Today we’d like to introduce you to Vinny Mac.
Hi Vinny, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi, my name is Vincent Taylor IV aka/pka Vinny Mac. I am an artist, a poet (rapper), songwriter, producer, and I now run my own entertainment company – STEPOUT STANDOUT, LLC. My story begins in Brooklyn, New York where I was born. I have three siblings, my parents being Pastor Vincent Taylor and Elder Danita Taylor of Solid Rock Ministries City of Refuge in Clayton, NC. Our family moved down to Elizabeth City, NC when I was a child and that began my discovery of my talents and gifts.
Being from NY but living in NC, multiple trips back and forth were had yearly. Those 8 to 10 hours road trips led to music on the radio becoming monotonous and so freestyling silly lyrics over the songs became a game my siblings and I played. By middle school, I had fallen in love with writing poetry being inspired of course by a school crush. In 7th grade, I was selling poems tailor-made for girlfriends of paying customers in school until I got caught, and the nickname “Vinny Mac” was born. Ha.
In high school my rap battles at Perquimans Co High School became notorious. By the end of my college days at Elizabeth City State University (Viking Pride!), I was writing songs for Jermaine Goodman aka/pka as Good Love Musik and Lendon James. Around then the name STEPOUT STANDOUT was born (2007). From there, I honed my rap skills with artists like Rahscoe and Kocaine Kay from Da SoundRoom and Da Public’s Eye of WorkGrindHustle. From 2009 to 2021 I’ve made 10 solo mixtapes and written two R&B mixtapes as well as my debut album, CUZ GOD SAID SO, VOL.1 out everywhere! And here we are!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Adversity is a necessary teacher, however, if you want to grow. For me being an artist, and how passionate I naturally am, feeling I was worthy of the title “artist” was something I struggled with. I am a music “junkie” and value music and the arts higher than most so I thought I had to earn the title instead of understanding you either are, or you’re not. So, I was more comfortable writing songs and producing, not beat making but song subject, structure, melody, possible feature, and behind the scenes, etc.
Putting your soul into something and then putting it out for casual listeners and friends and family that haven’t accepted your artistic abilities can be devastating. Learning not to measure yourself by validation and support I believe is over half the battle for artists. Working through that is a TASK! But I got to the other side of that by working tirelessly!
Doing the work and releasing it is the greatest weapon for those internal battles. Another struggle is finding other artists and producers that take the craft even 80% as seriously as you do! The work and confidence in the work to release it does a lot of separating! And of course, the shady business of entertainment at any level can be stressful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As of right now, I am the CEO/founder of STEPOUT STANDOUT, LLC, my entertainment company! I am also the flagship artist! I specialize in creating what I am, in whatever current state I create! I create songs that will hopefully mean much more than a chart placement.
Hip-hop and R&B are my foundation but good music is universal! The initials Soso (Substance Originality Style Opulence), short for STEPOUT STANDOUT, is also an acronym that sums up my specialty and what I’m proud of to be about! Substance, originality, style, and opulence.
I am most proud of enduring the process which is largely internal! Creating art for your enjoyment as well whatever else you need it to be is the goal! Chasing timeless rather than trendy!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes! Aside from social media, I tend to zone into zero so I need releases such as funny podcasts like The Black and Unfiltered Podcast and the Joe Budden Podcast to help me get through my day. I like to read and one of my favorite books is by a new author, Dexter Taylor, and his book is called The Train Station, a funny, raw, thoughtful, spiritual book! A great read! Of course, I need my Bible app! The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho! And the Alex Cross books by James Patterson! Scribd the app helps with my love for books.
As for work, United Masters is a major help in distributing my music to all of the music platforms and beyond! I’ve been with them for a little over a year now and I have no complaints! Beat Stars is another great resource for finding quality producers that provoke honest convo with their production. Social media is also a noteworthy resource! Never doubt the power of word of mouth! Which today can mean a repost!
Streaming apps like Tidal, Spotify, and Apple Music help also as a confessed “music junkie”. I’m a fan of quality music whether you’re “independent” or the biggest artist in the world! I record on GarageBand currently so that’s also a necessary resource! I am a sponge, I love learning and exploring! There’s no feeling like finding inspiration!
Contact Info:
- Email: vinnymacsosomusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/vinnymacsoso
Image Credits
Leigh Stallings (FLY HONEIGH, LLC.)
Da Public’s Eye
November 9, 2021 at 12:21 am
Vinny Mac is one of the most talented people that I’ve worked with. He pushes the pen to a limit that forces me as a artist to dig deeper into my skills and match his level of creativity.
Jeannie
November 9, 2021 at 2:03 am
Awesome Story!
Tootie
November 9, 2021 at 11:41 pm
Continue to spread your wings,the sky has no limits,praying that your dreams and aspirations will reach its heights.