Vincent “Young V” Young, is a independent recording artist from Michigan City, Indiana. He’s been making music since he was 13 years old, and over the years his passion has grown into something much bigger than simply recording songs. Every release is carefully crafted to stand on its own while contributing to a larger creative identity rooted in authenticity, ambition, and resilience.
“My goal is to create complete experiences that blend music, cinematic visuals, and storytelling into one cohesive vision.” His most recent release, ‘Top of the World’ reflects that exact philosophy.
We sat down with Young V for an interview to learn more about him, and his music. Read on below.
MIM: What inspired the song ‘Top of the World’?
Young V: The biggest inspiration behind this project was the desire to push beyond limitations and create something that reflects ambition in its purest form. Growing up, I learned that success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities—it comes from creating them.
That mindset influences every song, every visual, and every creative decision I make. The project represents perseverance, growth, and the belief that where you start doesn’t determine where you can end up.
MIM: Can you walk us through the creation process of this project?
Young V: For me, the creative process starts long before I ever step into a recording booth. I approach every song the way a director approaches a film.
Instead of asking, “What should I rap about?” I ask, “What’s the story? What’s the atmosphere? What should the audience see and feel from the very first second?” I usually begin with a concept or visual in my head—a late-night drive through the city, a luxury penthouse, an after-hours juke joint, or a quiet conversation that changes someone’s life.
From there, I build the soundtrack around that scene. The production, melodies, lyrics, and vocal delivery all have to serve the story. Once the record starts taking shape, I’m already thinking about the visuals.
I imagine camera angles, lighting, wardrobe, color palettes, and even the pacing of the edits. I create treatments and cinematic concepts that make the music feel like part of a larger world rather than just a standalone song.
Every detail matters, from the cover art to the music video rollout to the social content surrounding the release. I want listeners to feel like they’re stepping into a movie where the music is the score and every song is another scene in the story.
That film-first mindset is what defines my creative process and continues to shape everything I create as Young V.
MIM: What does this project mean to you?
Young V: ‘Top of the World’ is more than just a song, it represents a mindset that has shaped my entire journey as an independent artist. It’s rooted in belief and perseverance.
There have been plenty of moments where the easier option would have been to give up, but I’ve always believed that consistency and vision eventually create opportunities.
‘Top of the World’ is a reflection of that mentality—it’s about aiming higher than your circumstances and refusing to let limitations define your future. Creatively, it also captures the way I approach music as a filmmaker.
Every lyric, melody, and production choice was designed to create a visual experience. When I hear the record, I don’t just hear a song—I see scenes, locations, camera movements, and emotions unfolding like a movie.
That combination of ambition and cinematic storytelling makes it one of the most personal and defining pieces of music I’ve created. It reflects not only where I am today but also where I’m determined to go.
MIM: Every artist has influences. Who helped shape your sound, and in what ways?
Young V: I’ve been influenced by a wide range of artists, but what has always resonated with me isn’t just their music—it’s their ability to create an experience. Artists like Tupac showed me the importance of honesty and making listeners feel every word.
The Notorious B.I.G. had an incredible ability to paint vivid pictures with his storytelling and effortless flow. Kanye West demonstrated that music could be cinematic and emotionally layered while constantly pushing creative boundaries.
Timbaland’s production taught me that innovation comes from not being afraid to sound different, and Dr. Dre’s attention to detail reinforced the idea that excellence is found in the smallest elements of a record.
I’ve also drawn inspiration from artists like Rick Ross, who creates music with a larger-than-life sense of scale and luxury, and Cam’ron, whose confidence and originality helped define an unmistakable style of his own. Beyond music, I’m heavily influenced by film directors and visual storytellers.
When I’m creating a record, I’m thinking like a filmmaker as much as a songwriter. I imagine scenes, camera movements, lighting, and emotion before I think about a hook or a verse.
Every song becomes part of a larger world that listeners can visualize in their minds. Ultimately, my goal isn’t to sound like any one artist—it’s to take inspiration from the legends who came before me and blend those influences into something that’s uniquely my own.
I’m drawn to records that feel like scenes from a movie, combining melodic elements with confident lyricism and vivid imagery. I enjoy creating songs that can soundtrack both personal moments and larger-than-life visuals, giving listeners something they can not only hear but imagine.
MIM: How old were you when you began creating music?
Young V: I started creating music when I was 13 years old. What began as a passion quickly became something much bigger than a hobby—it became a way to express myself, tell stories, and connect with people through creativity.
Over the years, I’ve continued to grow not only as a songwriter and recording artist but also as a visual storyteller. Today, I approach every project with the mindset of creating an entire experience, combining music with cinematic visuals and narrative-driven concepts.
Looking back, those early years taught me the value of consistency and persistence. Every lesson, every challenge, and every opportunity has played a role in shaping the artist I am today, and I’m still driven by the same excitement I had when I first started making music at 13.
MIM: Do you have any hidden talents or unusual quirks?
Young V: I have a bachelor’s degree in computer Science and incorporate that into my music creating a lot of my production using a computer programming language.
MIM: What does success look like to you?
Young V: For me, success isn’t just measured by numbers—it’s about creating music that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impression.
MIM: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self starting out in music, what would it be?
Young V: If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: trust your vision, stay patient, and don’t measure your progress against anyone else’s timeline.
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to think success happens overnight or that you’re falling behind because someone else is moving faster. In reality, every artist has a different path, and the most important thing you can do is keep creating and keep improving.
I’d also tell myself to learn the business side of music as early as possible. Talent opens doors, but understanding ownership, publishing, branding, marketing, and relationships is what helps build a lasting career.
Most importantly, I’d say, don’t be afraid to be different. Some of the biggest breakthroughs come from taking creative risks instead of chasing trends. The goal isn’t to sound like everyone else—it’s to create something that people immediately recognize as uniquely yours.
Looking back, every setback taught me something valuable. Those experiences shaped not only my music but also my perspective, and they’ve made me appreciate the journey just as much as the destination.
MIM: Do you have any tours or concerts planned in the Minnesota area?
Young V: At the moment, I don’t have any confirmed dates in Minnesota, but it’s definitely a market I’d love to visit and perform in. I’m actively working on expanding opportunities for live performances and look forward to connecting with fans there in the future.
MIM: What can listeners look forward to from you?
Young V: Listeners can expect a steady stream of new music, cinematic visuals, and bigger creative concepts that continue to blur the line between music and film.
I’m constantly experimenting with storytelling and visual presentation while staying true to who I am as an artist. The goal is to keep evolving without losing authenticity and to deliver experiences that people remember long after the music ends.
MIM: Anything else you’d like to add?
Young V: One thing I’d like people to know is that this journey has always been about consistency and growth. Every milestone has been earned through persistence, learning, and believing in the vision even when no one else could see it.
To everyone who’s streamed a song, shared a post, attended a show, or simply taken the time to listen—thank you. Your support fuels independent artists like me and makes this journey possible.
The best is still ahead.
Be sure to check out ‘Top of the World’ and the rest of Young V’s catalog here.
