September 24, 2025 • 30 mins
On today’s episode, we sit down with Illie Vega 🎤🔥—a New Yorker whose debut single Goals sets the tone for his upcoming EP Vega Genesis. Blending gritty East Coast hip hop roots with high-energy modern production 🎶💪, Vega delivers motivational bars that push listeners to fight through setbacks and bet on themselves. Inspired by legends like Nas, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent, and dedicated to his late father who encouraged his artistic path, Illie’s music carries grit, soul, and purpose. Tune in as we talk about his journey from Queens to Westchester, fashion to fitness, and now, music. 🚀🎧
Follow Illie Vega at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/ill.will.104/
https://www.instagram.com/illie_vega/
https://www.youtube.com/@illie_vega
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QOLfcLvxqkvrwTDDbrg55?si=Q58wU-WrSKaUcVhQPa2keA&nd=1&dlsi=a6611d2466c34a8d
https://illievega.com/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/vigilantes-radio-live--2166168/support.
Vigilantes Radio Live! by The Only One Media Group ℗©2025
Episode Credits:
Produced, edited, mixed, and written by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Artwork designed by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Show Introduction by Kate
Segment jingles composed & produced by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Additional music licensed through 7th Sign Recordings
Links:
onlyonemediagroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/vigilantesradio/
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-vigilantes-radio-live-29999229/
https://www.instagram.com/whodiniblakin3d/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26009230/
To support our show, please leave reviews, ratings, or you can help fuel the passion over at buymeacoffee.com/vigilantesradio
Email us at onlyonemgt@gmail.com or vradio@onlyonemediagroup.com
Follow Illie Vega at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/ill.will.104/
https://www.instagram.com/illie_vega/
https://www.youtube.com/@illie_vega
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QOLfcLvxqkvrwTDDbrg55?si=Q58wU-WrSKaUcVhQPa2keA&nd=1&dlsi=a6611d2466c34a8d
https://illievega.com/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/vigilantes-radio-live--2166168/support.
Vigilantes Radio Live! by The Only One Media Group ℗©2025
Episode Credits:
Produced, edited, mixed, and written by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Artwork designed by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Show Introduction by Kate
Segment jingles composed & produced by Demetrius "Whodini Blak" Reynolds, Sr.
Additional music licensed through 7th Sign Recordings
Links:
onlyonemediagroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/vigilantesradio/
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-vigilantes-radio-live-29999229/
https://www.instagram.com/whodiniblakin3d/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26009230/
To support our show, please leave reviews, ratings, or you can help fuel the passion over at buymeacoffee.com/vigilantesradio
Email us at onlyonemgt@gmail.com or vradio@onlyonemediagroup.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You are now listening to Vigilantes Radio, presented by the
only one media Group. This is the people's choice but
quality interviews celebrities and special guests, hosted by Demitrius Denny Reynolds.
Call in to join the mix at seven oh one,
eight oh one, nine eight one three. For the complete
archive of episodes, visit only onemediagroup dot com and be
(00:23):
sure to like us on Facebook At Vigilantes Radio. We
welcome all enjoy the show. Ladies and gentlemen, Please welcome
your host Demitrius who Demi Black Reynolds. Enjoy the show.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Hey, Hey, Hey, what's going on? Guys? Welcome to another
incredible episode of Vigilantes Radio, live right here on iHeartRadio
and I am your host, Deani. We have another special
guest for you. Guys. You could definitely want to stick
around for that. And as a matter of fact, go
ahead and text your butt. These family members are even
shared on social media. Rights now and let them know
(01:04):
that we are about to dive deep into another interview.
Before I bring my guests on, I do want to
say that this is the frequency of the fearless. You know,
every journey starts with a spark, but only perseverance turns
that spark into a fire. Today's guest knows the weight
of expectation, the grind of the gym, the hustle of
(01:28):
the streets, and the drive to turn pain into purpose.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
His music isn't just about beats and bars.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
It's about ambition, redemption and pushing past the limits. But
this debut single, he's not just introducing himself. He's up
in the score. You're not just here for a talk show.
And this isn't just radio. This is revival for your mind, body,
and spirit. This is a Vigilantes Radio life. My name
(01:56):
is kach.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Diini, and change is possible.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Are you ready?
Speaker 5 (02:06):
Are you ready?
Speaker 4 (02:12):
Are you ready?
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Are you ready?
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Well, let's go, let's.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Go, All right, all right again, Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
You're listening to vr L. That's Vigilantes Radio Live right
here on iHeartRadio, and I am your host, Deani. Our
interviews are designed to go beyond music, news, books, art, acting, films, technology, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, spirituality,
(02:47):
and sometimes even past that thing that we call the ego.
Our interviews are designed to go behind the scenes and
into the minds of these brilliant people. You know the
ones who are out there giving it. They're all for me,
for you, and for the world. Well, ladies and gentlemen.
Born and raised in the Queens and Westchester, Illi Vega
(03:09):
is a renaissance man turned MC whose artistcry blends grit, motivation,
and redemption. His debut single, Goals isn't just music. It's
a manifesto for perseverance, dedication, and self belief. With the
upcoming EP Vega Genesis on the way, he's staking his
(03:32):
place in hip hop by weaving old school New York
grit with modern, high energy vibes, and tonight we tap
into the voice of a rising artists dedicated to legacy
and ambition. So please join me in saying welcome friend
to Illi Vega.
Speaker 6 (03:54):
Yo, yo yo, welcome to the show. Yes, sir, Yes,
sir Cozdeen. He appreciates you having me. That was a
hell of introduction. Definitely appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
I appreciate that, man, And I definitely got to, you know,
give honor to what you got going on and what
you're doing right now in your life and for the
hip hop culture. Man, So hats off to.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
You, brother, Yes, yes, likewise, and I appreciate it. It's
trying to, you know, be authentic and add to the
fabric of entertainment, you know, through the lens of act
and modeling the music.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
So I appreciate you having.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Me for sure.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
For sure. Man, how's that going so far? That's it's
a lot of hash to wear and a lot of talent.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
Yes, sir, Yes, I appreciate it. It's going well. I'm
not going lie hectic at times. But to be honest
with you, I've kind of been in the industry in
a sense for a while, behind the scenes, behind the
camera for like at least the last decades, so I've
gained a lot through osmosis, different experiences, you know, growing
up with music in the household, around my family and
(04:50):
things of that nature. So it's kind of one of
those things that are just forming in front of me.
I know you touched upon spirituality earlier, and it's kind
one of those things I forget what proverb it is,
but it's something to the effect of like your gift
will make room for you in some of these things
that just happen. And it's not even something I plan,
to be honest with you, but it's definitely fun and
you know, it's a great it's definitely a whirlwind.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
Yeah, but I could imagine there's a transition there, you know,
maybe spiritually, physically, emotionally, talent wise, from being behind the
curtain to now saying, okay, now it's trying to put.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
My face and my voice and my talents out there.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yes, uh, yes, amen to that.
Speaker 6 (05:31):
Definitely, it's definitely a transformative moment. And that's kind of
like we touched upon with goals, and that's why I
was trying to get out there motivation and perseverance. It's
kind of I want people who are trying to see
the light at the end of the tunnel. For me personally,
my artist journey journey kind of started at the hardest
points in my life. You know, Uh, Poppy to my father,
(05:52):
he passed a few years ago. I was taking care
of him, how you sick, I was going to a
lot of different things. So you know, that's kind of
what my artist journey kind of started. And you know
he kind of encourage me through that, you know, through
even in the clind of his health. So once, you know,
once we kind of went through everything with that, you know,
this is me kind of getting back up on the
horse and uh, you know, kind of carrying out what
I believe I was partially here to do.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yes sir, Yes, sir. How did the things you were
going to going through help shape your message as an artist? Oh?
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Man, it definitely helps save my methods because it's you
know again, it's just being authentic. So you know, even
going back to some of the records I've done, you
know at six months ago, eight months ago, you kind
of see where you.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Are at that particular time.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
So I would say, you know, the motivation factor of
you know, be able to persevere through all of that
and put my music out is kind of what I'm
trying to get to other people that are going through,
you know, struggles and tribulations as we all do, Yes sir, sor.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Man Man is like a true, true New York rapper.
He's like the only New York rapper who I could.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Say really embodies what it.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Means to be, what it means to become something more
than where you're from or where you're supposed to be,
you know, statistically, And he once said that, you know,
through my pain, I go through pain so I can
entertain you guys. You know, MYA is the catalyst to
the songs I create is the same for you.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 6 (07:22):
Fifty was a huge influence on me, you know, being
being from Queens, New York and stuff like that. I
remember when he first came out and like everything you're saying,
he was talking about this pain and his story and
how he was able to persevere. So I kind of
take the same approach, you know, shout out to fifty.
I think he said joy wouldn't be feel so good
if it wasn't for pain, He feel SunShot? Would it
feels so good? It was varrain some to that effect.
So you know, those are kind of kind of gems
(07:44):
I took from him, and that's how I approach you know,
music as well.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Definitely for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yeah, man, And and I'm glad you said that line
because I witnessed a lot of people online when they
go through things, they kind of stay stuck there, you know,
they don't they don't see the lessons as a blessing,
you know, or or the thing that shapes them into
the person they're supposed to become. Uh, why why do
(08:09):
you think that is?
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Man?
Speaker 6 (08:12):
I think I think a lot of times, you know,
if if you're spinal and you can stay in your
own algorithm, if that makes sense. So if you're going
through something today and you listen to a particular song
or you know, you look at a particular thing, a
lot of times, you'll keep feeding yourself the same cycle.
So I think, you know, when you're going through things,
it's some point to seek help.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
For me, therapy was big.
Speaker 6 (08:31):
You know, that was definitely added to my transformation, you know,
getting that external lens and kind of you know, help
me introspect and kind of you know, gather the tools
I need to kind of get through the trauma and
stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
That's that's what's up.
Speaker 4 (08:42):
Man.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
I don't hear a lot of black gentlemen saying that
they went to therapy.
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Yeah, yeah, for real.
Speaker 6 (08:47):
Even even when I was younger, I had the same
stigma about it, like, you know, who goes to therapy?
That seems like, you know, some richy kind of thing.
But as i'm you know, as I'm learning and maturing,
I think, you know, everybody should go to you know,
at least to get understanding the foundation of like you know,
psychoanalysis and things of that nature.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Man, dude, we don't know we'rejecked up until we start
talking to somebody, Yes, start painting a different picture for us.
Are holding up the mirror like, oh look look, bro,
this is this is this is you.
Speaker 4 (09:19):
You're a mess, yes sir, Yes, Amen? Amen.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
And you know, I know you mentioned it before. It's
just part of the spiritual journey, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, man, I just hope that everybody get to experience
that and not stay stuck there, you know, stop not
where that as you know, their outer garment. Oh I'm
anxiety or I'm this, I'm that, I'm this. I have
to stay this way for the rest of my life.
But more so of I don't like what I see.
Like if you know, if you need a haircut, what
you go do? You go get a haircut?
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Amen, that's the fact that's powerful. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
So man, I know we kind of got off and man,
we hit the ground running. Uh, and we're going to
talk about goals and your journey. But before we get
to that, tell me, man, what's been on your heart
and mind lately?
Speaker 4 (10:03):
It's been in my heart and mind lately. It's been
a lot going on.
Speaker 6 (10:07):
So you know, this is kind of like a dream
coming true, you know, kind of seeing certain things that
I was thinking and and just the visual vilization that
I have for myself as a as a youth kind
of seeing these things come true. So I just want
to make sure that I'm staying true to myself, representing
my family, you know, saying authentic and you know, looking
to aspire my younger self and you know those younger
family members.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
And friends that look up to me as well. So
you know, big shoes to feel.
Speaker 6 (10:30):
But I'm definitely trying to uh, you know, stay even
killed and represent.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
A big shoes to feel. Whose shoes are you feeling?
Speaker 6 (10:37):
Oh man, I wouldn't say I'm feeling you know, that
was more figure speech. I wouldn't start feeling noose shoes
because I'd rather I would rather, you know, create my
own path. But as far as my father, like I
had mentioned, you know, he was an entrepreneur as well.
He was a cardiologist who came from Ghana.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
I shit that, and you know, he was a huge
he was a huge.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
Figure within my family as far as just you know
his worth that thck. And he helped so many different
people within my family and externally as well, different foundations
and different things like that. So me growing up and
kind of seeing that, you know, in that regard, he
had high expectations for me and my brothers, and like
I had mentioned before, he always thought that I'd be
good at entertainment. It's probably entertainment, you know, I was.
(11:16):
I was always an athletely playing basketball and stuff like that.
So that was kind of the first pathway that I
was taking, and my family was supporting me, and you know,
I kind of wanted to take that as far as
I could, and I did, but you know, your injuries happened.
A lot of different things happened, so I kind of
had to pivot at some point. But yeah, I would say,
my father's who I'm trying to make sure I represent
properly while creating my own path was still being you know,
(11:39):
still shown reperens.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
To him and what he did for sure, man and
rest in peace to your pops. Yes, sir, are things
happening fast for you or would you say is kind
of on pace?
Speaker 4 (11:52):
Ah?
Speaker 6 (11:54):
Yes, and no, it's on pace in terms of I
was doing music for you know, for a little while
before before you know, I'm coming out publicly, but as
far as it actually happening now, like oh wow, there's
a you know, a radio interview, there's a you know,
a magazine interview.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
There's this is that year.
Speaker 6 (12:10):
It's happening fast in that regard, even like I would say,
you know, uh, you know, a couple of weeks ago,
I had two subscribers on YouTube. So now I'm almost
at a thousand already, and i haven't even really you know,
promoted it on the type of level that I'm going to.
So you know, I'm I'm, I'm appreciated, organic love, and
everything definitely is moving fast in.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
A certain in a certain way. Nice man. You mentioned
that you made music, you know, but not as intentional
as you are. Now what caused the shift, to.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
Be honest, kind of going through that, kind of taking
care of my my ogs and stuff like that. There
was a lot going on, but you know, just healing man.
I'm you know, I attribute a lot to my therapist.
I attribute a lot to my routine.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
I was.
Speaker 6 (12:55):
I was doing music for a while, even even when
it wasn't out, So I've been working behind the scenes.
But now it's just I feel like it's the appropriate time.
It's just something that I just know, if that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Indeed, indeed, man, indeed, So Goals is your debut single.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
What does this track represent for you personally.
Speaker 6 (13:15):
Definitely, I would say motivation, Like I said, perseverance and
overcoming a lot because as an artist, a lot of
times we get in our own way. You know, you
see artists they sit on music for so long because
the external things, whether it be independent artists, whether it
be labeled, there's always stuff going on. So for me
to finally get a piece of my art out to
the world and you know, it's being received well and again,
(13:37):
I intentionally made sure that I wanted to drop their
motivational gems in there and stuff like that, and I'm getting.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
A lot of great feedback for me.
Speaker 6 (13:43):
So I'm really happy and excited about the journey as
an artist and the.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
Creative indeed, Man, indeed, you mentioned that you you know,
you have interviews going on magazine write ups. This is
just for the young ones that are listed and then
who want to do what you're doing. Do you practice
your interviews before they happen?
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Yeah, in a sense, I definitely prep. I definitely prep.
Speaker 6 (14:09):
I get that from you know, the entrepreneurial side and
stuff like that, so I think, yeah, anything that you're
going to do and be in the public stage, you
definitely want to make sure that you prep you want
to do your mirror work, you know those kinds of
things and speak positively to yourself and things of that nature,
and you you should be in a good path for
all of the young ones listening. And even if you
over that, it doesn't matter way age definitely want to
prep in you know what's to say, preparation. I forget
the five p's whatever that phrase is. You guys already know.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, man, my little bro used to laugh at me.
I'll be talking, but I'll be talking to myself like
I'm in an interview, Like, dude, why are you talking
to I said, Yo, man, I gotta say.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Something profound, so I'm trying to get to get my
story right.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
He didn't understand it, but you know, I had like
a certain vision. You hear artists, let's say, intricate things
are important things, things that become like statements and live
forever in the universe. And then you see those intervie
use what artists you're saying just off the wall stuff
and it's like, dang, you should have pripped. You should
have prepped, bro.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Yes, yes, that comes sober, you know what I mean? Right?
Speaker 2 (15:10):
It comes over.
Speaker 6 (15:13):
Message and as star as you with your in the
voice that you know, that's I feel like that's your
in the voice tooking to you. That's the universe as God,
whatever you want to say, you know what I mean,
it was prepping you and now you're doing radio. So
that's kind of how it works that we all listen.
Sometimes our frequencies get you know, uh, I don't know
the word for it, but sometimes they get you know,
rivaled or you know, for lack of better term. So
I feel like we all kind of get that in
(15:33):
the voice and we kind of all know it's just
about us being focused exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Man. As you said, Man, this song is about perseverance
and betting on yourself.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
What was the hardest goal that you've had to chase
in your own life?
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (15:48):
Man, I feel like they always changed, but I always
had I always had like a big dreams. So again,
like I said, playing sports out you know, I wanted
to go over see, I wanted to play basketball professionally.
I got to semi pro level, but I didn't want
to go to the NBA. So that was my first
hard goal. And now you know, musically, you know, just
getting just get in the video and stuff like that.
(16:08):
I had another song I was gonna go with prior
that kind of didn't go right. So you know, get
into this one making sure it went right, and you know,
get into a level of production. So now it's just
it's just more I want to I want to perform now,
and I want to do more videos and and you know,
develop my merch line and you know, kind of just
hit the ground running.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Yeah, you said you didn't want to go to the NBA.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I did.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
No, I did. That was my first dream.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
So I would say that was my first real goal.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
It was like statistically now that we're all did and
kind of realized, like, okay, that is a pretty hard goal.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
But you know, it takes a while before you you know,
your who dreams and in reality kind of you know merged.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Yeah, what happened with basketball.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Injuries for the most part, But I did, I did play.
I did play in college. I did you know? I
did play this.
Speaker 6 (16:50):
I did get a scholarship to play basketball and I
and then again I played semi pro and the ABA
for a season.
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Kind of car accident.
Speaker 6 (16:57):
I was already dealing with a lot of nagging injuries
from college and things of that nature, and it got
to a point. And I heard another artist say this
the other day. It gets to that point with basketball,
if you're not in the top level overseas or you're
not in the NBA, it kind of becomes more of
a grind and that that's cool. I did it, did
the semi pro stuff, but I wanted to make sure
that I brought in my horizons and didn't get stuck,
you know, playing semipro you know, without doing other things.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
God, I feel like God called me too exactly. Man.
Speaker 6 (17:26):
You also produce, right, Uh yes, but I wouldn't say
I make beats. I've done a lot of ex executive production,
if that makes sense. Yeah, I mean it's I mean
it's artists with my brothers, like like you.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
Know, on the come up, like on the amateur level.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
Since I was like, you know, fifteen years ago, we
were doing that kind of stuff, you know, picking beats
for artists. They come out there EPs and projects at
the time, song order and things of that nature.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
So I kind of kept a lot of that. I
went to you know, I went to school.
Speaker 6 (17:57):
One of my my very close friends is an artist,
uh done, a huge song writer and stuff like that.
So even on his projects, you know, I've getting counsel
and seeing how a lot of stuff goes from his
and the things, and and I'm also developing another artist
around my neighborhood now that is also gonna be coming
out too, so you know, being a lookout for them
as well. That'll all be announced on the website.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Nice nice dope, man, don't I don't think people will
realize the importance of an executive producer, especially one that
knows what he's doing or what he's hearing or listening
to or watching. I think DJ Khaled is one of
the most important, I want to say most important, but
one of the important people in the hip hop community
that has done an excellent job with executive producing as
(18:39):
well as Diddy.
Speaker 8 (18:41):
I know that's a name to say that we don't
really talk about how days in the right light, but
you still can't take away from the fact that he
was instrumental and and a lot of the.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
The the hits that came from New York, a lot
of it it was all executive producer.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Yes, not definitely shoutut to Didy.
Speaker 6 (19:06):
I know he's going through a lot, and sometimes we
like to kick, you know, our legends when they're down,
and we don't we don't forget what they contributed to
the thread. And Diddy was definitely somebody you know, another
one that's going through a lot, you know, Dame you know,
uh masterpiece, and he's saying all of these people. I
was influenced by Jay Z of course, of course, notas
these people that had like a business mind as well
and understand, you know, having a proper ear to put
(19:27):
teams around them, and understand how to craft things and
just you know, how to how to make operations flow
behind the scenes. So those are definite people that I
looked up Super show.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Definitely, Man, your voice ranges from a gravel grow to
like sometimes a smooth higher note. How did you develop
that versatility?
Speaker 6 (19:46):
Oh, Man, To be honest with you, like just doing
you know, other stuff, corporate things, just things like that.
Anytime I would, you know, do do trainings or anything,
people would always be like, oh, you have an interesting voice.
You have an interesting voice, And I never really, you know,
paid attention to it. So it's just something that kind
of came naturally when I heard myself rap. Even at first,
(20:06):
I'm like, damn.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
My voice is kind of raspy.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
I didn't even realize that but I guess just through
listening through music and just being like a music had
from you know, I listened to everything from the Old
school to the New school, the Rappers with their raspy
Jada kiss kind of sound to Gunna like. So I
guess it's through osmosis I'm able to kind of just
you know, go go both places. Indeed, Man, and I
could really appreciate that as a music fan of hip
(20:30):
hop fan, because artists that sound the same on every record,
no matter what the beat is or instrumental is, our
production is is just super boring.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
But one with some type of vocal range. Oh wow,
they threw that nugget in there. Oh I didn't know
they can do that. Oh Man, let me try that,
you know. Uh So I really appreciate your range. I
really I appreciate that one. It definitely look you know
in the legends that Like you said, I'm big on that.
On my EP, I want to definitely display versatility. And
I understand exactly what you're saying. When you hear certain
(21:02):
people and it sounds like, you know, one song, you're
at them all. I'm definitely gotten into that that and
I want to definitely make sure that the music is broad.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Yes sir, All right, guys, it's time for some music.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
We have Goals by Ili Vega, and then we'll be
back to put him in our traditional hot seats where
he could sing, rap, do some spoken word, tell a joke,
tell a sport from his life, player instrument, to give
some advice, or do nothing at all.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
That is cool as well, But for right now.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Here it is goals. Stay tuned.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Maybe maybe not, maybe fuck yourself. Let me have been
by myself, made my way through the pain.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Ain't I need no help? Sigma?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
What to say?
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Got me moving to death? Now?
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I'm got have played whatever was depth. I had to
get my back up.
Speaker 9 (22:02):
When you change up, they chat you better switching on
the grid just in case, stink out all your niggas,
show you niggas a million times. And I still had
to show your niggas til I popped up in that band,
new kidd of cool, like guy, tell your niggas, Okay,
leave me out here away, find my ten feeto on length,
getting my ball to.
Speaker 10 (22:17):
Lay your legs to the loos, gotta be okay, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
Switching my speed down now.
Speaker 9 (22:24):
I had to find my way like at GPS when
I opened like CBS mod tize I being mess in
your mouth like DDS, come and get him like the
n mess ball player could have been the knick talking
down but it ain't no threat.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
The only chance for the in and.
Speaker 9 (22:36):
That Okay, they were sleeping on the fishing up talking
the picture.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
When't you boring in a real game?
Speaker 2 (22:42):
No condential get top being.
Speaker 9 (22:44):
The rage so presidential spaying gigs, keeping it tall.
Speaker 2 (22:47):
That's where it gets you. That's what it get yo.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
That your man cutting it that you more listens, that's
on the set, cutting it up.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Set.
Speaker 9 (22:53):
It's a beat touching his dog like them a fact,
live with the paint and failure over regret.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
That I put in the store.
Speaker 10 (23:02):
What did the smoking ready for wall don for the cause?
Thank you the floor, hope you for watch your song
say New York that was the dog?
Speaker 2 (23:16):
Yeah yeah, all right, all right, I think I like
that all you should keep that. All right, let's go
ahead and bring them back. That's a dope record, by
the way, dope dope record.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
Yeah, appreciate you, appreciate you definitely forcire love.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
All right, well man, you're back live with us and
in our hot seat, are you going to perform for us.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Oh man, the hot seat.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
I'm not going.
Speaker 6 (23:41):
Lie.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
I don't have no performers ready, No, you.
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Know, no balls or nothing like that. But you know
I did hear you mentioned advice, you know, and again
like that's that's big.
Speaker 4 (23:50):
You know, that's big for me. So in the loud
of the song goes, I.
Speaker 6 (23:54):
Would say, for any of anybody that's out there trying
to chase the goal or dream, first of all, first, foremost,
don't let no one tell you you can't do anything
as first and foremost, and as far as your dream.
If you set small goals and kind of road map
it out towards your dream, you'll start realizing that it
can manifesting it can't happen. So I would just say
stay focused any when it's out there, you know what
I mean, and let those who love.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
You absolutely absolutely so. Man. The EP title Vega Genesis
carries both nostalgia and the rebirth of you know, the
Sega Genesis. And how does that tie into your story
as an artist beginning a new chapter?
Speaker 4 (24:34):
Yeah, yeah, man, and the Sega Genesis. That's something I started.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
I mean, we all you know at the time playing,
you know, back in the nineties and stuff like that.
That was a huge influence playing on my brothers and
things of that nature, and that, you know, Vega kind
of riding for Vegas say kind of rhymes and Genesis
is just like the transformation. So I would say it's
just a new beginning. It's definitely just represents a new beginning,
a new journey, stepping into the artist world, the entertainment world,
the modeling world, the acting world, so all one the same.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Absolutely, man and hip hop today many songs focus on lifestyle,
focus on image. How do you ensure your music stands
apart with real messages of motivation and perseverance.
Speaker 4 (25:15):
Yeah, again, I would just say staying true.
Speaker 6 (25:18):
As long as I stay true, that's just kind of
who I am, someone that you know, likes to motivated people,
trying to be alight to people. So as long as
I'm staying true to that, I feel like it had
definitely come out within my music.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
All right, all right?
Speaker 2 (25:32):
And where can our listeners connect with you? On the Internet?
Speaker 4 (25:36):
Yes, sir, Yes, sir.
Speaker 6 (25:37):
Elli Vega Everything, Ellie Underscore Vega on Instagram, Illi Vega
dot com. You know that I have a lot of
my announcements a lot of the merch, a lot of
the music, all of that stuff to be there, Elli Vega,
on on TikTok, you know, and get more active on
that as well. So you know, anyway, Eli Vega, you
google it, you know you'll start seeing me.
Speaker 4 (25:55):
And if you want to follow up what I got
going on all.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
Right, before we part ways, Man, if someone hears goals
while they struggle in life, what's one message you hope
that sticks with them?
Speaker 3 (26:06):
And then how do you want your music to be
remembered long term?
Speaker 4 (26:11):
Yes, keep going.
Speaker 6 (26:12):
I think there's a line on there I say something
to that fact of rather deal with the pain and
failure than regret.
Speaker 4 (26:17):
So anyone that's going.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
Through that, just understanding ten years when that storm is over,
you would have rather at least went through it and
tried to do what you wanted to do and get
to those highest heights then not. So don't get discouraged.
Anybody's going through something, keep eyes on those goals.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
Indeed, indeed, well, like I said, listeners, the links will
be in the description of this episode and in the
show notes.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
So all you guys have to do is just click
those links.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Early tonight, man, you showed us.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Why Goals is more than just a debut single. It's
a declaration of entent.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
You know. Explore your journey from Queen's to the mic,
the lessons from your father's legacy, your dedication and perseverance,
and your vision for Vega Genesis into our listeners.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Make sure you screen Goals and Now on all platforms.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
If you're in a gym, this is the perfect soundtrack
to start you walk, get that energy flowing, get those
vibes up, make sure you follow Ili Vega as he
continues to rise, and keep your eyes on then EP
that's coming soon.
Speaker 3 (27:17):
Oh and also don't forget subscribe a Vigilantes.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Radio live, leave us a rating, and if you want
to support support for real urges me a coffee at
buymeacoffee dot com. Forwards slash Vigilantes Radio and it's just
money I use for books and coffee.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
So share this episode with someone who's chasing their own goals.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
Illi Vega, thank you so much for bringing grit to
the motivation and energy to our little.
Speaker 3 (27:42):
Circle of frequency of the fearless. Thank you so much, man.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
Nah, thank you as well for having me Kauzdin. I'm
definitely get you some merching you heard the man subscribe
the Vigilantes Radio being a lookout for the EP coming.
Speaker 4 (27:54):
Keep going for everybody listen in the house.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
All right, all right, thank you man, and enjoy the
rest of your night.
Speaker 4 (28:00):
Likewise about peace to all.
Speaker 5 (28:06):
My name is Deani and I am the host of
Vigilantes Radio Live. I think that we are beyond just
asking cool questions and getting cool responses. I think that
we are here as NATO to provide an example that
(28:26):
you can do things different outside of expectations, because some
of us simply we're not born into the club.
Speaker 11 (28:37):
But there is perhaps a door, window, back gates that
we can leave a clue for you to get into.
Life is short, but there are plenty of lomnents to
try and get it right.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
Pursuing your dreams and learning from mistakes maybe tough, but correct.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
It's tough to book your interview.
Speaker 12 (29:00):
Email us at v Radio at only one media group
dot com that's me as a Victorian, or visit only
one media group dot You'll come.
Speaker 5 (29:13):
I'm counting on you, Heaven, We all are counting with
you to step into your purpose and your passion. You
are listening to Vigilantes Radio Live on iHeart Radio, providing
you with an opportunity to die deep.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
That was I put in a store?
Speaker 10 (29:33):
Whe did it start smoking?
Speaker 4 (29:35):
A ready for walk for the cause.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
You and now listening to vigil Lances Radio, the people's
choice for quality interviews, Arn't Music and heart topics, hosted
by Demetrius he Zingy Black Reynolds. All episodes of this
podcast are available for free download at www. Dot only one,
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You are now listening to Vigilantes Radio, presented by the
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Call in to join the mix at seven oh one,
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(00:23):
sure to like us on Facebook At Vigilantes Radio. We
welcome all enjoy the show. Ladies and gentlemen, Please welcome
your host Demitrius who Demi Black Reynolds. Enjoy the show.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Hey, Hey, Hey, what's going on? Guys? Welcome to another
incredible episode of Vigilantes Radio, live right here on iHeartRadio
and I am your host, Deani. We have another special
guest for you. Guys. You could definitely want to stick
around for that. And as a matter of fact, go
ahead and text your butt. These family members are even
shared on social media. Rights now and let them know
(01:04):
that we are about to dive deep into another interview.
Before I bring my guests on, I do want to
say that this is the frequency of the fearless. You know,
every journey starts with a spark, but only perseverance turns
that spark into a fire. Today's guest knows the weight
of expectation, the grind of the gym, the hustle of
(01:28):
the streets, and the drive to turn pain into purpose.
Speaker 3 (01:32):
His music isn't just about beats and bars.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
It's about ambition, redemption and pushing past the limits. But
this debut single, he's not just introducing himself. He's up
in the score. You're not just here for a talk show.
And this isn't just radio. This is revival for your mind, body,
and spirit. This is a Vigilantes Radio life. My name
(01:56):
is kach.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Diini, and change is possible.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Are you ready?
Speaker 5 (02:06):
Are you ready?
Speaker 4 (02:12):
Are you ready?
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Are you ready?
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Well, let's go, let's.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Go, All right, all right again, Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
You're listening to vr L. That's Vigilantes Radio Live right
here on iHeartRadio, and I am your host, Deani. Our
interviews are designed to go beyond music, news, books, art, acting, films, technology, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, spirituality,
(02:47):
and sometimes even past that thing that we call the ego.
Our interviews are designed to go behind the scenes and
into the minds of these brilliant people. You know the
ones who are out there giving it. They're all for me,
for you, and for the world. Well, ladies and gentlemen.
Born and raised in the Queens and Westchester, Illi Vega
(03:09):
is a renaissance man turned MC whose artistcry blends grit, motivation,
and redemption. His debut single, Goals isn't just music. It's
a manifesto for perseverance, dedication, and self belief. With the
upcoming EP Vega Genesis on the way, he's staking his
(03:32):
place in hip hop by weaving old school New York
grit with modern, high energy vibes, and tonight we tap
into the voice of a rising artists dedicated to legacy
and ambition. So please join me in saying welcome friend
to Illi Vega.
Speaker 6 (03:54):
Yo, yo yo, welcome to the show. Yes, sir, Yes,
sir Cozdeen. He appreciates you having me. That was a
hell of introduction. Definitely appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
I appreciate that, man, And I definitely got to, you know,
give honor to what you got going on and what
you're doing right now in your life and for the
hip hop culture. Man, So hats off to.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
You, brother, Yes, yes, likewise, and I appreciate it. It's
trying to, you know, be authentic and add to the
fabric of entertainment, you know, through the lens of act
and modeling the music.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
So I appreciate you having.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
Me for sure.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
For sure. Man, how's that going so far? That's it's
a lot of hash to wear and a lot of talent.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
Yes, sir, Yes, I appreciate it. It's going well. I'm
not going lie hectic at times. But to be honest
with you, I've kind of been in the industry in
a sense for a while, behind the scenes, behind the
camera for like at least the last decades, so I've
gained a lot through osmosis, different experiences, you know, growing
up with music in the household, around my family and
(04:50):
things of that nature. So it's kind of one of
those things that are just forming in front of me.
I know you touched upon spirituality earlier, and it's kind
one of those things I forget what proverb it is,
but it's something to the effect of like your gift
will make room for you in some of these things
that just happen. And it's not even something I plan,
to be honest with you, but it's definitely fun and
you know, it's a great it's definitely a whirlwind.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
Yeah, but I could imagine there's a transition there, you know,
maybe spiritually, physically, emotionally, talent wise, from being behind the
curtain to now saying, okay, now it's trying to put.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
My face and my voice and my talents out there.
Speaker 4 (05:28):
Yes, uh, yes, amen to that.
Speaker 6 (05:31):
Definitely, it's definitely a transformative moment. And that's kind of
like we touched upon with goals, and that's why I
was trying to get out there motivation and perseverance. It's
kind of I want people who are trying to see
the light at the end of the tunnel. For me personally,
my artist journey journey kind of started at the hardest
points in my life. You know, Uh, Poppy to my father,
(05:52):
he passed a few years ago. I was taking care
of him, how you sick, I was going to a
lot of different things. So you know, that's kind of
what my artist journey kind of started. And you know
he kind of encourage me through that, you know, through
even in the clind of his health. So once, you know,
once we kind of went through everything with that, you know,
this is me kind of getting back up on the
horse and uh, you know, kind of carrying out what
I believe I was partially here to do.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yes sir, Yes, sir. How did the things you were
going to going through help shape your message as an artist? Oh?
Speaker 6 (06:23):
Man, it definitely helps save my methods because it's you
know again, it's just being authentic. So you know, even
going back to some of the records I've done, you
know at six months ago, eight months ago, you kind
of see where you.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Are at that particular time.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
So I would say, you know, the motivation factor of
you know, be able to persevere through all of that
and put my music out is kind of what I'm
trying to get to other people that are going through,
you know, struggles and tribulations as we all do, Yes sir, sor.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Man Man is like a true, true New York rapper.
He's like the only New York rapper who I could.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
Say really embodies what it.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Means to be, what it means to become something more
than where you're from or where you're supposed to be,
you know, statistically, And he once said that, you know,
through my pain, I go through pain so I can
entertain you guys. You know, MYA is the catalyst to
the songs I create is the same for you.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 6 (07:22):
Fifty was a huge influence on me, you know, being
being from Queens, New York and stuff like that. I
remember when he first came out and like everything you're saying,
he was talking about this pain and his story and
how he was able to persevere. So I kind of
take the same approach, you know, shout out to fifty.
I think he said joy wouldn't be feel so good
if it wasn't for pain, He feel SunShot? Would it
feels so good? It was varrain some to that effect.
So you know, those are kind of kind of gems
(07:44):
I took from him, and that's how I approach you know,
music as well.
Speaker 4 (07:46):
Definitely for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Yeah, man, And and I'm glad you said that line
because I witnessed a lot of people online when they
go through things, they kind of stay stuck there, you know,
they don't they don't see the lessons as a blessing,
you know, or or the thing that shapes them into
the person they're supposed to become. Uh, why why do
(08:09):
you think that is?
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Man?
Speaker 6 (08:12):
I think I think a lot of times, you know,
if if you're spinal and you can stay in your
own algorithm, if that makes sense. So if you're going
through something today and you listen to a particular song
or you know, you look at a particular thing, a
lot of times, you'll keep feeding yourself the same cycle.
So I think, you know, when you're going through things,
it's some point to seek help.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
For me, therapy was big.
Speaker 6 (08:31):
You know, that was definitely added to my transformation, you know,
getting that external lens and kind of you know, help
me introspect and kind of you know, gather the tools
I need to kind of get through the trauma and
stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
That's that's what's up.
Speaker 4 (08:42):
Man.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
I don't hear a lot of black gentlemen saying that
they went to therapy.
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Yeah, yeah, for real.
Speaker 6 (08:47):
Even even when I was younger, I had the same
stigma about it, like, you know, who goes to therapy?
That seems like, you know, some richy kind of thing.
But as i'm you know, as I'm learning and maturing,
I think, you know, everybody should go to you know,
at least to get understanding the foundation of like you know,
psychoanalysis and things of that nature.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Man, dude, we don't know we'rejecked up until we start
talking to somebody, Yes, start painting a different picture for us.
Are holding up the mirror like, oh look look, bro,
this is this is this is you.
Speaker 4 (09:19):
You're a mess, yes sir, Yes, Amen? Amen.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
And you know, I know you mentioned it before. It's
just part of the spiritual journey, you know.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, man, I just hope that everybody get to experience
that and not stay stuck there, you know, stop not
where that as you know, their outer garment. Oh I'm
anxiety or I'm this, I'm that, I'm this. I have
to stay this way for the rest of my life.
But more so of I don't like what I see.
Like if you know, if you need a haircut, what
you go do? You go get a haircut?
Speaker 4 (09:47):
Amen, that's the fact that's powerful. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
So man, I know we kind of got off and man,
we hit the ground running. Uh, and we're going to
talk about goals and your journey. But before we get
to that, tell me, man, what's been on your heart
and mind lately?
Speaker 4 (10:03):
It's been in my heart and mind lately. It's been
a lot going on.
Speaker 6 (10:07):
So you know, this is kind of like a dream
coming true, you know, kind of seeing certain things that
I was thinking and and just the visual vilization that
I have for myself as a as a youth kind
of seeing these things come true. So I just want
to make sure that I'm staying true to myself, representing
my family, you know, saying authentic and you know, looking
to aspire my younger self and you know those younger
family members.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
And friends that look up to me as well. So
you know, big shoes to feel.
Speaker 6 (10:30):
But I'm definitely trying to uh, you know, stay even
killed and represent.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
A big shoes to feel. Whose shoes are you feeling?
Speaker 6 (10:37):
Oh man, I wouldn't say I'm feeling you know, that
was more figure speech. I wouldn't start feeling noose shoes
because I'd rather I would rather, you know, create my
own path. But as far as my father, like I
had mentioned, you know, he was an entrepreneur as well.
He was a cardiologist who came from Ghana.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
I shit that, and you know, he was a huge
he was a huge.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
Figure within my family as far as just you know
his worth that thck. And he helped so many different
people within my family and externally as well, different foundations
and different things like that. So me growing up and
kind of seeing that, you know, in that regard, he
had high expectations for me and my brothers, and like
I had mentioned before, he always thought that I'd be
good at entertainment. It's probably entertainment, you know, I was.
(11:16):
I was always an athletely playing basketball and stuff like that.
So that was kind of the first pathway that I
was taking, and my family was supporting me, and you know,
I kind of wanted to take that as far as
I could, and I did, but you know, your injuries happened.
A lot of different things happened, so I kind of
had to pivot at some point. But yeah, I would say,
my father's who I'm trying to make sure I represent
properly while creating my own path was still being you know,
(11:39):
still shown reperens.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
To him and what he did for sure, man and
rest in peace to your pops. Yes, sir, are things
happening fast for you or would you say is kind
of on pace?
Speaker 4 (11:52):
Ah?
Speaker 6 (11:54):
Yes, and no, it's on pace in terms of I
was doing music for you know, for a little while
before before you know, I'm coming out publicly, but as
far as it actually happening now, like oh wow, there's
a you know, a radio interview, there's a you know,
a magazine interview.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
There's this is that year.
Speaker 6 (12:10):
It's happening fast in that regard, even like I would say,
you know, uh, you know, a couple of weeks ago,
I had two subscribers on YouTube. So now I'm almost
at a thousand already, and i haven't even really you know,
promoted it on the type of level that I'm going to.
So you know, I'm I'm, I'm appreciated, organic love, and
everything definitely is moving fast in.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
A certain in a certain way. Nice man. You mentioned
that you made music, you know, but not as intentional
as you are. Now what caused the shift, to.
Speaker 6 (12:42):
Be honest, kind of going through that, kind of taking
care of my my ogs and stuff like that. There
was a lot going on, but you know, just healing man.
I'm you know, I attribute a lot to my therapist.
I attribute a lot to my routine.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
I was.
Speaker 6 (12:55):
I was doing music for a while, even even when
it wasn't out, So I've been working behind the scenes.
But now it's just I feel like it's the appropriate time.
It's just something that I just know, if that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Indeed, indeed, man, indeed, So Goals is your debut single.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
What does this track represent for you personally.
Speaker 6 (13:15):
Definitely, I would say motivation, Like I said, perseverance and
overcoming a lot because as an artist, a lot of
times we get in our own way. You know, you
see artists they sit on music for so long because
the external things, whether it be independent artists, whether it
be labeled, there's always stuff going on. So for me
to finally get a piece of my art out to
the world and you know, it's being received well and again,
(13:37):
I intentionally made sure that I wanted to drop their
motivational gems in there and stuff like that, and I'm getting.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
A lot of great feedback for me.
Speaker 6 (13:43):
So I'm really happy and excited about the journey as
an artist and the.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
Creative indeed, Man, indeed, you mentioned that you you know,
you have interviews going on magazine write ups. This is
just for the young ones that are listed and then
who want to do what you're doing. Do you practice
your interviews before they happen?
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Yeah, in a sense, I definitely prep. I definitely prep.
Speaker 6 (14:09):
I get that from you know, the entrepreneurial side and
stuff like that, so I think, yeah, anything that you're
going to do and be in the public stage, you
definitely want to make sure that you prep you want
to do your mirror work, you know those kinds of
things and speak positively to yourself and things of that nature,
and you you should be in a good path for
all of the young ones listening. And even if you
over that, it doesn't matter way age definitely want to
prep in you know what's to say, preparation. I forget
the five p's whatever that phrase is. You guys already know.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, man, my little bro used to laugh at me.
I'll be talking, but I'll be talking to myself like
I'm in an interview, Like, dude, why are you talking
to I said, Yo, man, I gotta say.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Something profound, so I'm trying to get to get my
story right.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
He didn't understand it, but you know, I had like
a certain vision. You hear artists, let's say, intricate things
are important things, things that become like statements and live
forever in the universe. And then you see those intervie
use what artists you're saying just off the wall stuff
and it's like, dang, you should have pripped. You should
have prepped, bro.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Yes, yes, that comes sober, you know what I mean? Right?
Speaker 2 (15:10):
It comes over.
Speaker 6 (15:13):
Message and as star as you with your in the
voice that you know, that's I feel like that's your
in the voice tooking to you. That's the universe as God,
whatever you want to say, you know what I mean,
it was prepping you and now you're doing radio. So
that's kind of how it works that we all listen.
Sometimes our frequencies get you know, uh, I don't know
the word for it, but sometimes they get you know,
rivaled or you know, for lack of better term. So
I feel like we all kind of get that in
(15:33):
the voice and we kind of all know it's just
about us being focused exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Man. As you said, Man, this song is about perseverance
and betting on yourself.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
What was the hardest goal that you've had to chase
in your own life?
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (15:48):
Man, I feel like they always changed, but I always
had I always had like a big dreams. So again,
like I said, playing sports out you know, I wanted
to go over see, I wanted to play basketball professionally.
I got to semi pro level, but I didn't want
to go to the NBA. So that was my first
hard goal. And now you know, musically, you know, just
getting just get in the video and stuff like that.
(16:08):
I had another song I was gonna go with prior
that kind of didn't go right. So you know, get
into this one making sure it went right, and you know,
get into a level of production. So now it's just
it's just more I want to I want to perform now,
and I want to do more videos and and you know,
develop my merch line and you know, kind of just
hit the ground running.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
Yeah, you said you didn't want to go to the NBA.
Speaker 4 (16:27):
I did.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
No, I did. That was my first dream.
Speaker 4 (16:29):
So I would say that was my first real goal.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
It was like statistically now that we're all did and
kind of realized, like, okay, that is a pretty hard goal.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
But you know, it takes a while before you you know,
your who dreams and in reality kind of you know merged.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Yeah, what happened with basketball.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Injuries for the most part, But I did, I did play.
I did play in college. I did you know? I
did play this.
Speaker 6 (16:50):
I did get a scholarship to play basketball and I
and then again I played semi pro and the ABA
for a season.
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Kind of car accident.
Speaker 6 (16:57):
I was already dealing with a lot of nagging injuries
from college and things of that nature, and it got
to a point. And I heard another artist say this
the other day. It gets to that point with basketball,
if you're not in the top level overseas or you're
not in the NBA, it kind of becomes more of
a grind and that that's cool. I did it, did
the semi pro stuff, but I wanted to make sure
that I brought in my horizons and didn't get stuck,
you know, playing semipro you know, without doing other things.
Speaker 2 (17:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:21):
God, I feel like God called me too exactly. Man.
Speaker 6 (17:26):
You also produce, right, Uh yes, but I wouldn't say
I make beats. I've done a lot of ex executive production,
if that makes sense. Yeah, I mean it's I mean
it's artists with my brothers, like like you.
Speaker 4 (17:40):
Know, on the come up, like on the amateur level.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
Since I was like, you know, fifteen years ago, we
were doing that kind of stuff, you know, picking beats
for artists. They come out there EPs and projects at
the time, song order and things of that nature.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
So I kind of kept a lot of that. I
went to you know, I went to school.
Speaker 6 (17:57):
One of my my very close friends is an artist,
uh done, a huge song writer and stuff like that.
So even on his projects, you know, I've getting counsel
and seeing how a lot of stuff goes from his
and the things, and and I'm also developing another artist
around my neighborhood now that is also gonna be coming
out too, so you know, being a lookout for them
as well. That'll all be announced on the website.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Nice nice dope, man, don't I don't think people will
realize the importance of an executive producer, especially one that
knows what he's doing or what he's hearing or listening
to or watching. I think DJ Khaled is one of
the most important, I want to say most important, but
one of the important people in the hip hop community
that has done an excellent job with executive producing as
(18:39):
well as Diddy.
Speaker 8 (18:41):
I know that's a name to say that we don't
really talk about how days in the right light, but
you still can't take away from the fact that he
was instrumental and and a lot of the.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
The the hits that came from New York, a lot
of it it was all executive producer.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Yes, not definitely shoutut to Didy.
Speaker 6 (19:06):
I know he's going through a lot, and sometimes we
like to kick, you know, our legends when they're down,
and we don't we don't forget what they contributed to
the thread. And Diddy was definitely somebody you know, another
one that's going through a lot, you know, Dame you know,
uh masterpiece, and he's saying all of these people. I
was influenced by Jay Z of course, of course, notas
these people that had like a business mind as well
and understand, you know, having a proper ear to put
(19:27):
teams around them, and understand how to craft things and
just you know, how to how to make operations flow
behind the scenes. So those are definite people that I
looked up Super show.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Definitely, Man, your voice ranges from a gravel grow to
like sometimes a smooth higher note. How did you develop
that versatility?
Speaker 6 (19:46):
Oh, Man, To be honest with you, like just doing
you know, other stuff, corporate things, just things like that.
Anytime I would, you know, do do trainings or anything,
people would always be like, oh, you have an interesting voice.
You have an interesting voice, And I never really, you know,
paid attention to it. So it's just something that kind
of came naturally when I heard myself rap. Even at first,
(20:06):
I'm like, damn.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
My voice is kind of raspy.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
I didn't even realize that but I guess just through
listening through music and just being like a music had
from you know, I listened to everything from the Old
school to the New school, the Rappers with their raspy
Jada kiss kind of sound to Gunna like. So I
guess it's through osmosis I'm able to kind of just
you know, go go both places. Indeed, Man, and I
could really appreciate that as a music fan of hip
(20:30):
hop fan, because artists that sound the same on every record,
no matter what the beat is or instrumental is, our
production is is just super boring.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
But one with some type of vocal range. Oh wow,
they threw that nugget in there. Oh I didn't know
they can do that. Oh Man, let me try that,
you know. Uh So I really appreciate your range. I
really I appreciate that one. It definitely look you know
in the legends that Like you said, I'm big on that.
On my EP, I want to definitely display versatility. And
I understand exactly what you're saying. When you hear certain
(21:02):
people and it sounds like, you know, one song, you're
at them all. I'm definitely gotten into that that and
I want to definitely make sure that the music is broad.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Yes sir, All right, guys, it's time for some music.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
We have Goals by Ili Vega, and then we'll be
back to put him in our traditional hot seats where
he could sing, rap, do some spoken word, tell a joke,
tell a sport from his life, player instrument, to give
some advice, or do nothing at all.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
That is cool as well, But for right now.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Here it is goals. Stay tuned.
Speaker 4 (21:32):
Maybe maybe not, maybe fuck yourself. Let me have been
by myself, made my way through the pain.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Ain't I need no help? Sigma?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
What to say?
Speaker 2 (21:55):
Got me moving to death? Now?
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I'm got have played whatever was depth. I had to
get my back up.
Speaker 9 (22:02):
When you change up, they chat you better switching on
the grid just in case, stink out all your niggas,
show you niggas a million times. And I still had
to show your niggas til I popped up in that band,
new kidd of cool, like guy, tell your niggas, Okay,
leave me out here away, find my ten feeto on length,
getting my ball to.
Speaker 10 (22:17):
Lay your legs to the loos, gotta be okay, okay, okay.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
Switching my speed down now.
Speaker 9 (22:24):
I had to find my way like at GPS when
I opened like CBS mod tize I being mess in
your mouth like DDS, come and get him like the
n mess ball player could have been the knick talking
down but it ain't no threat.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
The only chance for the in and.
Speaker 9 (22:36):
That Okay, they were sleeping on the fishing up talking
the picture.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
When't you boring in a real game?
Speaker 2 (22:42):
No condential get top being.
Speaker 9 (22:44):
The rage so presidential spaying gigs, keeping it tall.
Speaker 2 (22:47):
That's where it gets you. That's what it get yo.
Speaker 9 (22:49):
That your man cutting it that you more listens, that's
on the set, cutting it up.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Set.
Speaker 9 (22:53):
It's a beat touching his dog like them a fact,
live with the paint and failure over regret.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
That I put in the store.
Speaker 10 (23:02):
What did the smoking ready for wall don for the cause?
Thank you the floor, hope you for watch your song
say New York that was the dog?
Speaker 2 (23:16):
Yeah yeah, all right, all right, I think I like
that all you should keep that. All right, let's go
ahead and bring them back. That's a dope record, by
the way, dope dope record.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
Yeah, appreciate you, appreciate you definitely forcire love.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
All right, well man, you're back live with us and
in our hot seat, are you going to perform for us.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Oh man, the hot seat.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
I'm not going.
Speaker 6 (23:41):
Lie.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
I don't have no performers ready, No, you.
Speaker 6 (23:43):
Know, no balls or nothing like that. But you know
I did hear you mentioned advice, you know, and again
like that's that's big.
Speaker 4 (23:50):
You know, that's big for me. So in the loud
of the song goes, I.
Speaker 6 (23:54):
Would say, for any of anybody that's out there trying
to chase the goal or dream, first of all, first, foremost,
don't let no one tell you you can't do anything
as first and foremost, and as far as your dream.
If you set small goals and kind of road map
it out towards your dream, you'll start realizing that it
can manifesting it can't happen. So I would just say
stay focused any when it's out there, you know what
I mean, and let those who love.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
You absolutely absolutely so. Man. The EP title Vega Genesis
carries both nostalgia and the rebirth of you know, the
Sega Genesis. And how does that tie into your story
as an artist beginning a new chapter?
Speaker 4 (24:34):
Yeah, yeah, man, and the Sega Genesis. That's something I started.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
I mean, we all you know at the time playing,
you know, back in the nineties and stuff like that.
That was a huge influence playing on my brothers and
things of that nature, and that, you know, Vega kind
of riding for Vegas say kind of rhymes and Genesis
is just like the transformation. So I would say it's
just a new beginning. It's definitely just represents a new beginning,
a new journey, stepping into the artist world, the entertainment world,
the modeling world, the acting world, so all one the same.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Absolutely, man and hip hop today many songs focus on lifestyle,
focus on image. How do you ensure your music stands
apart with real messages of motivation and perseverance.
Speaker 4 (25:15):
Yeah, again, I would just say staying true.
Speaker 6 (25:18):
As long as I stay true, that's just kind of
who I am, someone that you know, likes to motivated people,
trying to be alight to people. So as long as
I'm staying true to that, I feel like it had
definitely come out within my music.
Speaker 4 (25:31):
All right, all right?
Speaker 2 (25:32):
And where can our listeners connect with you? On the Internet?
Speaker 4 (25:36):
Yes, sir, Yes, sir.
Speaker 6 (25:37):
Elli Vega Everything, Ellie Underscore Vega on Instagram, Illi Vega
dot com. You know that I have a lot of
my announcements a lot of the merch, a lot of
the music, all of that stuff to be there, Elli Vega,
on on TikTok, you know, and get more active on
that as well. So you know, anyway, Eli Vega, you
google it, you know you'll start seeing me.
Speaker 4 (25:55):
And if you want to follow up what I got
going on all.
Speaker 2 (25:58):
Right, before we part ways, Man, if someone hears goals
while they struggle in life, what's one message you hope
that sticks with them?
Speaker 3 (26:06):
And then how do you want your music to be
remembered long term?
Speaker 4 (26:11):
Yes, keep going.
Speaker 6 (26:12):
I think there's a line on there I say something
to that fact of rather deal with the pain and
failure than regret.
Speaker 4 (26:17):
So anyone that's going.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
Through that, just understanding ten years when that storm is over,
you would have rather at least went through it and
tried to do what you wanted to do and get
to those highest heights then not. So don't get discouraged.
Anybody's going through something, keep eyes on those goals.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
Indeed, indeed, well, like I said, listeners, the links will
be in the description of this episode and in the
show notes.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
So all you guys have to do is just click
those links.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Early tonight, man, you showed us.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
Why Goals is more than just a debut single. It's
a declaration of entent.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
You know. Explore your journey from Queen's to the mic,
the lessons from your father's legacy, your dedication and perseverance,
and your vision for Vega Genesis into our listeners.
Speaker 3 (27:01):
Make sure you screen Goals and Now on all platforms.
Speaker 2 (27:04):
If you're in a gym, this is the perfect soundtrack
to start you walk, get that energy flowing, get those
vibes up, make sure you follow Ili Vega as he
continues to rise, and keep your eyes on then EP
that's coming soon.
Speaker 3 (27:17):
Oh and also don't forget subscribe a Vigilantes.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Radio live, leave us a rating, and if you want
to support support for real urges me a coffee at
buymeacoffee dot com. Forwards slash Vigilantes Radio and it's just
money I use for books and coffee.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
So share this episode with someone who's chasing their own goals.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
Illi Vega, thank you so much for bringing grit to
the motivation and energy to our little.
Speaker 3 (27:42):
Circle of frequency of the fearless. Thank you so much, man.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
Nah, thank you as well for having me Kauzdin. I'm
definitely get you some merching you heard the man subscribe
the Vigilantes Radio being a lookout for the EP coming.
Speaker 4 (27:54):
Keep going for everybody listen in the house.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
All right, all right, thank you man, and enjoy the
rest of your night.
Speaker 4 (28:00):
Likewise about peace to all.
Speaker 5 (28:06):
My name is Deani and I am the host of
Vigilantes Radio Live. I think that we are beyond just
asking cool questions and getting cool responses. I think that
we are here as NATO to provide an example that
(28:26):
you can do things different outside of expectations, because some
of us simply we're not born into the club.
Speaker 11 (28:37):
But there is perhaps a door, window, back gates that
we can leave a clue for you to get into.
Life is short, but there are plenty of lomnents to
try and get it right.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
Pursuing your dreams and learning from mistakes maybe tough, but correct.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
It's tough to book your interview.
Speaker 12 (29:00):
Email us at v Radio at only one media group
dot com that's me as a Victorian, or visit only
one media group dot You'll come.
Speaker 5 (29:13):
I'm counting on you, Heaven, We all are counting with
you to step into your purpose and your passion. You
are listening to Vigilantes Radio Live on iHeart Radio, providing
you with an opportunity to die deep.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
That was I put in a store?
Speaker 10 (29:33):
Whe did it start smoking?
Speaker 4 (29:35):
A ready for walk for the cause.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
You and now listening to vigil Lances Radio, the people's
choice for quality interviews, Arn't Music and heart topics, hosted
by Demetrius he Zingy Black Reynolds. All episodes of this
podcast are available for free download at www. Dot only one,
mediagreed dot com
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