Life & Work with Von Hubbard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Von Hubbard. 

Hi Von, 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.
It’s hard to say. I’ve always had a passion for music and it’s always been in my life to some capacity. My father sang R&B back in the day so it’s probably in my DNA. As I got into high school, I started writing raps and freestyling with friends on the bus along with starting a band with my brother and some friends. It wasn’t until 2012 when I moved back home from college that started focusing more on rapping. I knew I had the technology to do it but I wasn’t sure on the execution at the time but I pushed forward and my brother released a mixtape on SoundCloud as a duo called YNG (Young Notorious Goblins). The following year I wanted to start making solo work, so after putting my name into a ‘Wu-Tang Clan name generator’, M/O, The Madman was born. 

From then I released singles until 2016 when I released my first mixtape “When The Smoke Clears.” During that time period, I performed in 100+ house shows as well as we special show at Kafe Kerouac for my 2nd mixtape “You’ll See It” which released in 2018. Around this time in my life, I had escaped a cult and was ready to go all in with my music and in 2019 I released my 3rd tape “Nostos.” When the pandemic hit it was difficult to get out to a studio to record, so when the stimulus checks went out, I decided to get what I needed to record at home, and from that, I was able to release my first album “Reflections” in August 2020, then another album on Christmas Day 2020 called “Algos.” finishing out “The Nostalgia Collection”. Releasing two albums in a matter of months one could say I was busy. 

For the next album, I wanted to try something new, but after struggling to find others that could accurately encapsulate my vision for the album, I decided to start making my own beats. Using the same approach, I had in my early years I pushed forward and in 2021 I released my 2nd album, “W.C.B.: Black Americana.” The album was expression of Afro-Futurism using themes of the Americana today. Afterwards I told myself that I wanted to take a break but of course, I couldn’t. How could I? At this point in my life, I had started looking back on my life and my mistakes and lessons. It was a time of self-reflection, destruction, and revitalization. I wanted to make an album that went along with my healing process. In honesty, the album was more for me than the listeners. In May of 2022, I let go of my fears and insecurities regarding how I was seen and released my 3rd album “Seroton”. I continued taking notes from my inspirations and heroes Kid Cudi and Mac Miller and put my life and heart into my music. As of late, I released a single titled “The Good News”, detailing some of my struggles with depression and anxiety. My goal was always to let people know they aren’t alone in their pain, that there is nothing stopping you from following your dreams. Whether it’s making music, finding true love, having an amazing time with those we love. I want to provide you with the soundtrack to life. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not at all. I’ve escaped cults, lost hardrives, missed out on life-changing opportunities, you name it. There’s been tons of ups and downs but I believe that they guided me to what was really meant for me. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in being best I can. The one thing about being an artist is that I’m a perfectionist, which also means I care about my craft and about how it’s delivered. Beyond that I’m passionate and I don’t doubt myself. I have the utmost confidence that I can do anything that I set my mind to, it my be big and it may take time but I’ll be there. Trust, you’ll see it. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see myself working alongside of the people who inspire me, Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar. I see a beautifully successful music career, one in which I can give back to the city to further push it into being a place where art thrives. 

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madworld225/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/youngcudiyng
• Other: https://linktr.ee/mothemadman

Image Credits
Austin Wallace
MOTM & Ether