Today we’d like to introduce you to Cavalier.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cavalier. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hip Hop music is more than just my preference for listening. It is the soundtrack of my culture. I may have only been a professional performer/recording artist for just about 10 years, but I have memories of my experiences with Hip-Hop music and culture as far back as I can remember.
A long road of led me to amazing people in my life who encouraged me to keep pursuing music. I was fortunate to be included in some talent heavy music/art collectives; The Dugout, New Rap Order and presently Vibe Music Collective. New York’s Hip Hop scene had been on a decade long rebuild after September 11th. In that vacuum I think a lot of young, rising talent helped redefine sects of the venue/performance scene. What emerged still had very New York inspired Hip-Hop rites of passage from Open Mics to emcee battles but I felt pulled to making efforts that I felt had longer lasting impact. Despite innumerable collaborations with other artists it was when I finally was introduced to rapper/producer Quelle Chris that I found kismet.
Quelle and I hit it off infamously and our bi-coastal alliance sprung what HipHopDX called one of “The 25 Most Important Mixtapes Of The Decade So Far” in our collaborative album, ‘Ni**as Is Men’ (Mello Music). While completing the project a friend introduced me to Iman Omari. The Los Angeles native had taken residence in New Jersey allowing us to foster a friendship and musical partnership that continues to this day. Now with Vibe Music Collective as our hub, the three of us continue to make music individually and collaboratively with our stable of artists to broaden our platform and contribute to the culture.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road in pursuit of our dreams. Commitment to the arts, and your dreams, at times requires bold sacrifices. My peers and I have chosen to do most of our art independently, which means all creative components, financing, roll-out all come from us. Many people are still just figuring out that I not only write my raps and record, but that I produce, song write and creative direct all my own visual content, that Iman Omari can play an instrument, compose, produces and writes his own music, or that Quelle Chris is not just a producer/rapper but also a talented animator. Our struggles mainly have been being consistent in an industry that almost asks independent artists to compete with the content and resources of commercial artists, particularly when they constantly sample and borrow from behind the scenes.
The music industry is a shifting landscape and maintaining creative integrity while sustaining is always a tougher road.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Vibe Music Collective – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Vibe Music Collective is a multi media/disciplinary artist collective founded by Iman Omari. Based in LA, we specialize in music releases focused on our stable of unique artists who all have a distinct ‘vibe’ to their talents. I am one of the recording artists with Vibe Music Collective along with creative directing most of the content and releases through the platform.
We are known for a dense music experience with a signature sound and memorable live appearances through our shows or our own produced events.
Personally speaking, I am most proud that Vibe Music Collective is already making an impact on the culture. We have very big goals and it is encouraging that despite all the challenges and multiple roles we play that the end result is effecting people the way we hope. One thing I think that sets us apart from others is our sound, You can tell when it is a Vibe Music Collective record in my opinion. Many in our industry are looking to replicate formula, it is a totally different approach to make a mark with your own flavor and perspective.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As I mentioned before it has been a lot of faith and collaboration that has helped to get us ahead. Iman Omari started VMC with the intention of empowering talented artists. He’s shown and proven by allowing his fan base to be primed to other talented individuals they may not have discovered on their own. Quelle Chris is another great factor. I strongly feel that I will have him involved in every album I put out in some way. I feel that the great works in the world are always the result of collaboration. Not just the work together for ‘collab’ sake kind either, but the real dedicated work it takes to make amazing and life changing things happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VibeMusicCo.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @VibemusicCollective
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/VibeMusicCo
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/VibeMusicCo
Image Credit:
@rasfotos
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Popular
-
What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
-
Local Highlighter Series
-
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
-
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
-
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
-
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
