Diary of an aspiring rapper with Hellovicco

Last month moved fast. Industry Games finally has a date: September 11.In this one I get into the album. The concept behind it, why “play the game to change the game” sits at the centre, and what it took to build something this personal on my own terms.I talk about SXSW London too. Being in that room in Shoreditch, what it meant.And the real stuff. What going independent actually costs. Why ownership is the aim, the faith and the discipline that keep me steady when everything gets mad.Books I'm Reading:Hit makers- Derek ThompsonPossibilities- Herbie Hancock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve been locked in this month. 10 mins drilling, breaking down what makes tracks actually work, 6 freestyle songs deep. The levels are genuinely higher and I can feel it. I talk about how the mixtape is coming along and how we’ve found a way to get music directly to the people who care — over 100 sign-ups and counting. I also share some exciting album updates. On the team side I’ve brought Ore on as Creative Director and we’re now looking at funding, figuring out how to release this thing properly, and prepping for tour.Books I’m Reading:Herbie Hancock- Possibilities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spent the last two weeks in Nigeria reconnecting with myself while my laptop broke and forced me out of my usual routine. In that space, I found a new level of creativity, wrote more than I expected, and leaned into the uncertainty that comes with evolving as an artist. I also talk about announcing my tour, staying sharp through freestyles, and how having a team around me is helping everything move forward.Books I'm Reading:Success through a positive mental attitude: Napoleon HillCycles -the science of prediction: Edwin R Dewey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After taking a week away from social media and screens, I talk about the mental reset it gave me and how it helped me reconnect with creativity. In that space, I realised something important that I delve into more in this episode.I introduce the idea behind my upcoming album Industry Games — a project about understanding the real mechanics of the music industry and learning how to play the system in order to disrupt it. I also share the mindset shift that made me realise I already have everything I need to make it happen. Books I'm Reading:The Art of War- Sun TsuOpen Water- Caleb Azumah NelsonThe Power Of One More- Ed Mylett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lessons from coach Rob: "Get in your head and you're dead".The team and the music has been growing rapidly and with that comes a lot of exciting things but a whole lot of issues to solve....this is how i'm managing that.Books i've been reading:The Power of Now- Eckhart TolleSuccess Through A Positive Mental Attitude- Napoleon Hill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting off the year addressing my health and speaking on where my mental health is. Reviewing my goals for the year, it looks all very daunting and this is how i'm breaking it down to be able to sustain the motion.Books i'm reading:Built to sell- John WarrillowThe Power of Now- Eckhart TolleThe Song Machine- John Seabrook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I reflect on a pivotal year—dropping Väriant, releasing merch, expanding my team, and performing outside the UK for the first time. We dive into growth, core fans, creative wins, planning for next year and why the new manager on trial is already a game-changer.Books I've been reading:Contagious: Jonah bergerThe song machine: John SeabrookLie or die: Blood moon- AJ ClackWhat I've been listening to:https://i.airbuds.fm/hellovicco/BB93ECxpP6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently realised i'm a control freak and it's making me hate music. Ive been good recently though, realising that control is an illusion is the first part then trying to find moments with collaborators where I dont have to be anything but myself. Plus we did 2 shows in the last month! Moving up.Books i’m reading:Lie or Die: Blood moon- Aj ClackWhat i’ve been listening to:https://i.airbuds.fm/hellovicco/BB93ECxpP6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I'm gonna take you into my head during the moments when the spotlight fades and most people experience "depression". Other creatives have been saying its to do with Mercurys retrograde but mercury isn't in retrograde yet so that now?Books I've been reading:(I can't lie I haven't really been reading much)So you want to talk about race- Ijeoma Oluo Songs i've been listening to:A lot of Jay Z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I review the difference between R&L now versus 3 years ago, the changes and the growth. I also took a break but it seems like it didn't go the way I had planned. What next?? Fifa 26?Books I'm Reading:Mongrel- Hanako FootmanHow to invest- Peter StanyerSo you wanna talk about race- Ijeoma OluoSongs i'm studying:Reasonable doubt- Jay Z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reaching a new tipping point, 40 doors success, handling expectations and letting go of control. Had to cut the live band and learn to put my best foot forward for Reading and Leeds. A TEEN IS BACKBooks I'm reading:Chop Wood Carry Water- Joshua Medcalf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This last month has been a whole lot of boring needing out on music, I copped the Eminem biography book and it's been my favourite read. I've also been thinking about how I can build structures that protect my values without alienating everyone around me and I go into that in this episode more. Books I'm reading: The way I am- EminemMongrel- Hanako Footman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we talk about the fall out from the roll out of väriant, figuring out what's next. New team, feeling confused about how the dynamic of it, letting go versus delegating. Vlogging for 14 days and prepping for summer shows. Books i've been reading:Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win - Jocko Willink and Leif BabkinSongs i've been listening to:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5n9qLWuDF3m1KrPUslVWC4?si=87389710d3ff46d6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spitting straight game about how to survive when you've spent literally all your money chasing your dreams. The biggest aim is to be able to work sustainably because its a marathon not a sprint and you dont know when your time will come so you need to make sure your funds don't dry up on you.Books I referenced: The Miracle Morning- Hal ElrodSecrets of the Millionaire Mind- T. Harv EkerBooks i'm reading atm: How To Sell Your Way Through Life- Napoleon HillFrequently Happy- David LarbiSpotify playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5n9qLWuDF3m1KrPUslVWC4?si=1664681e9d854882 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most busiest months I've lived through, how to cope with trying to put on the biggest show yet, dropping a music video with 2 weeks notice, moving out of London whilst trying to promote VÄRIANT and my first red carpet event.......Books i'm reading:The 22 Immutable laws of Marketing -Al Ries & Jack TroutHow to sell your way through life- Napoleon HillSongs i'm listening to:5n9qLWuDF3m1KrPUslVWC4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tough times never last only tough people Books i’ve been reading:Frequently Happy- David LarbiSecrets of the Millionaire Mind- Harv T EckerCurrent Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5n9qLWuDF3m1KrPUslVWC4?si=ZDPaYzRASPm0WgKeuu-a1A&pi=nQY3YRY-Sy60E Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this award winning podcast show, we are talking about the part of being a creative that makes the art worth it. With the release of VARIANT being around the corner life has ramped up. I feel like i've aged 20 years in the last 7 months.Book I'm reading:Decoded- Jay ZThe Practice- Seth Godin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First episode of 2025! In this episode we talk about planning and the uses of sitting down a couple months before a major event/project ( *COUGH* new mixtape) and planning out all the details. Resolutions and intentions for the new year set, lets get it!Books i'm reading:The miracle morning- Hal ElrodSecrets of the millionaire mind- T. Harv Ekerhttps://vicmusicmerch.myshopify.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve been listening to to Jcole’s podcast,One thing I said was I wished artists would have documented their journey which is why I am doing this and now J Cole didSpotify wrapped- A teen, Numbers falling, New projectBalamii Live flop - My first experience of flopping, Learning to growMerch website up- made it available to worldwide vinyls were sold out and restocked a few, finally got the merch uphttps://vicmusicmerch.myshopify.com/What i'm listening to:J cole Podcast Inevitable: the-warm-upBooks i'm reading:The purpose driven life- Rick WarrenThe courage to be disliked- Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I asked Open Ai what it takes to be confident in your creative element, using this last month to explain it's answers. Might be my favourite episode yet. KEEP STREAMING SUNSHINE!Books I've been reading:Decoded- Jay ZThe Courage to be disliked- Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I go into how these last months have been a heavy process of learning and the new methods i've discovered to do that. New project loading.... sooner than you think.New song Sunshine Out Now!sunshineBooks i've been reading:On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous- Ocean VuongThe Rap Yearbook- Shae SerranoMen Without Women- Haruki Murakami Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running late with this episode but, better late than never! One of the most beautiful nights of 2025 so far, selling out Camden assembly full of fans, friends and family. So much love to everyone that helped and was a part of this, you already know who you are. Books I'm reading atm:The artists way- Julia CameronOn Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous- Ocean Vuong Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heavy month if you're looking from the outside in but all this mental prep has allowed it to be a little easier to skate through. Two weeks left until the headline show!Link to the London Headline Show: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/940566077457?aff=oddtdtcreatorBooks i'm reading atm:Not Nice - Aziz Gazipura Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Headline Show: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vic-friends-far-from-home-headline-show-tickets-940566077457?aff=oddtdtcreatorIn this episode I’m thinking out loud about what it takes to work as a creative. A lot of the time I doubt the fact that I work because work as a creative is very unorthodox from normal jobs, in this episode I’m documenting what my work day feels like and how I’ve adapted it to make it efficient for growth and taking all the opportunities that becomes availableBooks I’m reading: Not Nice- Dr Aziz Gazipura   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Second Ep- 'far from home' finally dropped last week released independently from start to finish, in this episode I will be comparing the differences between the process and aftermath of releasing my first project with a label and my most recent album. Books i'm reading:Not nice- Dr Aziz GazipuraListen to the Ep here:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vic10/far-from-home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I talk about my upcoming Ep "Far from home", navigating releasing that in one of the busiest periods of my career and the difference from the first time I was releasing a project. Including a special excerpt from some thoughts I wrote at the start of this month.Books I'm reading:Ordinary people- Judith GuestNot Nice- Dr Aziz GazipuraPresave the Ep here:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vic10/far-from-home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk about how I started creating music and how you can put out your first song without spending crazy amounts.My current Set upMic- Shure Sm7bLaptop- Apple MacBook M3 proAudio Interface- Focusrice Scarlett Solo 4th GenHeadphones- Audio-Technica M30x Professional Monitor Headphones BlackSpeakers- PreSonus Eris E3.5, Studio Monitor Speakers, Pair, 3.5 Inch, 2-Way, High-Definition MultimediaPresave What She Likes- https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/vic10/what-she-likes-2Reading listMind Shift- Erwin McManusOrdinary people- Judith GuestMusic I'm listening toEverything Big Sean, been rediscovering his catalogue and artistry (big fan) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the release of 4am, my most recent single, is the work of some of my oldest friends so in this episode I want to talk about what ive learnt so far about working with friends...Books i've been reading:Keep Going- Austin KleonJust Kids- Patti SmithPodcasts i'm rating atm:Make art not content- Father Bronques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people making music have the goal to be a full time musician right? But what does it actually take? And what type of person/ mindset do you need to have to pull it off. This month I realised I wasn't being true to my artistic self and decided to quit my day job.Books I've been reading:Lost focus- Johann HariSteal like an artist- Austin KleonJust Kids- Patti SmithPodcasts that I'm rating atm:A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs - Andrew HickeyMake art not content - Father Bronques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year,In this podcast I address the way I'm hoping to enter into a new year, lack of motivation, complacency, how I've set the goals for this year, the difference between a dream and a goal and continuing from recent successes. If you're feeling stuck after planning your new year goals listen to this....Books I've been reading:The Universe Versus Alex Woods- Gavin ExtenceStolen Focus Why You Can't Pay Attention - Johann HariSongs I've been listening to:V.I.C- Mabessshttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KC5joGlHrMj32OAHV1UJz?si=IuHZppP_R7ePCd26MGa9dw&pi=e-X58q-IANRhOe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Addressing the viral tikok by Willow Kaye, thoughts I wrote when I couldn't sleep at 3am. I also address the success of two sides in this episode.Books i've been reading:The Artists Way- Julia CameronThe Universe Versus Alex Woods- Gavin ExtenceSongs i've been listening to:V.I.C - mabesssDave, Jack Harlow- Stop giving me adviceEnnny- Under Twenty Five Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

75 Days of rigid structure has finally come to an end, in this episode I talk about my results and how it affected my creative process. I also the feelings after a week of returning back to normality.Books i've been reading:The Artists Way- Julia CameronSongs i've been listening to:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6?si=374b05d0663841c2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three weeks until my 75 hard challenge is over and I've been thinking about routines and what this challenge has taught me about setting and keeping to a routine. How they can be both good and bad when trying to be creative and how to set the right routine.Books i've been reading:The Power of Now- Eckhart TolleThe Power of One More- Ed MylettSongs i've been listening to:2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continued from the last episode. In this episode, I talk about the hardest day I've faced so far whilst taking on the 75 Hard challenge, what a full day of shooting a music video looks like and what that day taught me.Books i've been reading:The Creative Act- Rick RubinHow to win friends and influence people- Dale CarnegieSongs I'm listening to:2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally moved into the new yard and built my studio set up. In this episode I talk about why I started the 75 hard and how I'm managing to balance doing it with all the responsibilities that being a creative brings. Is it worth it?Books i've been reading:The Creative Act- Rick RubinHow to win friends and influence people- Dale CarnegieSongs I'm listening to:https://spotify.link/0p7xwPtT6Cb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spent the last 4 months living with 2 of my most creative friends and I can't lie In that period i had a few sick creative awakening moments and I thought i'd share those with you. I personally will be listening back to these when I feel blocked creatively and have since been using these tips to write some of my best music so far.Books i've been reading:The Creative Act: A Way of Being- Rick RubinThe Power of Now: Eckhart TollsSongs I'm listening to:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6?si=7fa2c0c58cb147a0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you don't have a 9-5 and are predisposed to hustling, holidays are just work days in different countries. In this episode I navigate actually resting on a holiday and things I learnt on the 10 days that I took off to rest.Books I've been reading:The power of now- Eckhart tollsThe artists way- Julia CameronSongs I'm listening to:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6?si=dab397337d0341af Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest thing in this game is understanding how to trust the process, if you're like me you like to control all aspects of your career but sometimes you just gotta let things happen. I explain it more in this episode.Apologies for the lateness life has been hectic.Books i've been reading:48 Laws of powerThe artists wayThe power of nowSongs i'm listening to:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fhCpvhciFy7ryqDvlBlR6?si=bf26a6f018774d0b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I went on tour for the first time this month supporting Wes Nelson. No management, no label backing. 8 Days and 5 cities. Maddest experience- learnt a few lessons from that in preparation for my own first headline show. 3 Days out now from the London show! Dropped my 4th song of the year Hood love story with Big Jest Uk Rap games winner, BIG TUNE. Plus lessons from DJ Denny on the balance between rest and work.Books i've been reading:Jay-Z -Michael Eric DysonSongs I've been listening to:Hood Love Story- V.I.CPut it on God- LimoblazeAll my life- Lil DurkVienna- Billy Joel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally announced my first headline show, nuts! Performed at Wingstop with TikTok and met a personal stylist. This last month i’ve been studying the lyrics of my goats and learning a lot more about how to make the best music and construct my lyrics. Taking the pressure out of the how and putting the emphasis on the what. Turns out the how takes care of itself its a very weird situation. Had a crazy amount of enlightenment this month, I talk about it in more detail and more.... Books I've been reading:Rakim- Sweat the techniqueJayz -Made in AmericaWhat's stopping you- Robert KelseySongs i've been listening to:Take some time- V.I.CJust begun- Hi-Tek, Talib Kweli, J.Cole, Jay Electronica, Mos DefPaid in full (Album)- Rakim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Website- [https://www.hello-vicco.com/]This month I’ve gotten a bit better at prioritising collecting life moments and putting a bit more faith in the process and Icl it’s made it one of the least stressful periods and highest rewarding. From flying first class for the first time to being a part of tiktoks top 10 in the rap category, I go into it in more detail in this months episode. Books I’ve been reading: How to sell your way through life Songs that inspired me:Carter 3- Lil Wayne (Album)Born sinner- JcoleEnemies- JordyBlessings- Friday, Asake Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still trying to figure out all the aspects of my music business and slowly getting there whilst also levelling up the output, it’s slow but I talked to a few people this month that gave me a different perspective on things. Also went to Manny Norte’s brits after party- major manifestation point, I go into all of that in this weeks episode.Things that inspired me this month:It’s all in your head- RussCreative minds( YouTube channel)In the studio (Emily Wilcox)Damn good advice (for people with talent)- George Lois Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I can't lie If I get given the choice to go out and meet new people or stay and home and make music I'd 100% choose staying at home, this month I thought id do things different and go meet people and I ended up meeting Jaden Smith, Simon Cowell and one of the greatest magicians of all time. Songs/Projects that inspired me this month:Stormzy- This is what I meanRaye-Escapism./Thrill is gone.Rimon- Build me a houseAb soul, Zachari- Do betterLittle Simz- NO THANKYOU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm currently in a construction phase of building the next part of my music career and I can't lie i'm enjoying making this music a lot more. Tap in... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick freestyle I wrote went mad viral. I started making beats which has given me an idea for what the next project might be. I'm releasing one of my favourite songs-"You" and I got my first national radio play on BBC1 xtra as BBC introducing track of the week. Crazy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We turnt around 2 sides in just 10 days, because of 3 videos we uploaded on TikTok gathering over 8million views together. Its currently going crazy! Tokyo world was mad I discuss the differences between both festivals. Switching up the format to make it better and easier for you to listen to, hope you rate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Probably my best month so far doing this music thing. Tops getting on Fifa, getting signed, moving out from home. I started this whole thing to show people what was possible and to be able to put a face to those people and see the love was mad for me. We released peace of mind and at the moment its one of the most saved song overtaking maybe and what I do which is pretty mad i'm looking forward to seeing what comes from that!Listen to the track here if you've not heard it:https://linktr.ee/Hellovicco Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month has been mad busy so this episode comes at the end of the month. Allows me a bit of time to reflect on how hectic it's been but also sort of productive with starting show rehearsals, graduating, travelling and getting inspiration from one of the most artistic capitals in Europe and more. New series starts at the end where I recommend books and podcasts i've been listening to. P.SSlowly building segments now- great progress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don't allow myself to take time off so once in a while I get crazy Ill for like a week at a time, I talk through the realisations I came to in the most recent one. Made 2 songs which could be crazy, I talk about how they came about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spent the past 2 weeks moving out of my old place, found my new spot and I couldn't be happier. Making some of my best music so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.