Life comes with numerous twists and turns, but the most profound thing about it is how everyone adapts to those twists and navigates through life regardless. Outta Bounds Inc.’s V.O.C. expressed this in his new single “Optimistic Pessimism,” which is out now on all digital streaming platforms.
“Optimistic Pessimism” is a reflection on life’s paradox which examines the peculiar journey that everyone has. The song points out the complexity of life and the fight that everyone goes through daily to overcome those complexities. Through carefully placed lyrics flowering through impeccable production, V.O.C. shares his insight about life’s many shades of gray, as opposed to the white and black that many people expect it to be.
The Hip-hop artist aims to shed light on the various emotions individuals go through in the course of achieving success and breaking barriers. He also takes the opportunity to establish himself as an artist who makes conscious music and is deeply committed to sharing many people’s plights, circumstances and situations. V.O.C., which stands for Victim of Circumstance, was inspired by the artist’s experience growing up in a neighborhood characterized by poverty and severe drug and substance abuse. He witnessed crime and violence first-hand and was forced to live and grow through them in all the shapes and forms they occurred in his vicinity.
With his roots firmly planted in South Georgia, and growing up in impoverished conditions, V.O.C. knew his destiny was up to him and in his hands. He survived some of the most unpalatable conditions and watched most of the people he knew as a child wither away into the abyss of some of society’s worst vices. He saw people he knew face prison sentences, abject poverty and death. So, he was forced to reimagine himself in the life he wanted and began to work on his dreams at an early age.
He found refuge in Hip-hop music and buried himself deeply in it. With numerous artists as shining lights and guides for him, he began to draw influence and shape his own style. Getting signed to Outta Bounds Inc. was only a piece of the puzzle for him. V.O.C. knew there was more ahead for him musically, and with each song release, he proves that he’s in the music game for the long haul. “Optimistic Pessimism” is the documentation of the miracle that he is, and he hopes that many others can have their hopes restored by listening to his perspective. “I want the world to understand that they can be anything they want to be, even in the face of life’s challenges. Their circumstances might be unsuitable, but they can forge ahead, charge relentlessly toward their goals and come out on top. The goal is to become victors in the end rather than victims. I know what that’s like, and I’m sharing that part of me through my music,” V.O.C. said.
Growing up to take music as a career, V.O.C. has brought his vulnerability to the fore as he expresses his personal journey and battles. He leaves a piece of himself behind with every track he releases as he goes personal with showing people that they’re not alone. As an artist, V.O.C. is all about being authentic, as he believes the essence of his artistry is to create art that people can enmesh themselves in and be an active part of. “If my audience cannot relate to or understand the message in my music, then it is completely pointless,” the musician said.
V.O.C. thrives not just as a performer but as a stellar songwriter who writes music that everyone in the world can enjoy and be a part of. Finding solace in music has played a central role in his development as an artist. Also, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Tupac Shakur, N.W.A, Notorious BIG, Outkast, U.G.K., Ghetto Boys, M.J.G., and 8Ball has shaped his sound and style significantly.
Over the next few years, V.O.C. hopes to keep winning hearts to the side of authentic music with his unmatched lyricism, vocals, compelling storytelling and charismatic stage presence. With his music gaining massive traction across the airwaves, he’s well-positioned for success, and he looks forward to making waves globally and gracing as many notable stages as possible. Plans are also underway to go on a ten-city tour sometime soon and spread the message of hope through relatable stories in music.
Download and stream V.O.C.’s new music on all official music streaming sites.
