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  3. Antwon Vinnie

Antwon Vinnie

  • Awards and Nominations
    • SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Hip-Hop/Rap ★
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Q & A

All-time favorite song?

01.31.20

"Let There Be Rock" by AC/DC

As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?

01.31.20

My older brother Justin played guitar since I can remember. His sounds were some of my first. I listened to a lot of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Jack White and many more. They inspired my electric stage presence. I also was obsessed with basketball when I was really young and played a lot of the NBA 2K games. Those games were my first exposure to hip-hop.

Can you describe a moment in your musical career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?

01.31.20

When I have fans come up to me and tell me the music helped them get through a tough time, or made them not feel alone. Especially when they also have gone through health issues.

Do you have regular gigs around town?

01.31.20

Yes. I am hoping to have more as the year progresses and when I get more exposure.

Favorite colors?

01.31.20

All of them.

Favorite guitar player?

01.31.20

Angus Young and Jack White.

Favorite SAMMIES story?

01.31.20

Getting the hip-hop nomination!

How did it first start?

01.31.20

I have always been multi-talented and loved to learn new things. I rediscovered my love for hip-hop by listening to Tyler, The Creator. His music was unlike anything I have heard before, and so much different than the bling and stoner rap the popular kids at my school were listening to. I dived in to beat making and writing lyrics all self-taught and within a year I created a 20 self-produced album.

How do you describe your music to people?

01.31.20

Like nothing they have heard before. Music anyone can relate to: pure expression, raw energy and passion.

How do you feel about musical award competitions?

01.31.20

They are a great way to get new followers and exposure. Win or not I am so happy I have been gifted a new platform to grow!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you be?

01.31.20

A Tardigrade. That would be clutch!

Name a recent personal food trend.

01.31.20

Homemade tacos.

Tell us about your best gig in Sac.

01.31.20

My NUMB album release show at Old Ironsides. It was the first show of mine where I had so many friends and supporters show up and it was incredibly emotional. After five years of work it was the perfect way to release the project.

What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)

01.31.20

Not as much as I used to. Now I think of songs in the shower. Many of my beats were thought up in the shower.

What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?

01.31.20

By doing it for the right reasons. I love it so much and it has given me so much. And I still have so much to give back.

What message do you hope to give with your music?

01.31.20

That everyone is special, and life is a beautifully dark maze we are all trying to walk through. Everyone goes through hard times and everyone deserves love and respect. I hope my music can enhance the way people view themselves and the world. In a more positive and introspective way.

What's next for you?

01.31.20

Going to keep learning and pursuing what I love! Planning on dropping three self-produced projects over the next year. Hopefully, I can land more shows and hopefully start touring.

What's the best part of this experience?

01.31.20

Being able to meet and share my art with so many amazingly talented musicians. Also being able to express my deepest feelings and have people who love and support my art.

What's the story behind your stage name?

01.31.20

My mom and friends always called me Antoine growing up, but I like the spelling of ANTWON better, and Vincent is my middle name. Vinnie is the care-free, exuberant and crazy side of myself, and Antwon is the deep, introspective and cathartic side of myself. To the reader: Do you think you can find which songs belong to which alter ego?

What's your favorite jam from the '90s?

01.31.20

"Kick in the Door" by Biggie Smalls

What's your favorite local artist/group?

01.31.20

TypeBeat, Madk@p, Just Is, and The Good News Club. They are hella underground.

What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?

01.31.20

"Northern Lights."

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

01.31.20

Tough question. The real answer definitely lies within the NUMB album. But I’m going to keep fighting to beat my MS.

Who are your biggest influences?

01.31.20

My mother and my brother Justin.

Who first inspired you to play music?

01.31.20

My brother Justin.

Words to live by?

01.31.20

Question your thoughts, trust your feelings and live your best life.

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