HHG: First off, what's really good Vice?

VR: Everything's good! I can't complain man I'm just tryin to keep myself focused and determined. There are alotta speed bumps in the game that wanna slow my roll but I can never come to a stop, feel me. I'm just happy to be alive and gettin a little recognition for my passion. But there's always room for improvement and that's where the focus and determination gotta come in.

HHG: Explain to everyone who you are, for those who don't know.

VR: I'm a multitalented musician from North Cakalak. We call it the Middle East out here. Carolina is my home and I always rep it as much as I can. Raleigh is my hometown, Charlotte is where I put it down. I've been rapping for like maybe 7 years or something like that. Numbers ain't important so just know that I've been tryin to do my thing for a hot minute.

HHG: You just finished your first mixtape, what's up with that?

VR: It's a breath of fresh air honestly. Its the first cd that I have ever put out. I'm nervous because I want to be accepted. But at the same time I have enough confidence in my skill to know that it should make some noise. I'm not expecting Jimmy Iovine or Russell Simmons to come and beat down my door so I'll just keep doin my thing and pushin it regardless. Since you mentioned the mixtape I wanna take the opportunity to thank DJ G-Spot for having faith in me and puttin out my first mixtape. Much love to the mixtape king of the Midwest. For anyone interested the mixtape is entitled "DJ GSpot Presents : Vice Raw - Too Raw 4 TV". It'll be out in a few weeks. I put my hand on the Bible that its fire, I got a joint up there with D-rich and I-20. Its also got a Dapper Don remix of me and Stack Bundles. It's hot shit trust me.

HHG: What's in the future for Vice Raw?

VR: I'm already workin on the next solo mixtape in hopes to keep steppin the game up and hittin the streets rapidly. My plan is basically to just keep my name in people's mouths. I'm workin with Mafioso Records out of Salisbury now and they have some really big plans for summer. My goal is to have radio on lock by summer and keep hittin the concrete with street tapes.

HHG: You've been on over 2 dozen mixtapes without the help of a label or a major figure pushing you in only 5 months time. How does that make you feel?

VR: Thats a trick question! Of course I'm proud of the mixtapes I have been able to get on. At the same time I can't help but think about all the mixtapes I didn't get on. There is always room to grow so I'm hoping my mixtape features become more widespread. I was really happy about being featured on the new Dow Jones joint. He's doin big things.

HHG: A lot of people compare you to Joe Budden and Royce Da 5'9, how do you respond to them?

VR: I knew this was coming (laughs). Budden and Royce are both real dope emcees so to be compared to them is definitely a compliment. I think its instinct for hip hop listeners to compare new emcees to others. It's a natural thing. But to answer your question specifically all I can really say to someone who makes that comparison is "okay". Not like I get mad and threaten lives. I would like to be recognized for my own voice and talent because they are unique because in all honesty I don't really sound like anyone.

HHG: What are the best ways right now for you to build your buzz?

VR: Right now? Mixtape features. Website interviews. The main thing is makin sure my shit is tight before it leaves the headphones. After that I'm set. I think radio is definitely the next step for me once I find the right beats. I've got some candidates but I'm really picky. Also shows help to build buzz but I stopped performing about 6 months ago to put more focus on gettin money and puttin the vice grips on the mixtape circuit.

HHG: What producers have you worked with so far?

VR: The main producers I work with are basically just mad talented cats on the underground. There are two in particular I enjoy working with the most. My boy Brian Covelli from Chicago and Phrequency from Germany. They are two of the best producers on the planet without question. I'm startin to work with this dude Wattz who's a beast. Also in becoming close with Mafioso I will have the opportunity to work with Living Proof of Tuneheadz. He did "Where the Hood At?" by DMX and some other joints. I can't forget my boy Low Key either. I've been coming across alotta ill cats man I gotta mention Nova and Brainstorm from Seattle, Gamshooter and also my fam D Skills who is here in Raleigh.

HHG: What DJs first showed you love?

VR: Rob N Hood gave me my first national mixtape appearance on his "Respect the South" series. I'm mad thankful for that because it seemed like doors opened for me after that. Meddafore has showed love since the beginning. DJ Chuck T and Snake Eyes from Carolina have showed me mad love. But the cats who have shown me the most love period are DJ DVS1 and DJ G-Spot. I don't forget shit like that. Also lately cats like Dow Jones and Dapper Don been supportin the kid so I appreciate that.

HHG: Any last words or shout outs?

VR: Yea man you know I gotta get at my people. All my fam at Mafioso Records and Flatline Music Group. Shout to Sick Sense Productions and G-Spot of course for holding me down. Shouts to Big Cas holding it down in NC I see you. Shout to T.RUS.T Artist Marketing, and all the DJ's who've helped me progress in the past few months. Keep holding me down ya'll. Thanks to Hiphopgame for the interview and props to 730. CAROLINA STAND UP!

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