On Jun. 29, Toronto recording artist VNCHY released a brand new video single titled “Break You Down.”
Produced by S.L.M.N., “Break You Down” is a self-reflective free verse. The track was released to explore what VNCHY’s been doing lately and how he can better himself in all facets of his existence. There’s no hook on here, and no catchy melody repetition to follow along with. This is a song you actually have to sit and digest. Which is probably why it was released in conjunction with this Saru directed video.
The video itself sticks to a very minimalistic aesthetic with a home-video style of cinematography. According to VNCHY, the video’s aim is to take things back to the more aggressive, in-your-face style of artistry that VNCHY delivered during the earlier parts of his come up. Check out the video and an in-depth interview with VNCHY below.
“…the only time you should speak about your problems is after you’ve figured out the solutions.” – VNCHY
Q&A: VNCHY
HipHopCanada: Start off by telling me about this song’s significance to you.
VNCHY: If you have followed me throughout my lifetime, you’ll notice that at particular periods in time I tend to go into a full reflection within my music; a reflection that explores all that I have done to try and better my existence. Whether it’s for better or worse is a matter of opinion, but the common denominator is that it’s always a change of grand stature requiring me to adjust. For example, in “Break You Down” I had no care for a chorus or particular melody… only words of introspectiveness.
HipHopCanada: This song is really necessary because it’s an honest commentary on what happens when your personal life and business life start to become one. And everything that’s personal becomes business. And everything that’s business becomes personal.
VNCHY: Business and personal life becoming one was never a negative experience for me. I made the choice of unifying the two ideas a long time ago and because of that very commitment everything that presents itself into my life now flows within the vision.
“…in “Break You Down” I had no care for a chorus or particular melody… only words of introspectiveness.”
HipHopCanada: This video is really different compared to the videos you usually release. Your M.O. lately has been cinematic visuals with story lines. This video has a much more minimalistic aesthetic with a more retro home-video style of cinematography.
VNCHY: Saru and I wanted to do exactly what I was doing originally in this puzzle piece and that’s getting more direct and in your face. I’ve been making some of the best music of my life since arriving in LA. I’m charged up and I felt like it was time to send out a reminder to people and let them know whom exactly they are dealing with.
HipHopCanada: There were two particular lines that I really appreciated on this. The first line was: “Keeping others down really aint gon’ help”. Because you get it. All too often I see guys not supporting one another because they don’t want their peers to have more success than them.
VNCHY: Life is a team sport and it really isn’t hard to see that we’re all on the same side. Although there are a great number of people that benefit from our demise, it’s our job as humans to struggle to the death for our freedom and the freedom of our people.
HipHopCanada: The second line I really appreciated was: “F**k Canada/ N**ga I’ll take the world.” Because everyone always tells me how they want to be the best rapper out of Toronto, or Canada, or whatever. And I think that’s hilarious… when guys limit themselves like that.
VNCHY: The world has always been my oyster and from a young age I’ve always understood that there’s nowhere I can’t go. Clearly communicating my perspective of the world as one small place has always been a major challenge for me. However, with more music that too will come to pass.
HipHopCanada: Talk to me about the decision to deliver this as a free verse with no hook.
VNCHY: From time to time I release these kind of free verses into the world. It’s almost like a diary of sorts. There are many topics and issues that I would like to touch upon and voice. But at the same time, it’s very important that I spoon feed these thoughts to the world or they’ll be taken for granted. Packaging and delivery are always of the utmost importance.
HipHopCanada: How did that collaboration with S.L.M.N come about for this, and what was that process like?
VNCHY: This process was as natural as water. Coming from “Money Baby”, we have a very good understanding of each other’s capabilities and when I heard him creating this piece, it was really no different.
HipHopCanada: Explain what the song title “Break You Down” means to you.
VNCHY: “Break You Down” exemplifies the division and simplification of all these thoughts and states that I find myself in. In other words, it’s problem solving. And the only time you should speak about your problems is after you’ve figured out the solutions.
“…it’s very important that I spoon feed these thoughts to the world or they’ll be taken for granted. Packaging and delivery are always of the utmost importance.”
Written by Sarah Jay for HipHopCanada
