2023 saw a landmark year for UK-artist, VIB, having gathered a coveted spot on BBC Introducing for his previous single, “Speed Out”. Now, the talented multi-faceted artist has dropped a poignant visual accompaniment to his genre-bending track, “For Robert”.

Addressing the real-life saga of an 18-year-old, unjustly accused and convicted of crime he did not commit, based on the colour of his skin. Now in his 40’s, the man remains incarcerated and on death row. Reflecting the subject matter, the visuals see VIB sit in the place of ‘Robert’, handcuffed and behind bars in an artistic representation of an unjust act.

Uniquely melding the spoken word genre with contemporary rap tropes, VIB links up his intense vocals with sincere lyricism, all whilst floating on a stripped-back, minimal trap beat. In the last minute of the track, VIB’s penchant for lyricism shines as the beat takes a step back, allowing VIB to address the listener in a rousing and moving stanza.

Reflecting on the track, the video and the tragic inspiration behind them, VIB says “This is a topic that is very close to my heart, and I wish to emphasise through this track that, these labels in society of race, colour and creed cause division and hurt and is an endless cycle giving rise to hate. Love is more natural to the heart and love will light the way in any scenario. The majority choose to see people for their labels using just their eyes, but if one chose to look through their heart, the world would be a beautiful place. I will always strive against injustice of any kind, and this is the main point of my music as a whole; to be a voice for the silenced.”

Watch the video…