London-based artist, rapper, and creative V.I.C unleashes his hotly anticipated mixtape VÄRIANT – dropped independently alongside the incendiary focus track “Can’t Take No More“.
A clear marker of the electrifying legacy he’s building towards, V.I.C’s sharp, conscious commentary and lyrical prowess shine through across VÄRIANT. An enigmatic display of ambition and integrity, the powerful mixtape marks a shift in the young rapper’s artistic evolution – a richer, multi-layered sound and expressive approach that highlights his flair and deeper penmanship.
Transcending any expectation of contemporary UK rap, he emerges both poignant and self-aware while exploring identity, development, resilience, and the perils of a young artist in London building foundations beyond his years. A captivating and fully-formed body of work, V.I.C’s self-assured pursuit for progression will continue to draw attention as a serious creative force in the landscape.
Executively produced by Evil Genius, alongside incendiary production from The Silhouettes Project’s Paya (ENNY, Shae Universe, Maverick Sabre), New Zealand native Ashton Stellars (Burna Boy, FLO, Denzel Curry) and more, VÄRIANT opens with the infectious cut “Diamonds” – V.I.C’s intimate delivery becomes a canvas for inner-city pressure and ambition, ultimately pushing him towards self-realization as he battles the toxic influences that threaten to disrupt his path to success. Navigating through the explosive focus track “Can’t Take No More”, the jazz-infused “Let It Go”, and the raw “Check Me Out”, the mixtape draws to a close at the apex of his potent artistry across “Wasteman.”
Speaking on the mixtape, V.I.C mentions: “’VÄRIANT’ embodies everything I’ve discovered I am – different. From the way I think to my daily routine, to how I came into music, to my early life. I’ve always felt different, always been the odd one out. I came to the UK from Nigeria at the age of 9 and was usually the only Black kid around, struggling to find identity. My journey into music has been sheer determination and learning to embrace imperfection, which I later discovered is exactly what creativity is. So, once I got to a point where I was finally confident with my pen, my skill, and my ability to tell stories, I decided to push my creativity and embrace my difference with this 5-track project.”
He adds: “I think nowadays, being different and individual is a superpower – and that’s what I hope ‘VÄRIANT’ embodies. Pushing yourself into uncomfortable places to see what comes out – because what comes out is your true, unfiltered self.”
With his unrestrained self-expression building something meaningful for both his community and the next generation to come, VÄRIANT will no doubt carve V.I.C’s name and legacy into London’s bustling music and arts culture.
