Some artists wait for an invitation. V.I.C is already breaking down the door.

Fresh off the acclaim of his recent EP VARÏANT, the fast-rising rapper and creative force returns with “40 Doors”—a ferocious anthem that doubles as a manifesto. Built on piercing piano stabs and basslines that rattle your chest, the track is a showcase of V.I.C’s razor-sharp delivery, technical command, and unrelenting hunger. He raps with the urgency of someone who knows the system wasn’t built for him—and is determined to win anyway.

“40 Doors is a song I wrote about hustling,” V.I.C explains. “It’s all about the feeling when you’re trying to achieve a goal but it seems like there’s so many doors blocking you from doing it—whether that’s lack of experience, gatekeeping, or doubters. It’s just an ode to keep on going.”

The single blends vintage East Coast grit with a distinctly UK edge, bridging sonic worlds while staking out V.I.C’s own lane. Written years ago in Southampton with collaborator jojo, the track waited in the vault until now—its message of resilience hitting harder than ever in a climate where young artists still face relentless obstacles.

The timing feels serendipitous. V.I.C has just announced his debut performance at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival, stepping onto the BBC Introducing stage alongside UK heavyweights like Loyle Carner, Tiana Major9, and Kofi Stone. It’s a milestone moment that marks him as one of the most urgent new voices in British rap.

But this ascent has been anything but overnight. Born in Nigeria and raised in Southampton, V.I.C’s artistry was forged in the church choir and sharpened in London’s underground, where he balanced freestyles, songwriting, and community collaborations. His breakout moment came with “A Teen”—a viral cut that landed him on the FIFA 22 soundtrack—and he’s only accelerated since, with tracks like “Two Sides,” “4am,” and his intimate debut EP Bedroom Chronicles.

With over 42 million streams, co-signs from BBC Radio 1, Clash, Wonderland, and Ones To Watch, plus sold-out shows across the UK, V.I.C has already laid serious groundwork. His VARÏANT EP, featuring production from Evil Genius, Paya Beats, and Ashton Stellars, cemented his ability to balance introspection with bangers, pulling listeners deep into his inner-city storytelling.

Now, with “40 Doors,” V.I.C isn’t just documenting struggle—he’s transforming it into momentum. It’s not just a song; it’s a rallying cry for anyone who knows what it means to be underestimated, overlooked, or shut out.

Because if V.I.C has proven anything, it’s this: when faced with forty doors, he’ll find a way to break through every single one.