At just 26, v1trell, formerly known as HBK Trell, is carving out his own unique space in the rap and hip-hop scene. Hailing from Columbia, Missouri, and drawing inspiration from artists like Summrs, Jace!, Drake, and Cash Cobain, v1trell is entering a new era, underlined by his recent album drops, ‘4DaBirdz’ and ‘4TheBaddies’.

v1trell's story is one of organic growth, beginning in his grandmother's back room with cousins CA$H CAM and Juniii. What began as a fun pastime quickly evolved into a serious passion. The transition from casual freestyling to recording in a professional studio ignited a vision for v1trell, solidifying his commitment to his craft.

With his fourth annual v1trell Powerfest this June, it's clear he’s an artist on the rise. We caught up with v1trell to discuss his journey, his latest releases, and his aspirations for the future.

Thanks so much for joining us today, v1trell. You’ve come a long way since you first began in music, but where did it all begin, and what inspired you?

“I started making music in 2011 in the back room of my grandma’s with my cousins CA$H CAM & Juniii. We used to just be bored, so we would always freestyle for fun, and one day we just started putting the phone next to the computer speakers and recording and posting it on YouTube. I wasn’t taking it seriously back then, it was just something to pass time and have fun, but as I got older, I just slowly started to fall in love with the art.”

“I started taking my music more seriously when I got into a real studio and heard how my music sounded. I saw the vision and knew I could take this to heights I never thought of before. A lot of different things inspired me, honestly. Artists such as Drake, Summrs and Cash Cobain, as well as getting booked every month in 2023.”

You’ve released a string of albums recently, can you tell us a bit about your latest and what it means to you?

“My latest release was ‘4TheBaddies’, an album I say that is strictly for the baddies, to engage more with my female audience and grow it. It means a lot to me because my audience is mainly males, and I want to be able to grow my fan base with women as well. I make a lot of songs that I know the ladies can dance to and also relate to. ‘4TheBaddies’ is definitely one of the most fun albums I've ever worked on and some of my best music. I really put a lot of effort into that and it means a lot that it received a lot of amazing reactions from people.”

Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the album?

“Well, I actually do not write my music and songs you hear from me, I freestyle. I have one experience with my homie Nick. He told me, ‘trell, you always make music talking down on a woman or something in that nature’ and in my head, I just rap about my experiences that I’ve had, so I don’t feel like I’m necessarily bashing anyone. I have a lot of music where I’m uplifting women, or music that women can relate to and enjoy either way. ‘4TheBaddies’ was strictly an album that will make every woman feel like a baddie and feel good about themselves.”

Is there a process to your writing, and when you approach an album? How does it all come together?

“There’s really no process for me. I’m really a beast when I get in the zone in the studio. I find a beat I like, and I instantly get to recording. I usually listened to the beat in my headphones, and I try to find the melody I’m going to use, and once I find the melody, I work my magic. I also mix and master all of my music, so I really have 100% control of my sound and what I put out.”

How would you describe the sound on your latest album? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?

“The sound for my most recent release, I would describe it as a new underground sound. I really follow the underground with the new era type of artist heavy and my sound is heavily influenced by that. I can say that my sound has changed drastically since I first started as an artist, it was 3 years ago, and its not who I am today. I really had to find my sound, and I think last year I really found out what that would be.”

You’ve spoken about the inspiration behind the album, but is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release?

“BE A BADDIE AND DON’T ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENTLY, LADIES. You run the world. Listen to tracks 1-10, every song captures the baddie mentality the ladies should have.”

What sort of reception have you had to your latest release? Are there any memorable moments that stand out?

“Everyone loved my latest release. I’ve got nothing but love from everyone.”

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?

“To be one of the biggest in the world. I know I have the talent. I just need to reach more ears. I see myself selling out arenas and going on a world tour. This isn’t wishful thinking either, I know this will happen as long as I stay locked on the prize. Nothing gets handed to you. Gotta really work for it.”

What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?

“I am working on dropping a few singles. A new album could possibly happen, but after dropping two already this year, it’s unlikely. My next single release will be ‘Cocoa Butter’. My next show is June 14th, which is my music festival I have once a year that’ll be in Saint Peters, Missouri, near the Saint Louis, MO area. My team is also in the works on rescheduling my ‘Been Dat’ tour, so tour dates will be coming soon.”

Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?

“V1 gang, I love y’all so much. Thank you for all the love and support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without, and let’s keep building. I have new music coming soon, and I think y’all gonna go crazy when you hear it. Also, my new podcast/radio show ‘4DaBirdz Radio’ will be airing every Thursday night, so make sure you tune in to that. You can connect with me on all my social media platforms, I’m active and I read everything and reply back.”

With two new albums under his belt, and a sound he describes as "new underground," v1trell is keen to connect with his audience. ‘4TheBaddies’ is a testament to this, an album designed to empower and celebrate women.

Ultimately, v1trell's ambition is clear: to reach global stardom. With a relentless work ethic and a dedicated fanbase, he's well on his way. From his humble beginnings to his upcoming festival and tour, v1trell remains grounded and destined to make it big.

For more v1trell, be sure to connect on Instagram, TikTok, and X.