Vandalyzm
One can tell a lot from a person’s iPod.
A quick glance at the compilation of music that moves the listener can be just as telling as an in-person first impression--in both cases, no one wants to be so predictable that they’re easily categorized or placed into a neat little box.
The freshest new emcee to come out of St. Louis, 20-Something year old Van “Vandalyzm” Coleman, understands just that. “If you look in my iPod,” he says, “you would be baffled…I got Three-Six Mafia in there, with Daft Punk, Dilla, and Burt Bacharach. Burt is one of my favorite composers of all time, along with David Axelrod, Quincy Jones, Barry White, and Isaac Hayes. So my music will sound like that good shit; no name on it, no lines, no “this will only be hot on the west coast”-- it’s just gonna be hot, period… I’m a complete music nerd; I’m bumping The Carpenters, or Donny Hathaway, or The Sylvers, or Steven Malkmus and the Jicks, or some off the wall shit like that.”
Vandalyzm brings a sound that strays far from the stereotypical STL vibe, yet stays true to his self and his pride for where he’s from. He has racked up production and writing credits with One Chance of T Pain’s Nappy Boy Digital, Skyzoo, Tanya Morgan, Big Pooh of Little Brother, Royce The 5'9, Naledge from Kidz In The Hall, 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Flying Lotus, Oddisee, Usher’s music label Us Records and more. In addition, receiving the highest of praise in HipHopDX.com’s DX Next column, in 2008 and also was voted “Best St. Louis Hip Hop Artist” by the Riverfront Times. Vandalyzm has the star quality to match his extensive resume. Not to be mistaken with the trite ‘swagger’ that too many rappers of today rely on instead of actual talent, Vandalyzm is first and foremost a lyricist—impeccable wordplay, seamless story-telling skills, and a fluid flow that’s sure to drown all naysayers.
“I can give you all of it, whatever is needed.” Vandalyzm declares with all certainty. “I’m a regular dude that came up rough, and decided to go the opposite route of so many folks in my same situation. I love children, education, battling niggas, fly ass cars, and women, and revolution. I’m giving the world my outlook … You put me on record with the best in the game and I won’t get out shined.”
- The Allspark (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Yes Sir (prod. Flying Lotus)
- Frontin pt 2 feat Drix (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Studio Gangstas (prod. Soul Professa)
- Charity Case feat Rockwell Knuckles (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Trickin' (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Chip (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Ol' Girl (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Move On Em feat Marvwon and Gotta Be Karim (prod. 9th Wonder)
- Self Evaluation (Go In) (prod. Khrysis)
- Click Clack (prod. Swiff D)
- I Am Majorz (prod. Vandalyzm)
- Sole (prod. 14kt)
- Get Dough (prod. Flying Lotus)
- Three The Hard Way ft Finale and Wafeek (prod. Vandalyzm)
- From Then to Now ft Black Spade (prod. Khrysis)
- The Remedy (14kt Remix)
Listen to the Albums Here
Bandcamp
Reviews
Vandalyzm has the midwest all to himself with his sound, charisma, and passion for the music. If you thought the Midwest just sounded one way....I believe it is in your best interest to think again........Vandalyzm is here.....
Vandalyzm is one of the few unsigned artists that I have solicited to be on a song with me. He is a versatile songwriter and charismatic lyricist. He's Very slept on and has star quality.
Just when I thought Van had possibly reached a plateau, he finds another step to ascend to lyrically. The new soul of St. Louis resides in a representative that's not afraid to tell it how he sees it, and luckily for us he's got the lyrical prowess to do it in an almost-effortless presentation..
