Vernon Little Releases New EP Words To Live By
Vernon Little
Releases New EP ‘Words To Live By’
Interviewed
and written by Tocarra Eldridge @TocarraMusicWorld
Raised in the church since a youth, it was
evident that gospel singer/rapper and pastor, Vernon Little, would utilize his prowess
gifts and talents to spread the gospel to the world with his music. Raised in
Bronx, N.Y., the young artist would eventually heighten his career and master
his music artistry, to now sharing his creativity to an international
following.
In 2011, Vernon Little released a CD titled A
New Beginning through Tate Music Group. In 2018, he released a CD titled Double
Minded through Bentley Records. Recently, the remarkable artist released a new EP
titled Words To Live By which consists of high energy Christian rap and
incredible melodies. I had the opportunity to interview Vernon Little.
Here is what he has to share with the
readers.
Tocarra
Eldridge: What inspired your music
artistry?
Vernon: Being a fan of the rap music and growing up in the
Bronx, New York – just being outside in the streets. How I got into it was, I
went to a local DJ’s apartment one day and he invited me to get on the
microphone. So, I took him up on his offer, and just followed somewhat what I
would hear on the record and just had some fun with it. So, that local DJ
continued to invite me to his apartment. I began writing a few months later,
and I just continued from there – meeting people, and opportunities began to
come my way.
Tocarra:
You rap and sing, which is a double threat.
How did that come into existence?
Vernon: Well, that’s just from growing up in the church and
singing in the choir. That’s pretty much where it started. My mother would have
me in church choirs, so, yeah that was the beginning of that.
Tocarra:
You have a new EP out titled ‘Words To Live
By’. Would you like to briefly tell us about it?
Vernon: It’s a mixture; its part gospel and its part regular
rap. The gospel part of it comes from me wanting to give another alternative,
especially when it comes to the rap, because it seems like the most popular
rap, in my opinion, has a lot of negative words and I don’t think it’s too
uplifting. I wanted to take the opportunity to put a positive message out while
bringing some type of balance giving alternative. That title track is pretty
much a track that uplifts people, and I have some other encouraging tracks on
there as well. Some of the other tracks simply showcase my skill set.
Tocarra:
What do you believe your listeners and fans
will get out of your EP once they listen to it?
Vernon: One particular song, I’m telling a story about some
things that I’ve been through. I go that route also because I’ve made some bad
decisions in life like we all do. I talk about hanging in there, trusting God
and being grateful for an opportunity to bounce back and get on the right path.
I’m being transparent; they are going to get some transparency about my life
and journey.
Tocarra:
Were there any songs on the album that
emotionally moved you or was life changing?
Vernon: Yes, the song called “Dealing With Stress”, which is
something we all can relate to. Stress comes in a lot of different forms. It’s
not an accurate number, but I try to always say that half of my problems I
have, I bring on myself and half of my problems just come to me. So, in the
record “Dealing With Stress”, I was saying that most of the problems that I’m
talking about overcoming, most of those problems were my fault to be honest. (Laugh)
I always tell people that I talk to on a personal level that when I turned 25
is when a light bulb somewhat came on. Even though you are grown, I think from
the age of 18 to 25 you’re transitioning into adult hood. I’m still a grown kid
to be honest. (Laugh)
Tocarra:
As we mentioned, you are also a singer. As a
gospel rap artist, the art form is gradually being accepted by the church. How
did you break that stereotype?
Vernon: Fortunately for me, it was through my mom. My mom is
transitioning now and she is my number one supporter with everything. At her
age, she was around way before there was any rap. What opened her up to it was
the fact that it was something that she saw that I loved. She opened up a
church along with some of my aunts and uncles, which is still open ‘til this
day, and of course me being her son she allowed me to rap in the church. People
know me there, so they accepted me. What I would tell people – you know we all
like whatever instrumentation that we like on a song, as far as the music and
production – but I say just listen to what I’m saying; just listen to the
words. The music might not be there thing, but just listen to the words. I try
to get their ear to listen to what’s being said. I’m not so much into the music,
I’m more so into the words. I think the lyrics are the common denominator.
Tocarra:
So you’re more concerned about the message
more so?
Vernon: Pretty much! You know, that’s the only way you’re going
to get some people. Some people, as soon as they hear a beat come on they’re
like ‘aw that’s not my thing, I don’t want to hear that’. (Laugh) I always say ‘just
listen to what they’re saying, they might be saying something that you like.’
Tocarra:
You are also an ordained pastor. Did your
journey of faith come into existence as you discovered your music artistry or
was it later?
Vernon: As I mentioned before, I was raised in the church. My
mom always had me in church. I was one of those babies dedicated to the Lord
from a youth. So, that’s my origin and my roots. Of course, you grow up as a
teenager out there in the streets and there are people that you meet from
different walks of life. I listened to a lot of people that has had other
journeys that follow other doctrines, but I still ultimately came back around.
Well, I won’t say I ever left or stopped believing in God. However, there were
times when I was out there in the streets doing what I wanted to do. You know
how when you’re a teenager at some point you start thinking you know more than
adults, your parents and your teachers. Though, I ended up coming back around.
I didn’t really like any of the other alternatives, as far as not believing in
God at all. To each it’s own as far as people believing in different ways in
God. I just believe in what I believe. So, I’m back focused on what I believe
in. I believe that no matter how you were raised, on your journey to adulthood,
you should get out there and learn on your own and experience things.
Ultimately, you make the decision on what path you want to follow. So, I ended
up going back to how I was raised.
Tocarra:
Do you have any words of inspiration or
encouragement for artists who are looking to break into the music industry,
however, have a challenge doing so?
Vernon: Yes I do. I would say focus on your craft and practice,
but don’t neglect the other important areas and extensions of life, as far as
education and working. I believe education is important. I started off young; I
was 15 years old. I started out in a group with my two friends who were 16 at
the time. We had a manager and he was selling us these dreams. (Laugh) I’m
going to be honest. I stopped focusing on my school work. I would miss school
from time to time. I started believing in this dream and those are mistakes
that I regret. So, stay focused on your education and finish high school. I
don’t know if you want to go directly to college or trade school, because
sometimes you rush into things and you’re not quite ready or know what you want
to do. However, at some point find something that you like to do that can make
you some legitimate money. Continue your education and work while you pursue
your dream. Also continue to hone your craft, but don’t stop working or going
to school. Working actually provides you with income so that you can get to the
studio. Some people are fortunate, as my
friends were, to have an investor. Little did we know as young teenagers, that
this guy was keeping all the receipts, and eventually when bills came, he’s
like ‘hey, I gotta get that money back’. It’s always good to make your own
money and invest in yourself. Also, it’s good to meet people. Everybody you
meet can’t help you, but some people will genuinely want to help you and give
you good advice. Networking is the key.
Tocarra:
Would you like to add anything in closing
before we conclude the interview?
Vernon: Well, I just want to thank you! Thank you for this
opportunity to be able to share about my release Words To Live By, which is
available and streaming on all digital platforms. I really appreciate the
opportunity, and I want to thank my publicist also, Ms. Renae Francis for
making me aware of your publication, because the publication is really good.
Tocarra:
Thank you!
Vernon: Yeah, I was looking at some of the articles in your
publication. So, I just really want to thank you for the opportunity.
Tocarra:
You’re more than welcome. Thank you for your
time today Vernon, and you have a blessed rest of the day!
Vernon: You’re very welcome. You do the same, and take care of
yourself.
For more information about Vernon
Little, please visit:
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