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Our SPOTLIGHT artist is a talented young man from the Bronx, whose passion for Christ has lead him on a spiritual journey. I have been fortunate enough to see Vill E. Wright perform at a few events and continues to be in awe of his talent and passion for Christ. He is just one of the many artists that will be performing this July 4th at the Rock With Christ kickoff concert in Mount Vernon, NY. Read more about this talented artist below.
Meet The Artist
- Name: Vill E. Wright
- Location: Bronx, NY
- Genre: Christian Hip Hop/ Spoken Word
- Contact info: ville23wri@gmail.com
Introduction
Vill E Wright is an aspiring Christian Hip Hop/ Spoken Word artist coming out of the Bronx New York. From his reputation on the streets to his growth in the church, Vill E Wright looks to brand himself far outside the urban community. Vill aims to shed light on his past experience as well as his current status, including his recent transition to his Christian faith, becoming saved and his journey in changing for the better. We get a sense of healing, worship, inspiration and a taste of reality from his music or what he likes to call, spoken word ministry. Vill hopes to encourage, inspire and most importantly heal through his poetry and music.
Has becoming a Christian caused you any problems in the mainstream rap scene?
I wouldn’t say my choice of faith caused me the most problems; But I do believe my choice of what I choose to rap about affects me. Only because mainstream music in my opinion is not so much concerned with the kind of music that will uplift someone, inspire someone or change someone for the better in a positive way. But more of what will bring in the money, it’s a business.
How have you matured in your thinking and your craft since changing your lifestyle?
There’s been plenty of improvement. I know the growth comes from Christ leading and guiding me spiritually, just as well as me challenging myself from a biblical standpoint. Life itself is an inspiration, so I can never run out of lyrics.
At what age did you start rapping and who were some of your influences then and now?
I started rapping at five years old and my first influence was my father who was a DJ/Jamaican MC if you would call it that. Secondly, I was influenced by artist such as Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Mobb Deep, 50 Cent, G-unit; now I listen to artist like J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, LeCrae and Uptown Maine.
Do you feel that Christian Hip Hop has been readily accepted in the Gospel industry? If not, why?
No, I don’t believe it has been accepted because it’s a completely different genre of music. I believe that Christian Hip Hop is the bridge to an outside audience who is in the world, that may not receive the gospel as the people who is already in Christ can. But they both serve a significant purpose that comes from the kingdom.
What do you want someone who has never heard your music before to take away?
To Know that I’m human, just like anyone else who makes mistakes, who has his struggles and ups & downs. But what saves me is the victory in the Most High God. Music is my lifeline, my therapy, that is not just saving me alone, but here to uplift, inspire and encourage my audience; letting them know they’re not alone and that through the love of Christ, nothing is impossible.
If you had the opportunity to tour with someone, who would that be and why?
It would be. Nas and Damion Marley. Because I did see them on their distant relative’s tour and in my opinion I received something spiritual from it. It wasn’t the average tour for me.
In terms of performers, who are some of your personal favorites?
Bob Marley, J Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
What are some of the things you do to build a connect with your audience during a performance?
I love to drop the beat and get the audience attention with my freestyles, it’s a moment for everyone to listen and hear me out. I like to ask them questions as well and get them to sing along, just to get them involved a little with the performance. I think that connection is important when trying to convey a message.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m currently working on my album Under Construction. So far it’s been a very solid project. My film production team and I are currently outlining and story boarding to start the promotion for the new album. My label is also working on starting a vlog or documentary just to give our followers an inside view of what goes on here at 21st Dynasty For Christ. So I am pretty excited about that.
Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Just to keep God first and be wise enough to see that this world is not changing for the better, the choices we make today will stick with us for eternity. Choose Christ! R.I.P my sister A.R and free my brothers.
