Just a few short years ago, at only sixteen years old, North Carolina-raised hip-hop artist Reuben Vincent was already signing his first record deal with Jamla Records. In the three years that have followed, the young artist has grown immensely and now, he’s celebrating the release of his sophomore EP, Boy Meets World. At only eight songs in length, Boy Meets World pulls no punches and includes absolutely no filler. Packed to the brim with personal and powerful tracks, the self-reflective EP is a perfect reflection of where Vincent is in his life right now, weaving stories of his own journey while simultaneously celebrating women and touching on racial injustice.
With Boy Meets World out now, we caught up with Vincent to look back on his start in music, signing with Jamla and discuss his plans for the future. Listen to the EP and read the full interview now below.
Prelude Press: You’ve been involved in music in one way or another since you were just a kid. How do you feel you’ve grown or what have you learned as an artist since you first started releasing your own music to now?
Reuben Vincent: The main component of my growth as an artist is the directed intentions I have with each song in its placement towards a body of work. I’m able to filter out the multitude of experiences in ensuring that a whole picture is given of me without being redundant. There are so many stories I have and want to give the world, but I have learned to filter through all of them and be selective with what I choose to deliver now.
How do you feel your hometown has shaped or influenced the music that you write?
Charlotte is a unique city by being such a center for multiple cultures, I’ve always viewed it as a melting pot. There is such a high amount of people who move to Charlotte from the northern and western part of the United States, so having that in addition to Charlotte being the south, I was able to observe it all. Having a full picture soundwise allowed me to truly be unafraid of the stories I have experienced in Charlotte, whether good or bad.
Back in 2016, you signed with 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records. What has that partnership taught you?
9th has blessed me with so many things that start with the music, but really extends to all parts of life. He has helped me in the journey of becoming a man. The biggest lesson that 9th and Jamla Records has taught me is the importance of patience and the benefits that come to those who follow it earnestly.
Earlier this summer, you released your Boy Meets World EP. Now that you’ve had some time to sit on it and reflect on it, what are some of your favorite things about those songs?
That it is entirely transparent and delivers a complete picture of me. Nothing was forced, it feels entirely organic, even in hindsight, and nothing beats that.
What goals did you have in mind when you first started working on Boy Meets World?
To give to the world another perspective that may be something one was thinking of already or be something entirely new. I wanted to create dialogue between myself and others from all the self-reflection I had taken about everything that was going on in the world. I want others to know that we’re all unique and a way of demonstrating that is demonstrating who I am and how I am true to that.
Lyrically, was there anything you knew you really wanted to touch on?
I wanted to give the full picture of who Reuben Vincent is on this project. Therefore, I knew I wanted a song dedicated to the ladies since I have so much love for women. I wanted to give a motivating song that transpires spirit and actions of the listeners to have fun but also do something with themselves. I especially wanted to touch on the current events of the public brutality that is being done by police unto my people.
What would you like for listeners to take away from the EP?
That this is only the beginning. This project is simply a stepping stone towards the next one, which will be my official debut album. This EP is only a preview of my versatility whether it be of skills or vulnerability regarding the topics. I want the listeners to know that they should not put me in a box unless that box is greatness.
Obviously, COVID-19 has really affected and changed how we do things right now, especially in the music industry. How has it affected your plans for 2020?
Thankfully, COVID-19 did not halt my hustle. It may have changed some assumed plans, but not in terms of the long run of my career. For example, I wanted to continue touring greatly throughout the summer. However, the situation has pushed me to write and record more, and that makes me even more excited for what is to come since I myself am seeing so much growth in my music due to new experiences being brought forth through the newfound time with my family.
Do you have any other big goals for the rest of the year?
To continue giving great music to the listeners, whether it be in my personal bodies of work or somebody else’s. Ultimately the goal is to perfect what is to become my debut album.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Boy Meets World Out Now. That is all. Thank you for having me, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity. Peace.
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