When I’m Here by Vocab Slick
By Aaris A. Schroeder
Editor-In-Chief
Santa Rosa, CA emcee Vocab Slick released his most recent album, “Language” in 2021 with loads of dope new music. Much of Vocab’s songs end up as Hip Hop-rich music videos such as “Find A Way (Feat. The Grouch),” “Stay Focused (feat. Zion I),” “A.O.M.” (All On Me) and “Right Now.” Vocab Slick comes through with thoughtful lyricism and melody in his voice which matches his passion for creating music.
On Sept 8, 2022, Vocab did it again, dropping yet another video off “Language;” this time releasing a song about giving homage to those who have passed before us. The song, “When I’m Here (feat. Equipto & Simone´ Mosely)” was produced by Nohokai & Starski while the video was directed by Alex Diaz Pena. This track samples the Belgian band, Wallace Collection and was recorded in 1969. It is better known and sampled by Hip Hop artist and producer, Lupe Fiasco in his song “Day Dreamin’ (feat. Jill Scott)” with the same level of energy. The song is so much deeper than skateboarding and hanging out with your friends. Vocab, Equipto and Simone´ are on the level of paying homage to those who have gone on before them while showcasing how important it is to praise those who keep us moving!
“There has been an ongoing theme especially in Hip Hop but other art forms as well where we dont’ tell our artists how much they mean to us while we can. We don’t give them support and love they deserve while they’re alive. It’s only when they pass on when we stop and think ‘wow, I really love what this person has done for the culture.’”
– Vocab Slick
With this song, Vocab hopes that he can help change the way people think and celebrate those artists we admire and are fans of during the time they are here with us. The video features the three friends and musical talents in a cemetery and at a table where they have flowers and votive candles, giving homage to their friends who are gone.
At the beginning of the video, Equipto is seen showing a tattoo that says “Zumbi” which represents Baba Zumbi (Zion-I) who was murdered in August 2021, according to Justice_for_Zumbi on Instagram by Alta Bates Hospital and Allied Security in Berkeley due to an altercation where hospital security was attempting to detain him for unknown reasons. Zumbi was known by his friends and fans for being a peacemaker and creating music that always had positive messages.
At the end of the video, the camera focuses in on a funeral program for Joseph Harold Carter, also known as Maynee and who was a member of Distant Relatives, a group that Vocab Slick was a member of. Maynee was born July 3, 1978 and passed away January, 15, 2014.
The Program Reads:
“When my work is over,
That day I will fly…
And in my heart,
I know God’s got a plan
So if I fall,
It’s only in His Hands.”
– “Pressures” By Distant Relatives and written by Joseph Carter.
“When I’m Here” is just one song on his 18-track “Language” album. You can check out the video on Youtube and his entire album is on all the popular digital music platforms.
ALL THE LINKS
Official Vocab Slick Website
Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Music Platforms
Soundcloud
Spotify
AppleMusic
Youtube
