him. When questioned about the release he confesses that he doesn’t listen to it anymore. “I was still talking about real shit to me, I just don’t necessarily like how I was talking about it,” Vic qualifies. “I’m immensely grateful for all the love that Innanetape got, and I don’t want to be misinterpreted as hating on myself.”