Vi City – ‘So Now What..’ [Album Review]

Chicago rapper, songwriter, and producer Vi City recently dropped his long-player, So Now What.., following last year’s Hotels & Heartbreaks. The new album narrates the aftermath of a breakup, where you recognize and center on who you are.

Vi City has been building his growing fan base the old-fashioned way, brick by brick. He’s toured with Jacquees, collaborated with Moneybagg Yo, Tee Grizzley, and Lil Poppa, and written for Nelly. Fox’s hit show Empire featured music produced by Vi City, who also wrote with Young Money and contributed to albums from Sir Michael Rocks, Twista, and Da Intnernz.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Vi City is the founder of Hundreds Entertainment, a music and film production company.

Entry points on the 10-track album comprise “In Mode,” with its dramatic piano intro, followed by Vi City’s heartfelt rapping flow. The tune shifts markedly, taking on a tight trap beat topped by swirling synths and a sensuous swaying motion.

A personal favorite because of its blend of hip-hop and R&B textures, “Nothing for You” delivers a creamy, alluring movement. With its luscious chanting flow, “Icyy” reveals various layers of vocal harmonies highlighted by the artist’s silky-smooth, suave tones.

A unique percussive combination infuses “Ms Jackson” with a distinctive, magnetic rhythmic kinesis as percolating, oozing synths suffuse the melody with easy, fluid surfaces. The rapping flow is delicious, lying somewhere between soft and pressing.

Vi City, photo courtesy of Vi City

“It’s Mine” closes the album off with impressive style. It offers a rolling, clip-clop rhythm juxtaposed against glossy, drifting textures of R&B and a dreamy, charismatic flow.

On his second long player, Vi City investigates new electronic textures and demonstrates he’s on the right path. So Now What.. is ooh-la-la good.

So Now What.. Track Listing:

1. Starts @ Self
2. In Mode
3. Nothing for You
4. U Deserve
5. Toxic Relationships
6. Icyy
7. Radical Honesty
8. Him Special
9. Ms Jackson
10. It’s Mine

Run Time: 22:08
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Record Label: Hundreds Entertainment Corp.