Mannie Fresh Was a Huge Influence in Valee's Life

The Chicago rapper also talks about his delivery and his love for dogs.

Music
1.3K 0   Comments
Save

For the latest entry in our Conversations With interview series, HYPEBEAST linked up with Valee to discuss his love for dogs, the impact of Mannie Fresh and the Hot Boyz had on him plus how he developed his flow.

“Something about the beat would have to make me voice bend or catch it a certain way,” he said. “I remember a couple of time when I was first getting started I would say something and a couple of my people would be next to me and say, ‘Yeah, lay that, you got to lay that, you got to record that.’ That’s actually how ‘Shell’ came about.”

The Chicago native is one of the best new rappers in hip-hop this year, displaying a truly unique delivery, which has been copied by a number of rappers. In March, Valee dropped GOOD Job, You Found Me but most recently, he released the videos for “Vlone” and “Juice & Gin.”

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

H//PE Princess Is Breaking the Rules of Girls-Group Music
Music

H//PE Princess Is Breaking the Rules of Girls-Group Music

The seven-member group speaks with Hypebeast about life post- debut, their love for performing and what makes their joint Korean-Japanese collective unique.

From Secretly Wearing His Mom’s Reverso to Joining Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Conversation With Robert Pattinson
Watches

From Secretly Wearing His Mom’s Reverso to Joining Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Conversation With Robert Pattinson

The newly appointed Global Ambassador reflects on his earliest watch memories, mastering his red carpet “watch pose,” and finding quiet mastery in Swiss horology.

From Shanghai to Manila, a New Generation Is Redrawing Asian Fashion
Fashion

From Shanghai to Manila, a New Generation Is Redrawing Asian Fashion

Presented by Fashion Asia Hong Kong
At the 10th anniversary of Fashion Asia’s 10 Asian Designers To Watch, its first ever runway show brought all 10 honorees together to talk shop.


Mark Tuan Isn't Performing Around the Quiet Anymore
Music

Mark Tuan Isn't Performing Around the Quiet Anymore

On “Alone,” his first release of 2026, the artist writes from the overthinking and loneliness he used to keep off the record.

Vans' UltraRange 3D Emphasizes Comfort & Forward-Thinking Style
Footwear

Vans' UltraRange 3D Emphasizes Comfort & Forward-Thinking Style

Available in a blue and black model.

WHATWEWEARMATTERS Combines Sport and Street Vibes to Its SS19 Collection
Fashion

WHATWEWEARMATTERS Combines Sport and Street Vibes to Its SS19 Collection

Presented by WHATWEWEARMATTERS
Recently showcased at the “Youconcept” showroom in Paris.

T-Pain Liberates More Unreleased Music for 'Everything Must Go Vol. 2'
Music

T-Pain Liberates More Unreleased Music for 'Everything Must Go Vol. 2'

13 new tracks from the legendary singer-songwriter.

Joel Embiid Leaves adidas for Under Armour
Footwear

Joel Embiid Leaves adidas for Under Armour

Inking the largest shoe deal among centers.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC Find the Perfect Equation for Funk in New “Sober” Music Video
Music

Nile Rodgers & CHIC Find the Perfect Equation for Funk in New “Sober” Music Video

Featuring Craig David and Stefflon Don.

Greg Mike's "Inside Voices" Invade LA for a Weekend-Long Exhibit
Art

Greg Mike's "Inside Voices" Invade LA for a Weekend-Long Exhibit

The Atlanta-born artist explores “visual representations of internal dialogues.”


Nike Air VaporMax 2.0 Gets a "Black Multicolor" Theme
Footwear

Nike Air VaporMax 2.0 Gets a "Black Multicolor" Theme

Lively hues connect with a contrasting base.

Yung Lean & Lil Dude Collide for "Like Me"
Music

Yung Lean & Lil Dude Collide for "Like Me"

Produced by Hurtboy AG and Foster.

Ron English Brings "Delusionville" to New York City's Allouche Gallery
Art

Ron English Brings "Delusionville" to New York City's Allouche Gallery

Showcasing “delusions of ecstasy and heartbreak.”

William Hall's Mind-Bending Drawings to Be Displayed in NYC Exhibit
Art

William Hall's Mind-Bending Drawings to Be Displayed in NYC Exhibit

Rare multi-panel works by the late “formerly homeless visionary.”

Little Dragon Announce New EP & Share "Lover Chanting" Single
Music

Little Dragon Announce New EP & Share "Lover Chanting" Single

“Dance for peace and unity in this world of madness!”

Summer Walker Releases Seductive Visuals for "CPR"
Music

Summer Walker Releases Seductive Visuals for "CPR"

An emerging voice in R&B.

More ▾