VH$
From Concrete to Cadence ~ The Rose That Grew in Sound
Episode 176
VH$ is a trailblazing Mexican-American music producer, record collector, and entrepreneur hailing from the San Gabriel Valley. Born on December 25, 1984, VH$ was raised in Section 8 housing by a single mother, and his music career stands as a powerful testament to the resilience born from adversity.
VH$ made history by producing the first hip hop album entirely crafted from VHS tape samples, merging nostalgia with innovation in a way that has resonated across platforms like Billboard, MTV2, and BET. With an avid passion for collecting VHS tapes, he has become a true pioneer in the collectibles space, spinning the threads of his life into musical gold.
From the streets of San Gabriel Valley to the charts, VH$ has orchestrated a symphony of sound that defies the odds. He transforms challenges into stepping stones, driven by unmatched creativity and a relentless spirit. Join us as we explore how this architect of sound rewound the boundaries of music production, turning his passion for nostalgia into groundbreaking beats and reshaping the landscape of hip hop.
VH$ Takeaways
Transformation and Purpose:
VHS shares a powerful story of transformation, from a life filled with challenges and close calls with death, to finding a higher purpose through music. His journey underscores the belief in a larger plan and the ability to thrive, not just survive, through personal hardships and loss.
Authenticity in Art:
VHS is deeply committed to producing music that is true to his roots and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work, choosing to sample from VHS tapes and focus on traditional hip-hop elements, which highlights his unique approach to music production.
Impact of Family and Background:
His upbringing, marked by the absence of a father figure and the influence of gang culture, plays a significant role in his music and life philosophy. VHS’s story is a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and the importance of breaking generational curses for his son’s future.
The Business of Music:
VHS offers a critical view of the music industry, particularly streaming platforms. He advocates for artists to understand their worth and the business side of music, promoting independence and financial literacy among artists.
VH$ Quotes
“That’s how I know, like, God had a bigger purpose for me.”
“I’m not surviving, I’m thriving.”
“My life is a VHS tape.”
“Vibrations Harvest Success.”
“You either plant good seeds or bad seeds.”
“Success is to be able to live your life, pay your bills, do the basic things that we all stress out about of what you love to do.”
“We need to just empower each other, man, and just knock it off with all this, you know, nonsense.”
Show Notes
Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
VH$
Frank and Sons Collectible Show
A marketplace in the City of Industry that has been a part of VHS’s life since childhood, symbolizing continuity and nostalgia.
The Globe/GCS Pomona
A venue next to the Glass House in Pomona that hosted free shows and played a crucial role in VHS’s early exposure to hip-hop culture and live performances.
Snappy’s Tacos
A now-closed taco spot that was a favorite of VHS and his uncle, representing cherished family memories and the local food culture of SGV.
