SOUTH AFRICA - The obsession with music began at age six. By 12, Mac VI was recording songs, followed by songwriting. At 18 years of age, Mac VI has released his debut single, “Chains,” a trap hit just waiting to be discovered.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing,” said Mac VI. “Now, I’m producing, which is pretty similar to writing. I can get in my zone, be in my imagination, and create my own world.”
As Mac VI continues to expand his musical aptitude in the studio, his lyrics compare to those of a seasoned rap veteran. “My music is based on every typical teenage experience, black boy experience, or growing up,” he said.
Born and raised in South Africa, Mac VI experienced hardships as a young man of color and uses his music as an outlet and platform to unite other young black men and women with the knowledge that they are not alone in their daily struggles.
With witty and wavy raps, “Chains” is Mac VI’s splash into the hip-hop world. Combining harmonies, melodies, and wordplay, “Chains” has a looming dark but vibrant sound. “I use dark melodies to keep that trappy vibe and those dark vibes alive,” he explained.
Displaying his versatility, Mac VI utilizes the hooks and flows to keep the track light and energetic, while the verse maintains the overall song’s vibe. “The song expresses my love for jewelry and touches on my struggles. Like I say, ‘I got nuthin’ but chains; I must be a slave.’ I love my chains, but I won’t be a slave for it. But that’s about as much as I’d do for it.”
In addition to dropping the single on streaming platforms, Mac VI released the “Chains” music video. Filmed in South Africa and shot by Ray Films, the video begins in a parking lot and progresses to a car. With multiple framing angles, looming darkness illuminated by different colors to provide the lighting, the video is a testament to Mac VI’s determination and love for precious stones and gold and silver chains.
Taking inspiration from Lil Wayne’s mastery, Mac VI knows the road ahead may be long, but his first step into the lyrical hip-hop world is a giant leap. “I’ve been criticized for sounding too American, but that is what sets me apart from the artists around me,” he said. “I’m not going to say I bring a different vibe, but I tell a different story. I am a rapper from South Africa with a different story to tell from everybody else in the field of hip hop.”
Currently, Mac VI is back in the studio working on an EP, which will be released later this year. Gone are the days when Mac VI would participate in cyphers around town. Now, he is a rising artist who has only just begun to display what he can do. “Expect the unexpected,” he said. “My songs will stay consistent, but at the same time, they will grow as I do as a rapper/songwriter/producer.”
Make sure to stay connected to Mac VI on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mac-vi/1573494713
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6tHcJpcoGxVpxLBl4xA3c8?si=mGZxaPXbRBWY3IO2edLy2w&nd=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjB_r96JxWA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macvi.official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macvi_mmg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/macvi_mmg
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