Having recently returned with his brilliant comeback singles 'Capone' and 'Relax' earlier this year, Chicago-based artist Cousin Vinny returns once again to deliver his pulsing new effort 'Too Humble'.
Bringing back more of that smooth and passionate hip-hop aesthetic he has been building for himself over the years, 'Too Humble' makes for a confident return to form throughout. With his bold and driven flow riding across a vibrant production from start to finish, he continues to shine as one of the more impactful names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. It was the first instrument I actually took lessons for, and would play and practise for hours.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was really into electronic/house music. Chicago used to have “dance factory radio” which would be on from 11pm-2am, and I used to sneak my cd player which had a radio to listen to the mixes. This was before I was introduced to hip-hop.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Limp Bizkit – Chocolate Starfish and The Hot Dog Flavoured Water
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Gravity – John Mayer
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I love to write on planes. Usually I have a couple beats I have saved that I’m hoping to write to, and it’s a place I can focus without any distractions for a few hours. But if I’m facing writer's block, I usually like to just freestyle until some new ideas bubble up.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have been much more in discovery mode lately, but outside the standard rap/hip-hop heavy hitters, I’ve been listening to a lot of Knucks, LaRussell, SiR, and Mick Jenkins.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would be pretty incredible to open for J Cole. He’s definitely one of my all time favourites.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The joy of creating. The feeling of having a fresh demo that you’re excited about and can’t stop listening to over and over.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The business. To be an artist in 2024 means you basically have to be your own agency and balance being a creative with being an executive.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t overthink shit. If it feels good, roll with it. Don’t worry about how other people are going to feel about it.
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Cousin Vinny's new single 'Too Humble' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.