Built From Nothing: Vas on Turning DMs Into Packed Rooms, Losing Money Early & Building New England’s Nightlife

On the latest episode of Hip Hop Munchies, Vas — one of New England’s most respected promoters and a Grammy-nominated creative — opens up about his journey from immigrating to the U.S. to becoming a trusted name behind packed nights in Boston and Providence.

Raised in Grove Hall, HAAWWS approaches music the same way he approaches life: observant, disciplined, and rooted in lived experience. He describes his sound as fact-based hip-hop — records built from reality, not exaggeration, meant to document rather than distract.

“Art is community. Community is art,” he explains, framing creativity as responsibility, not performance.

She started young, remixing songs like J. Cole’s Lost Ones in sixth grade, then later Bodak Yellow, learning through trial, and consistent grind. Support didn’t come immediately; people needed to see commitment, not just talent.

The name Vik Vendetta came from the film V for Vendetta, representing rebellion and standing against corruption—values instilled in him from childhood. His father, DJ GI Joe, shaped his early understanding of music and hip-hop culture, giving him a foundation that went beyond bars and beats.

After years in labor-intensive jobs—from construction to asphalt paving and CDL driving—he realized steady pay wasn’t enough. Feeling undervalued, he knew it was time to bet on himself. In 2020, after a trip to Kenya, inspiration struck: he founded Kwenda Clothing, a brand built around the philosophy of “Why wait?”

On this episode of Hip Hop Munchies, we sit down with Harvard Eye—Dorchester-bred content creator, comedian, and original content hustler—whose voice is impossible to ignore.