Meet Virghost

Today we’d like to introduce you to Virghost.

Hi Virghost, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started off in Memphis as a Spoken Poet in a collective known as Hypelife in 2009, led by Darius “Phatmak” Clayton. I was rapping at that time too, but I didn’t really see rappers on the local scene that did what I did or talked about similar things.

Also, at that time, the Spoken Word scene in Memphis was really booming and flourishing so I just gravitated more towards that. I did, however, record raps. I recorded my first mixtape that same year under Memphis Boy Productions. It was called “R.A.P (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 1. My friend Brandon Paige started recording my raps and my poetry for free after I impressed him with my first rap verse there. Honestly, without him, I don’t think I would have pushed to rap with the same motivation I had to perform poetry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always a smooth ride. I’ve been a family man since 2010, so I’ve only had one year as an artist without children. Juggling family responsibilities and music can definitely be a struggle. But as long as you find balance and a routine, it can be done. The other thing I struggled with in the beginning was being taken seriously as a rapper. I was mostly known for Spoken Word in Memphis back then, so I had to work extra had to be accepted and respected on the rap scene. And of course, just life problems in general. We all have setbacks.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a rapper, spoken word poet, songwriter, and creator and host of the Villematic Hip-Hop Showcase in Nashville, TN. I think I’m most proud of just being able to make noise and have success in two different cities (Memphis and Nashville). I think what sets me apart from others is my mix of vulnerability and bravado. Usually, people with heavy bravado in their music aren’t willing to be vulnerable. That’s never been a problem for me. I’m confident in myself, and I don’t mind sharing uncomfortable things about myself in my music that may make me look bad.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Enjoy outside. Appreciate in-person engagement. Cherish people and not cell phones.

Contact Info:

• Email: Virghost23@gmail.com
• Website: https://virghostmemphiasco.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/therealvirghost
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Virghost/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealvirghost?s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/Virghost87
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f7IhUdKQDthFK5xzD7pey?si=sUQoe7HvRXaQgPM5AQ33Ug&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1

Image Credits
Photos taken by @cme_truth