“I create music for myself first of all because if I’m not happy with the music I create, I can’t make anybody else happy.” -Big Freedia

Hip Hop has morphed as a genre over time. Like the genre, the artists who come and try to play the game have to find a way to win. Vicky Tingz, a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, has found his niche in the rap game and he is sticking to it,

Vicky has been rapping for 4 years. He has been fighting and waiting for his chance to play the game. During his wait, Vicky has found ways to amplify his voice with his music. Songs like Ken Doll, Rosé, and his freestyles show Vicky’s versatility and his purpose.

The Ken Doll artist showed people he stood out from the rest through his witty bars and his lively personality that draws people in. Vicky is a welcoming spirit and is showing this through his work by working in several collaboration songs with artists from Season 1 and Season 2 of the Cre8tive Tapes.

When asked about breaking ceilings Vicky says, “Me being a gay rapper on campus and being out there as for as looks, I feel like doing this and finally getting booked and the acknowledgment shows those who look like me and are like me that it is possible.”

As a child, Vicky did not have someone who looked like him in the industry. Vicky comes from a Puerto Rican background and is used to people not supporting him due to him being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This did not stop Vicky from pursuing music, but it kept him consistent. Music allows him to stunt on all his haters and focus on himself. If it is one thing that you should take away from his music is that everything should be bigger and better.

While bigger is better, Vicky is a reminder that representation is important. It is important so that history doesn’t get lost but also so that we don’t lose sight that no matter where or who we are… WE MATTER.

If you’d like to learn more about Vicky Tingz you can follow him on all social media platforms @vicky_tingzz.