Retrograde Records’ VJDAMUSICMAN drops his highly anticipated third full-length album. The fifteen-track masterpiece demonstrates VJDAMUSICMAN’s versatility with Hip-Hop/Rap songs like “Stockholm Syndrome” and “Lingering,” showcasing his rapping prowess, R&B/Soul tracks like “Kiss My Asstrology” and “Love Is Not Earned,” showcasing his vocal range, and genre-fluid records like “UGLIES” and the titular song, “Chaos On A Canvas (Until I Found Him),” showcasing that he can do it all. The album truly has something for everyone.
The eclectic album features the vibrant lead track, “UGLIES,” which features Lil Babbu. “UGLIES” dives into the intersectionality of identities and cultures, and makes use of different cadences and flow changes. The song can almost be seen as two different songs by two different people – in the sense that it initially blends Pop and R&B with sounds omnipresent in South Indian soundtracks with the beginning portion representing VJDAMUSICMAN’s confusion and insecurity stemming from being a first-generation American. “No matter how hard we try to assimilate, we will always be seen as ugly,” VJDAMUSICMAN exclaims. “UGLIES” then switches to VJDAMUSICMAN’s alter ego, Mad Hatter, who exudes confidence and pride in pursuing one’s vulnerability and truth. Not only does the tone change, but sonically, the song shifts to a hard-hitting Rap record. The music video brings the song to life featuring choreographed dancing, outfit and style changes, and even a skit during the visual’s intermission.
VJDAMUSICMAN’s artistry is right up there with the likes of The Weeknd and Joji. As a voice for the LGBTQ+ and Indian-American communities, VJDAMUSICMAN is demonstrating that you can be who you are and succeed. Press play on “Chaos On A Canvas” and experience the brilliantly chaotic journey while visualizing the pictures that VJDAMUSICMAN paints.
