Interview: VN Discusses A.D.H.D. and His Reclusive Nature

VN is a rapper cloaked in a veil of mystery. The unearthing of the Kansas City native is sparking a search for an artist who seems to be creating myths and sticking to them. He is probably the most puzzling enigma in hip-hop. However, it’s irrelevant whether you understand him or not: “I think people expect to meet a dark, philosophical, villain. When, really, I’m nice,” he says. His sound is marinated in worldly wisdom and wistful melancholy—the sort of hazy balance that is often described as “laidback” or “chilled.”

His upcoming EP, A.D.H.D. (Alien Destroyed Her Destiny) pulls no punches and floats around a wide range of subjects from betrayal and heartbreak to religion. “I’ve never been a physically emotional man, but through the music you can hear my weeping, hurt, and joy,” VN says of the project. With tracks like “Angels” and “Dreamer,” he’s s ready to show the world that he is more than just the average lyricist. RESPECT. probed VN to find out how he is turning mystery into an art form.

At what age did you start rapping?

I started at the age of 11.

What were the things that stood out that made you think that this could be something more than just a hobby?

When I started to get attention from people on the music scene. First, it was Jeff sledge. Jeff and Al Lindstorm have an online live review program. I sent them two tracks and they liked both and kept telling me to send more. Then I started to get PR and reviews, and now I’m talking to someone in the industry about management.

Was your childhood unusual in any way?

I moved to twelve different schools over eighteen years. I was bit of a recluse. I would lock myself inside a room and read, write, play instruments, things of that nature.

What do you think people expect when they meet you in person?

I think people expect to meet a dark, philosophical, villain. When, really, I’m nice, polite and outspoken.

You’re very mysterious. There seem to be very little information out there about you. Who are you hiding from?

I assure you I’m hiding from no one [laughs]. The reason why there’s little information on me is because the music is the most important aspect of me. Not what I’m wearing or what I look like. You should know me from the words that come from the heart and spirit. I want people to start caring about the music again. The essence of it.

So this mysterious aura is intentional?

Yes, it’s intentional for two reasons: First, the music should be the most important element. Second, I’m a private person. I do not go to clubs or go anywhere where a lot of people are gathering. Mainly because I’m wary of people. I like to be locked in a room and just listen to sounds. That’s heaven for me, but I know very soon that will have to change because of the direction I’m headed.

Is there another side of you that you haven’t had a chance to show yet?

Yes, there are many different parts of me that have yet to be shown. One part is that I’m an avid reader. From all genres — fantasy, history, personal journals, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Celtics. I’m a knowledge and truth seeker of life and the meaning of it.

There’s a lot of heartache in your music, though. At least lyrically.

Yes, there is. Even though I’m only 24, I’ve seen and felt a lot. Not just with women, but with family and friends. I’ve been betrayed, lost close family members, had my heartbroken. I’ve never been a physically emotional man, but through the music you can hear my weeping, hurt, and joy.

How autobiographical are your songs?

A lot of these tracks are about real life. Sometimes it’s actually true or it’s a metaphor. For example, “Dreamer” is a song about keeping a vision of being my own creator of this world while being ridiculed. “You know, like, I know that all these niggas they hated, words spoke are paint strokes to this world that I created.”

What are some of the themes or subjects that resonates through your music?

The themes that resonates through my music is religion, self-worth, having a higher purpose in life than some people will have you to believe, being more God-like, in compassion, and in creativity.

Do you write in a specific way? I mean, do you have to be in a particular headspace or can you write however and whenever?

When I’m writing I prefer quiet backgrounds where I can imagine an atmosphere that pertains to the project I’m working on. I use no substance when writing. I feel it clouds the mind. All I need is an iPod, pen, and a notebook.

Who’s your fantasy rap god?

My fantasy rap god is Kanye mixed with Tech N9ne with ambiance from the XX, which creates me.

The song “Angels” is a standout on the EP. Can you tell me a little bit about the background of the track?

“Angels” is about love and lust with Adam and Eve’s complexity. “I just wanna feel your halo all around me, make it intimate, let our spirits mend, let our worlds blend, is it fantasy right now?” That’s the lust part. “A taste of fruit that’s forbidden now my eyes have vision, now I’m seeing all these visions of a life we were given. I hope God can forgive us for a fallen and an angel that’s sinning, all because a serpent that was sent in, they say our life is a cycle of beginnings, well tell me will we ever meet in Eden?” That’s the pure love in the form of Adam and Eve’s complex [relationship]. It’s about our eyes being open for the first time seeing love, but knowing that great love comes with a cost. The last verse is me praying that she never falls because angels can have their wicked ways, just as Lucifer did.

What was the process like making A.D.H.D?

The making of A.D.H.D. was a challenge. It is my first whole project and I had no clue how to put such a project together. I know the feeling I wanted was dark, dramatic, and awe. Creatively it was draining. These concepts are within me. I dug deep and gave my most inner thoughts about relationships, sex and religion.

And what are you trying to convey with the both the EP and its name?

With this EP, I am trying to tell people to wake up. We are more than money, promiscuous women, and social classes. The title stands for Alien Destroyed Her Destiny. In this instance, alien means from a foreign land, not a UFO. So I’m destroying her future by my love. With every song, she becomes greater then who she is supposed to become.

What’s the biggest compliment someone could give you?

The best compliment someone can give me is saying they felt every emotion, the same I felt while writing this EP.

Can you describe the feeling that you get out of music that you don’t out of doing other things? Is that possible to describe?

The best way I can describe the feeling I get with music is in a metaphor. My voice is thunder in the sky, heard by all, and the rain is my emotion that washes over you until you are surrounded by the feelings I express.