V.I.C returns with audio video for his incendiary new rap cut "Cole Palmer"
V.I.C - Cole Palmer
“Swagger and expert lyricism.” - NME
“One of UK rap’s most versatile rising stars.” - CLASH
Listen to Cole Palmer Here
One of the most potent young rappers in the UK right now, V.I.C returns to the ether with his incendiary trap cut “Cole Palmer.” The record follows a pivotal summer for the rising talent - including a run of highly acclaimed releases, standout performances at Reading & Leeds Festival, and cutting his teeth alongside UK stars DC3 and JayaHadADream at BBC INTRODUCING’s showcase last month.
Raw, stylish, and disruptive, V.I.C delivers pure lyrical ferocity and intellect across “Cole Palmer,” cutting through the menacing backdrop with ease as he embodies the hunger, hustle, and grit necessary to achieve true greatness. Melodious string samples, choppy percussive textures, and a power-charged 808 amplify the pressure while the young rapper captures inner-city ambition and his sharp, technical prowess growing with every bar. “When it comes to me, I just keep my mind in my business // Getting paid off of their interest,” he asserts with authority and menace before the beat quickly switches out and V.I.C affirms his mission statement with a snarling “licence to kill.” The boldness and experimentation of sound, and the requisite star power displayed on “Cole Palmer,” continues to elevate his already elite trajectory as one of the UK’s most exciting lyricists on the rise.
Speaking on the track, V.I.C states: “Cole Palmer was inspired firstly because I’m a big fan of the football player and his mindset. But also because I saw a post he put up recently and it aligned with where I felt I was mentally. The sonic landscape seems like something out of The Godfather and the song is about the hustle to reach greatness and speaks from my POV, blocking out the unnecessary noise and focusing on the necessary steps, which for me is doing my writing drills, practicing for shows, and protecting my mental. I intend to reach a high level in this industry, so I have to put in the same level of discipline that a football player functioning at the highest level also puts in behind the scenes.”
Following another standout year of acclaimed releases and shows across Europe - including his potent EP VARÏANT, which has collected 6M+ streams and serious tastemaker attention from WONDERLAND to NOTION - V.I.C further established his powerful artistry with his recent cut “40 Doors.” Delivering vintage East Coast textures with a sharp, gritty UK edge, this signature sound proves the rising talent is not waiting for permission; he continues to carve out unique spaces that formed the foundations for his prominent performance at Reading & Leeds. Taking on the infamous BBC INTRODUCING stage, sharing the same space as UK mainstays including Loyle Carner, Tiana Major9, Kofi Stone, and more, the electric showcase - showered in “swagger” and “expert lyricism" - was plugged by NME, who evoked 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ as a reflection of V.I.C’s determination and ability to cross international borders.
Born in Nigeria, before settling in Southampton through his formative years, V.I.C was exposed to many muses and influences across music, fashion, and community; most notably in the church choir where he discovered his voice and a serious passion for the creative arts.
Quietly perfecting his craft through freestyles and songwriting, collaborating with his community and studying the rap game from afar, his own artistic progression eventually found refuge across the bustling streets of London - a vigorous and reflective journey perfectly encapsulated on his debut EP Bedroom Chronicles. Earning breakout status through tracks like “A Teen,” which earned viral status and secured placement on the official FIFA 22 soundtrack, V.I.C continued his exciting upward trajectory with the intimate “Two Sides” and the introspective “4am,” highlighting his artistic integrity before unleashing his latest EP far from home. Now sitting on over 42M streams globally, with further acclaim from COLORS, GRM DAILY, and BBC RADIO 1 - all while selling out shows across the UK, including Camden Assembly - V.I.C firmly establishes himself as a significant new voice in British music.
Exploring identity, development, resilience, and the perils of a young artist making waves in London, V.I.C’s inner-city documentation continues to reach new levels for a serious prospect now crossing traditional lines. Expect to hear and see much more in 2026.
