Vito Rone is an up-and-coming rapper from the West Side of Dallas, Texas, with one clear goal: to get his music heard and turn it into a lasting career. Driven by hard work and self-belief, he is steadily making a name for himself in the city’s music scene, both on stage and behind the scenes.
“Transition”: a project with a meaning
Vito has been working on his first full project, Transition, for release on all major platforms. The title reflects his own journey from smaller, lesser-known streaming services to the biggest ones. “I’ve also been working on a variety of music videos so my fans and listeners can have visuals,” he says.
He performs regularly around Dallas, most consistently at the Dallas Open Mic on Tuesday nights, hosted by Charlie Rihoo.
Confidence and faith
Vito says he has overcome many obstacles through confidence and faith, and he believes that is the right way to face any challenge. His circumstances are also what drive him. “My inspiration to keep going is the situation I’m in in life,” he explains. “I feel something in my heart telling me to keep going and keep grinding, and when I do, it shows in my music.”
His message to listeners is straightforward: “Believe in yourself. You don’t need anyone to validate you or how you feel. If you want something, go get it. It’s your life, so do what makes you happy and stand for what you believe in.”
Doing it himself
Like many independent artists, Vito has had to learn the business side of music on his own. He has focused on understanding how to release and sell his music without relying on middlemen, and he is constantly building his skills.
His influences
The most important person in his life growing up was his mother. “She held it down and made sure I was always better than great,” he says. Musically, he draws heavily on Southern rap, citing artists such as Boosie, Kevin Gates, Lil Wayne and Kodak Black as influences who shaped both his sound and his outlook on life.
Looking ahead
The pandemic years were difficult for emerging performers, with concerts and open mics cancelled across the country. With live music back, Vito is concentrating on building a stronger foundation for his career. He believes success comes from investing in yourself, and in the people who invest in you, and he hopes to make an impact both in his community and on stage.
Follow Vito Rone
Instagram: Vito.rone
This interview was documented by #Focuseddd.
