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Veeze

Veeze
Birth nameKaron Malcolm Vantrees
Also known asVeeze Worst[1]
Born (1995-02-28) February 28, 1995 (age 29)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
DiscographyVeeze discography
Years active2017–present
Labels
Websitegangerworldwide.com

Karon Malcolm Vantrees (born February 28, 1995), known professionally as Veeze, is an American rapper, and singer-songwriter.[5] He pursued a recording career in 2017 and released his debut single, "Itself", in 2019. His debut mixtape, Navy Wavy, was released in September of that year. He signed with Warner Records to release his debut studio album, Ganger (2023), which debuted at number 97 on the Billboard 200.[6] It was supported by the single "GOMD" (remixed featuring Lil Uzi Vert).[7]

Early life

Karon Vantrees, was born in Detroit, Michigan.[8] He spent his formative years on the city's West Side, specifically on Seven Mile Road.[9] Before pursuing a career in music, Veeze harbored aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player, specifically an NBA guard.[10] However, he eventually redirected his focus towards music.[11] Veeze has openly discussed his past experiences with substance abuse, including involvement with lean and other drugs.[12] These struggles, which occurred during his youth, have been referenced in his music.[13] Veeze's musical style is heavily influenced by the Detroit hip-hop scene. He has cited various prominent Detroit rappers as inspirations.[14]

Veeze's upbringing instilled a strong hustle mentality, prompting him to sell apples and pears to make ends meet.[15] His musical tastes were shaped by legendary artists such as Tupac Shakur, DMX, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Cam'ron, Nate Dogg, Bun B, Scarface, Jadakiss, and Busta Rhymes.[16]

Career

2017–2022: Early works

Veeze began his music career in the Detroit rap scene. He started rapping in summer 2019, drawing inspiration from local Detroit groups such as Street Lord'z, Doughboyz Cashout, and Team Eastside.[17][18] Veeze released his debut single, "Itself", on May 22, 2019. The song, also his first commercial release, featured guest appearances from Wtm Scoob and DT. The song was produced by Top$ide. Additionally, "Itself" garnered moderate attention upon its release.[19] Two days following the release of "Itself", Veeze released "Rusty" on May 24, 2019. "Rusty" was produced by Tye Beats. It did not chart on Billboard.[20] Veeze's "Rusty" gained local attention, attracting the notice of Babyface Ray, who subsequently supported Veeze by funding his debut music video.[21]

Veeze released his debut mixtape, Navy Wavy, on September 27, 2019, through Warner Records. It included the previously released singles "Itself", "Rusty", and "Heart Insurance". The mixtape featured guest appearances from Babyface Ray, Peezy, and Beno.[22] Veeze released the single "Law & Order" independently on September 18, 2020.[23] Additionally, Veeze was featured on Nino Number 9's "The Ninth (Remix)", released independently on December 21, 2020.[24] Veeze was featured on RoadRunna Wite's "OFF WHITE" on January 3, 2021. He released the single "A and W" on March 11, 2021.[25] Veeze was featured on Babyface Ray's "Gallery Dept" on May 13, 2021. It was released through Empire Distribution and produced by Rocaine.[26]

Veeze released singles: "Free Shiest" (Aug 16, 2021), "Choppas in Hawaii" (Aug 20, 2021), "Kurt Angle" (Nov 5, 2021), "Let It Fly" (Mar 20, 2022) and "Talk Prices" (Apr 2022). On June 17, 2022, Veeze featured on Lil Baby's track "U-Digg", alongside 42 Dugg, accompanied by an official music video.[27][28][29] "U-Digg" debuted at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Veeze's first appearance on the chart.[30]

2023–present: Rise to mainstream popularity with Ganger

Veeze released his first single, "4 Kobe", on January 3, 2023. He subsequently released his debut studio album, Ganger, on June 27, 2023. It features collaborations with Lucki, Babyface Ray, Icewear Vezzo, Lil Yachty, and Lil Uzi Vert.[31] The album received widespread critical acclaim, with several critics ranking it among the best albums of 2023.[32] It debuted at number 97 on the Billboard 200.[33] According to Pitchfork's Matthew Ritchie, Veeze's style is characterized by "vocal oddities and chuckle-inducing, stream-of-consciousness bars," with a dynamic range that "oscillates between laid-back joints fit for an evening smoke session."[34] Ganger propelled Veeze to mainstream fame, ranking #16 on Complex's Best Albums of 2023,[35] #20 on The Fader's 50 Best Albums of 2023,[36] and #39 on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Albums of 2023.[37] On October 13, 2023, a deluxe edition was released, featuring five additional tracks.[38]

Veeze gained widespread recognition with his single "GOMD" after going viral on social media, followed by a remix featuring Lil Uzi Vert.[39][40] The music video was also released. The video was directed by Lestyn Park, which has garnered 10 million views on YouTube as of March 21, 2023.[41] Another successful album track, "Safe 2", also garnered attention. Additionally, Veeze featured on two subsequent releases: BigWorkDog's "Talk To Em" (August 31, 2023) and Desto Dubb's "Dead Homies" (September 29, 2023).[42] Veeze launched his record label Navy Wavy in partnership with Warner Records in September 2023.[43][44]

On December 1, 2023, Veeze released "ATL Freestyle 1 & 2", a dual single featuring guest appearances from Florida-based rapper Luh Tyler and Louisiana-based rapper Rob49.[45][46]

Veeze released singles "Pop Yo Shit" on May 30, 2024,[47] and "F*cked A Fan" featuring Rylo Rodriguez on July 12, 2024,[48] both accompanied by music videos.[49][50] Veeze was featured on Tye Beats' debut single "Wocky Sinner" on August 2, 2024,[51] and Lil Yatchy's "Sorry Not Sorry" on August 16, 2024, released via Quality Control and Motown Records.[52][53]

Musical style

Vantrees is noted for his frequent flows, energetic rapping, and cognizant tones, which he notably employed on his breakout single "GOMD".[54] His sound has also been described as "melodic", albeit with a "mutter-croak" style.[55] Chris Richards of The Washington Post newspaper stated that Veeze usually has a "wild and nonchalant" delivery in his verses.[56] While pursuing his career, Veeze listened to Street Lord'z and Doughboyz Cashout, two prominent groups from the city of Detroit.[a]

Navy Wavy

Navy Wavy
Founded2023
FounderKaron Malcolm Vantrees (Veeze)
StatusActive
Distributor(s)Warner
GenreHip hop, Trap, Pop rap
Country of originU.S.
LocationDetroit, Michigan
Official websitegangerworldwide.com

Navy Wavy is an American record label founded by Veeze in 2023. It operates as an imprint of Warner as of 2024.[3] He released his first music video, "Safe 2", under the label on September 14, 2023.[58]

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Studio album details Peak chart positions
US
[59]
US
R&B/HH

[60]
Ganger
  • Released: June 27, 2023
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
97 42

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected details
Title Mixtape details
Navy Wavy
  • Released: September 27, 2019
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

List of singles as lead artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[61]
"Close Friends" 2022 Non-album singles
"Yoa Twin"
"Talk Prices" 2019
"4 Kobe" 2023
"ATL Freestyle 1 & 2"
(featuring Luh Tyler and Rob49)
"Sorry Not Sorry"
(with Lil Yachty)
2024 99 TBA

Notes

  1. ^ The Detroit rapper jumped onto the hip-hop landscape in a big way this year and is looking to make himself a permanent fixture. (See career.)[57]

References

  1. ^ "Times Veeze Channeled His 'Veeze Worst' The Ones: Veeze's "Long Live"". Pitchfork. September 30, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  2. ^ Abe, Beame. "Bubbling: Veeze, The Detroit Rapper Everyone's Betting On". Complex Networks. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Hiersche, Nick (September 14, 2023). "Veeze Announces Partnership with Warner Records, Launches New Label, Navy Wavy". Warner Records. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  4. ^ Carl, Lamarre (September 14, 2023). "Partnership With Warner Records". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  5. ^ Kemet, High (June 16, 2023). "The Break Presents– Veeze". XXL Magazine. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  6. ^ Damien, Scott; Gail, Mitchell; Heran, Mamo; Carl, Lamarre; Kyle-Brandon, Denis (December 22, 2023). "The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2023: Staff Picks". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  7. ^ Tom, Breihan (June 27, 2023). "Veeze Ganger ft Lil Yachty and More". Stereogum. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  8. ^ David, Crone. "Veeze Biography, Albums, Reviews". AllMusic. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  9. ^ 44, Bars. "Who Is Veeze? Where Is He From? Details", 44Bars, Accessed January 20, 2024.
  10. ^ "Rapper Veeze's Transition from Detroit local to Chart Topping Artist", Chart Metric, June 15, 2023. Accessed January 20, 2024. "Detroit native Veeze’s popularity is a result of his whimsical storytelling and slick wordplay, but his approach is far more jocular than his peers."
  11. ^ Veeze Interview with "XXL"
  12. ^ DJ, Bluetec (February 22, 2022). "The Veeze Interview: The Streets, Babyface Ray, drinking lean, Pooh Sheisty, Lil Yachty & more". HipHopCanada. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  13. ^ Grant, Brydon (June 12, 2024). "Word of Mouth: Success Takes A Shot At Veeze". Clash. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  14. ^ Slice, B (February 16, 2022). "Veeze interview on No Jumper". KTT. No Jumper. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  15. ^ Andre, Gee (March 21, 2024). "Veeze's Greatness Speaks for Itself — One Croaky Bar at a Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  16. ^ Andre, Gee (May 12, 2023). "Detroit's Veeze Is Back To Rapping Like There's Nothing To Lose". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  17. ^ Brandon, Callender. "Veeze, an All-Star off the bench". The Fader. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
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  20. ^ Taylor, Greer (May 26, 2019). "Veeze drops good heat "Rusty"". Fake Shore. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  21. ^ Aidan C, Werder (May 31, 2022). "Detroit's Babyface Ray taps fellow hometown favorite Veeze for 'Spending Spree'". Generation Music. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  22. ^ Taylor, Greer (October 11, 2019). "Veeze drops "Navy Wavy" mixtape featuring Babyface Ray, Peezy, and Beno". Fake Shore. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  23. ^ Alphonse, Pierre (September 8, 2020). "The Ones: Veeze's "Law N Order"". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  24. ^ Lay, PH (December 22, 2020). "Nino Number 9 releases The Ninth (Remix) featuring Veeze". M.A. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  25. ^ Thomas, Hobbs (March 29, 2024). "Veeze: All gas, no breaks". Crack. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  26. ^ Real, Mack (May 14, 2021). "BABYFACE RAY "GALLERY DEPT" FT VEEZE". Reel Goats. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  27. ^ Dylan, Kelly (June 17, 2022). "Lil Baby Serves Up New Track and Video "U-Digg" With 42 Dugg and Veeze". Hypebeast. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  28. ^ Grant, Shawn (June 17, 2022). "Lil Baby Teams with 42 Dugg and Veeze for New Single "U-Digg"". The Source. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  29. ^ Powell, Jon (June 20, 2022). "Lil Baby recruits 42 Dugg and Veeze for "U-Digg"". Revolt. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  30. ^ Zellner, Xander (June 27, 2023). "Hot 100 First-Timers: Veeze Arrives With Lil Baby & 42 Dugg Collab 'U-Digg'". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  31. ^ Tom, Breihan (June 27, 2023). "Detroit Rapper Veeze Releases New Album 'Ganger' Feat. Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Babyface Ray". Stereogum. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  32. ^ Srour, Yousef (August 11, 2023). "Veeze Ganger Album Review". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  33. ^ "The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2023: Staff Picks". Billboard. December 22, 2023. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  34. ^ Ritchie, Matthew (July 5, 2023). "Veeze: Ganger Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  35. ^ Rose, Jordan (December 15, 2023). "Best Albums of 2023: Doja Cat, Gunna, Drake, Bad Bunny". Complex. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  36. ^ Helfand, Raphael (December 12, 2023). "The 50 best albums of 2023". The Fader. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  37. ^ Reeves, Mosi (November 30, 2023). "The 100 Best Albums of 2023". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  38. ^ Alexander, Cole (October 13, 2023). "Veeze Continues His Dominant Run With "Ganger (Deluxe Edition)"". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  39. ^ Raphael, Helfand (May 10, 2023). "Lil Uzi Vert and Veeze are equally above it all on "GOMD" remix". The Fader. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  40. ^ Admad, David (May 13, 2023). "Veeze Enlists Lil Uzi Vert For "GOMD (Remix)"". Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  41. ^ Staff (March 21, 2023). "VEEZE shares new video single "GOMD"". RD Magazine. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  42. ^ Staff (September 29, 2023). "New Music: Desto Dubb drops new track "Dead Homies" ft. Veeze". Remixd. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  43. ^ Andre, Ellington (September 16, 2023). "Veeze Launches New Label with Warner Records". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
  44. ^ Aaron, Williams (September 14, 2023). "Veeze Celebrates His Warner Records Partnership And Navy Wavy Label Launch With A Video For 'Safe 2'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  45. ^ Raphael, Helfand (December 1, 2023). "Veeze trades bars with Luh Tyler and Rob49 on " ATL Freestyle 1 & 2"". The Fader. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  46. ^ Danielle, Chelosky (December 1, 2023). "Veeze – "ATL Freestyle 1 & 2" (Feat. Luh Tyler + Rob49)". Stereogum. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  47. ^ Tom, Breihan (May 30, 2024). "Veeze Shares New Single "Pop Yo Shit"". Stereogum. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  48. ^ Wongo, Okon (July 12, 2024). "Veeze & Rylo Rodriguez's 'F*cked A Fan' Is A Flashy Flex". UPROXX. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  49. ^ Angel Diaz (July 12, 2024). "Watch Veeze Take Over London in New Video 'Pop Yo Shit'". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  50. ^ Angel, Diaz (July 7, 2024). "Veeze & Rylo Rodriguez Stunt Matching Cybertrucks in New Video 'F.A.F'". Billboard. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  51. ^ Zachary Horvath (August 5, 2024). "Veeze Links With Tye Beats For Producer's Debut Single "Wocky Sinner"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  52. ^ Bernstein, Elaina (August 16, 2024). "Lil Yachty Continues His Run with "Sorry Not Sorry" Featuring Veeze". Hypebeast. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  53. ^ Pointer, Flisadam (August 16, 2024). "Lil Yachty And Veeze Are Unapologetic About Their Lifestyles In The 'Sorry Not Sorry' Video". Uproxx. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  54. ^ Jordan, Darville (March 30, 2023). "Song You Need: Veeze's triumphant "GOMD"". The Fader. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  55. ^ Mano, Sundaresan (July 10, 2023). "Veeze is just like us — except he's one of the best rappers alive". NPR. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  56. ^ Chris, Richards (June 30, 2023). "Wake up. Veeze just dropped the year's best rap album". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  57. ^ Paul, Meara (October 13, 2023). "Veeze's 'Ganger' Deluxe is An Extension of His Candidate for 2023's Best Rap Album". BET. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  58. ^ Raphael, Helfand (September 14, 2023). "Veeze announces new Warner Records imprint Navy Wavy, shares "Safe 2" video". The Fader. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
    -Cyrus, Langhorne (September 15, 2023). "Veeze: The New York City transit life is on display in the new 'Safe 2' music video". The Culture. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
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  61. ^ @billboardcharts (September 9, 2024). "@lilyachty & Veeze's "Sorry Not Sorry" debuts at No. 99 on this week's #Hot100" (Tweet). Retrieved September 10, 2024 – via Twitter.