Meet Frank Vibes

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frank Vibes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Frank , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose once I understood what I was personally trying to say through my art and my expression. Growing up I usually kept a lot of my interest and talents to myself and if I was to showcase them two things would happen. I would either rise to the occasion and show what I’ve always known or I choke and mess up and now people have doubt. It was all a learning experience cause what I thought was my powers choosing when to manifest was actually just a mental block I put on myself in unfamiliar situations. Once I learned that not only am I capable but the ultimate belief is knowing that no matter what there is nothing I can’t do I locked in and started to look more within. In doing so a lot of truths about myself was revealed and I been able to walk in my purpose ever since.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a rapper/producer from Richton Park, IL and I been making music since I was 13 rapping since I was 10. When I started it was nothing more then raw talent and imitating all of my favorite artist. Artist like Kendrick Lamar, Big L, Andre 3000, Jay-Z and Tyler were the main sources I would draw from the most. As I got older and developed my own style and flow I started to lock in more with my own personal feel for how music should be. Locking in with producers like Wilderness and SHURIKYM have helped me build and craft my own lane in this industry. More of a combination of Soul, R&B, Memphis Phonk, Cloud Rap and Boom Bap infused with Anime arcs and character development along with lyricism and introspection. I would say it’s recently that my releases and the stories they told dawned on me finally seeing which albums line up with which and what narratives I convey in them. This has lead me to realize my career has been a series of different facets of my overall experience as a Black Man in America. I have four different seasons I lock into when it’s time for me to create “Journey Season”, “Self Season”, “Fight Season” and “Training Season”. When in these four seasons I explore different aspects of my life through my music take for instance “Journey Season” when I’m in this season I tend to write about events and experiences I have either already been through or are currently in. “Self Season” pertains wholeheartedly to myself and confronting my own personal demons. “Fight Season” is where I lock more into my militant nature and call out the bullshit of this world and the ones that put us through it. As for “Training Season” it literally just pertains to me sharpening my skills wether that be through EPs or Freestyle Mixtapes. I’m currently in my “Journey Season” and while in this season have released my most recent mixtape “Hip Hop: A Story Of Rhythm” out now exclusively on SoundCloud. https://on.soundcloud.com/JLMZaXejPp0bhWuHGW

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful qualities I learned in my journey are simply prepare, execute and replenish. These three qualities, skills and overall areas of knowledge are essential to any creatives journey. You must learn how to prepare, a plan of execution is always better then winging it. Yes improvisation is always welcomed but that’s why you make the plan flexible with contingencies either way mapping out every angle and dotting ever i keeps you from encountering mishaps even ones you necessarily didn’t see coming. Execute once you have the plan mapped out the only way to see if it works is if you apply it. It makes no sense preparing for something and then never acting on it it’s a waste if time and potential. Lastly Replenish and when I say replenish I don’t just mean repeat the steps but replenish your mind body and soul after the execution. We as humans need time to unwind and recharge so no matter how the execution stage goes success or failure take time to step back find your center recharge your spirit and come back fresh.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people that have been the most instrumental in my success have always been my close family and friends. My mom and dad have always instilled in me and my two older brothers that the world is our oyster we just have to seize it. Along with them can’t forget my two older brothers they both played a hand in cultivating my interest and passion in music. My oldest brother Phillip being the one who taught me how to rap and my older brother Phelan being the first person to work with me on music when I first got started. Can’t forget my boys Broadway and BroGod two of my closest partners and have stood with me through ever iteration of my career never abandoned me or switched up. My little brother Astro 52 he keeps the battery in my back by watching him grow in his artistry and skills everyday. A true protege a true friend a true inspiration. My homegirls Ken’Triana, DeethaG, Nari Rowe and Sanchild each one keep my spirits high and never let me second guess myself. My brother Xicano aka Los Muertos Productions my creative director fellow collaborator and the man that shoots and edits my music videos without my brother Frank Vibes doesn’t develop into who I am today. Last but certainly not least my brother, business partner and manger SMKE not only does he inspire with fashion from his own brand to his style of dress, not only does he inspire my music and creative output as my manager and not only does he inspire me as just being a friend that has been my friend for over 20 years now, but he’s just an all around great man. One of the best men I have ever had to chance of building with. All of these people are my people and my tribe and without them there is no me.

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