Today we’d like to introduce you to Vexed The Barber.
Hi Vexed, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
So, check it out— I was born and raised in good ol’ Jacksonville, Florida. My childhood was a bit rocky; raised by my aunt until I hit the age of ten. Life improved when my stepdad strutted into the scene and brought my family back together. Thank you, and RIP, Pops! Now, here’s where things get wild. Picture a 14-year-old me, rebellious as ever, diving headfirst into the underground hardcore and pop-punk music scene. Church? No, man, I’d ditch that on Wednesdays and spend every damn weekend at the Imperial with my cousin Keith. We’d mosh to bands like Comeback Kid and Stretch Armstrong, feeling the energy pumping through our veins. It was insane!
Naturally, the drums caught my eye, so I snagged a set and started jamming like there was no tomorrow. Let’s keep it real—my first band kicked me out because I sucked. It’s all good, though. I didn’t let that discourage me. I traded the sticks for a good time, going to shows and getting into a fair share of fights. I was like a punk-rock warrior, man.
But guess what? I eventually realized that even tho I loved kicking up dust with my homies and duking it out in the streets, that wasn’t a long life. So after having a kid, I proudly retired from the streets and, just for fun, I picked up those drumsticks again.
Now, music has always been a massive part of my life. At 19, I was slinging subs at good old Angie’s Subs when my homie Luis—now my manager—came up to me with a brilliant idea. He wanted us to start a hip-hop group. “Hell yeah!” I said And here I am, 14 years later, still making those hip-hop sounds and loving every minute of it. Don’t tell anyone, but deep down, I secretly dream of being the frontman of a band. From pop-punk to rapcore! Hold on to your hats because the wildest twist yet is Barbering. Yeah, at 26, I was sick and tired of the same old boring job grind. I needed something more, something that screamed “me.” And you know what spoke to me? My hair! So, out of the blue, I gave Barbering a shot. No clue what I was getting myself into, but it turned out to be the best damn decision I’ve ever made. The clippers became my weapon, and I unleashed my artistry upon the unsuspecting heads of the masses. It was like magic, man.
Oh, and guess what? I’ve got this massive following on TikTok now. Yeah, I’m like this influencer rocking millions of views. Life is funny. So there you have it, my crazy journey from a broken home to becoming a hip-hop artist, barber extraordinaire, and social media sensation. It just shows that sometimes the wildest, most unexpected paths lead us to our greatest adventures. And hey, if you ever need a fresh cut, you know who to hit up—Vexed The Barber, the one and only. Stay Blessed!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Yo, let me break it down for you. Life has been a wild ride for me. It’s been a mix of smooth cruising and gnarly bumps, which makes the journey enjoyable. At 19, things took a serious turn when my old man lost his battle with lung cancer. It hit me hard, man. Dealing with that kind of loss isn’t easy, and it definitely shook my world. It took some time to find my rhythm again, but I soldiered on, carrying his memory in my heart as I chased my dreams. Now, let’s talk about the music scene. I had my fair share of struggles, no doubt. Was I getting booted out of my first band? Ouch, that stung. It would’ve been easy to call it quits, but I’m not one to back down. So, instead of sulking, I hit up those shows, reveled in the smooth beats, and rekindled my love for drumming for the sheer fun of it—no pressure, no expectations—just me, my sticks, and the joy of making music.
When barbering knocked at my door at 26, I was desperate to escape from the mundane 9-to-5 grind. Hair was my thing, man. I had this gut feeling that barbering could be the ticket to a more fulfilling life. Little did I know what I was getting into, but what? It turned out to be the best damn decision I ever made. I dove headfirst into the world of clippers and scissors, honing my skills and unleashing my artistic side. Who knew I had such a knack for shaping people’s hair and making them feel fly?
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Was I figuring out my true identity and purpose? Man, that was a trip. I always had this low-key dream of being the frontman in a band, belting out tunes like there’s no tomorrow. But at the same time, hip-hop had me grooving like nobody’s business. Juggling those passions can be challenging, but I embraced the mash-up of influences, carving out my unique path in the music world.
Life has thrown some crazy challenges my way, my friend, but I’ve stayed chill and kept my cool through it all. I’ve learned that the bumps and setbacks are part of the ride. It’s how you handle them that truly defines you. And let me tell you, with every obstacle. I’ve come out stronger, more determined to make my mark.
So, remember, when life gets a little crazy when the waves crash against you, ride them out, my dude. Embrace the challenges, stay true to your passions, and never lose sight of the chilled-out, awesome person you are. Keep on rocking, keep on vibing—that’s the Vexed way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Let me give you the lowdown on what I’m all about. So, check it out! I’ve got this awesome journey going on, my friend, and it’s all about personal growth and being a proud parent. My kids, Nic, Gianni, Benny, Ayva, and Dakota, are my pride and joy. Seeing them grow into these amazing individuals is the highlight of my life. They inspire me to be the best version of myself and keep pushing forward. Now, what sets me apart from others? Well, it’s all about consistency and resilience, my dude. Life as an artist can be challenging, trust me. There’s a lot of hate and self-doubt that can come your way. But guess what? I never let that stuff bring me down. I fight through the discouragements and setbacks and stay true to myself. It’s all about having the strength to keep going, no matter what. That’s what sets me apart in this crazy art world.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
When you step away from the comforts and norms of the everyday rat race and decide to work for yourself, pursuing art and freedom, it’s a massive risk. Financially, it can be a rollercoaster ride. But you know what? Sometimes, you have to take that leap of faith and go after what sets your soul on fire.
Sure, it may not be the easiest path, but the rewards are worth it:
- Choosing to be your boss.
- Pursuing your passions.
- Creating your path—there’s a certain kind of freedom in that, my friend.
It’s about breaking free from the chains of the norm and embracing the uncertainties that come with it. Now, I won’t lie to you. Making it work takes guts, determination, and a lot of hustle. But you know what sets us apart? It’s that willingness to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to follow our dreams. We’re fearless in carving our path, even if it means facing financial uncertainties.
So, my friend, when you step away from the ordinary and dive headfirst into the world of art and freedom, know it’s a bold move. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s also a journey that brings immense fulfillment and joy. So, embrace the risks, keep hustling, and let your passion guide you—after all, life’s too short to play it safe all the time. So stay true, and chase your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vexedthebarber.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vexedthebarber_/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vexedthebarber
