Few artists embody the current era so purely as North Carolina-based hip hop artist Reuben Vincent. At 19, Vincent has already signed with legendary producer 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records and released his eight-track sophomore EP Boy Meets World earlier this summer.
It’s not just Vincent’s timely flow and relatable lyrics that have transfixed his collegiate peers; Vincent’s inherent wisdom and tone stretches far beyond his years. It’s only a matter of time before Vincent takes over the whole industry.
The Knockturnal is proud to exclusively premiere the music video for Reuben Vincent’s single “Here We Go Again,” a hip hop ode to an on-and-off again relationship. Below, Vincent discusses the inspiration behind Boy Meets World, meeting 9th Wonder at just age 13, and what’s next for the rapper.
The Knockturnal: Congratulations on your EP Boy Meets World. What is your inspiration behind the album?
Reuben Vincent: The current events of the world and the mind state I was in earlier this year. I wanted to reflect on what was going around me at the same time speak for the younger generation from another viewpoint than usual. These songs spark from conversations with my homies, family, girls and myself.
The Knockturnal: You previously said in an interview that Boy Meets World is rooted in self-reflection. What does releasing this EP during the summer of 2020 mean to you?
Reuben Vincent: Perfect timing. Everything that was going on to start top of the summer complimented the music. They’re joints I wanted you to go out in the sun, hop in your whip and ride to, but there is also joints I wanted you to reflect on. Giving you the best of both worlds.
The Knockturnal: The new video for “Here We Go Again” has a really strong visual style. How did you come up with the concept behind it?
Reuben Vincent: I originally gained inspiration from “Otha Side of the Game” by Erykah Badu. That was the initial spark so I got inspiration from that but made my own twist too. Visually I wanted it to be simple but still pleasing to match the record.
The Knockturnal: How did you first become connected with 9th Wonder and Jamla Records? What was working with him like?
Reuben Vincent: Twitter. I was 13 years old online just trying to be heard when someone sent 9th a link to my mixtape. They said “I don’t know this kid but I think you should listen to him.” 9th tapped in and we start connecting there until I finally met him. 9th has given me a lot of game on how to become a better artist. When we first started working he would guide on how to construct songs, I soaked it all in and now he gives me the freedom to just be myself.
The Knockturnal: You have a song in a Madden game, and at just 19 you’re already taking the rap world by storm. What’s next for you? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Reuben Vincent: Evolution is next. I got my foot on the gas now and I’m not going to let up no time soon. [I’m] working on finishing up my album right now. You’re also going to be hearing me on a lot of other projects. Five years from now, I hope to become one of the defining voices in the rap game for this generation. The same impact you see the [J.] Cole’s, Kendrick [Lamar]’s, and Drake’s had when they first came in the game and started running is what I’m aiming for. I have no doubt in my mind that I can get there, as long as I keep working.