They say the greatest tragedies reveal our deepest passions. That principle rings true for artist and hip-hop performer Sha Vlimpse, who has risen from the ashes and introduced a fresh brand of rap music to the world.
Sha’s love for music has stood the test of time and beat all odds. One of his most significant hurdles was winning the blessing of a traditional family that didn’t believe that rap music was a worthy career path. “I used to be a rapper,” explains Sha Vlimpse. “I gave up on my dream a long time ago after failing to get my parent’s acceptance. But after ten years, I finally got the approval from my dad, which seemed impossible due to his Islamic upbringing.”
In 2016, Sha would experience the most unimaginable pain. Losing his mother, he would find himself hitting rock bottom in life. When all his emotions came surging on him, the only thing Vlimpse could turn to was music. He wrote a song expressing his most profound pain and made a music video on his graduation day. The video ended up going viral and landing Sha Vlimpse on the local news.
“My dad realized how I used music to talk about life experience while delivering a powerful message without using profanity,” shares Sha. Upon realizing his son’s real talent and genuine desire to share positivity and hope through his music, his father would approve. “Now that I got my dad’s blessing, I am ready to take on the word as I become the next hip-hop artist.”
As a hip-hop artist, Sha Vlimpse is unique, allowing his art to imitate life. He has used all of his hardships and adversities to create something beautiful, teaching valuable lessons through his music to the world. Amid the economic crisis ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vlimpse found himself in a dark place. However, even in the darkness, he rose to create a “happy place” that brought him out of his black hole. The experience would become the inspiration for his latest project entitled Happy Place.
Vlimpse’s latest album brings together seven hard-hitting tracks that deliver value upon value. Published through I.U.T.B.A.R. Records, the album includes songs like “Motherless Child,” “L.M.M.D.,” “Rapunzel,” “Happy Place,” “America,” “Rapper Vs. Radio,” and “Lowest Lows.”
The album’s pinnacle is the song of the same name, “Happy Place,” which speaks on battling mental illness in the most challenging times. The song comes at a timely juncture as reports of depression have gone up with the rise of the coronavirus crisis. The song speaks a message of motivation and inspiration to all who feel overwhelmed by the times’ crushing weight. The song’s music video also showcases the Cirque Italia, which has faced uncertainty with the current pandemic canceling all events and shows. By promoting the show, Sha also hopes to spark interest in the cirque.
Sha rides on his passion for music. He shares a positive message and energy, sharing how he hopes to bring greater awareness to the pursuit of passion and the battle for mental health, two messages closest to his heart. Sha Vlimpse looks to the future of his music and optimistically sees opportunity. He is willing to grow his music career and turn it into a full-time pursuit.
To listen to Vlimpse’s music, you can check him out on Spotify and YouTube.
