Who is Vintage Retroman?
Vintage Retroman, also known as “V.R. The Hope Dealer” and simply “V.R” is a Christian Artist in Greensboro, North Carolina. Growing up on the rough streets of NE Winston-Salem, he broke out in 2020 by hosting virtual Christian rap parties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is V.R. the hope dealer known for?
While everyone was in quarantine, he became known as “Your Neighborhood Hope Dealer” after performing his parody of fellow North Carolina superstar rapper J. Cole’s song “Neighbors” live on Facebook and YouTube. He went on to use the verbiage “I think the neighbors think I’m selling HOPE”, which his audience began to identify with during and post-pandemic.
What is his goal as a Christian artist?
His purpose is to uplift God and inspire each listener through originally written Christian hip-hop music and poetry. His music is his ministry to God, and a creative way to give gospel encouragement to each listener. He strives to help those dealing with these types of issues in particular:
Spiritual Depravity
Physical Illnesses
Mental Illnesses
Questions about Jesus
Discouragement
Marriage Issues
Financial Issues
Worldview Issues
Other Issues not listed
The wait is over! My new album The Early Works, Vol. 1 drops tonight, October 19 at 6PM as a YouTube exclusive. You can stream it free from start to finish.
What The Early Works Is All About
The Early Works, Vol. 1 is eight Christian hip-hop tracks of faith, hope, and encouragement, straight out of Greensboro, NC. This album goes back to where it all started: the early songs and the sound that shaped who I am as an artist and as a minister. It’s real, it’s raw, and every track points back to the One who gave me the music in the first place.
Tracklist
Hit Em Wit Tha Brass
The Truth
Lifelight
High Stakes Race
Hit Em Wit Tha Snare
Mind Renovation
The One
Just Let It Go
Only on YouTube
The full album lives on my YouTube channel. Pull up at 6PM for the premiere, drop a comment, and hang out with me in the chat!
I’m thrilled to announce that the official lyric video for “All Hearts” is now live! This track is a fun, upbeat Christian hip hop anthem that celebrates how God touches every heart to the sound of the beat.
Whether you’re looking for worship music that gets you moving or inspiration for your daily faith journey, “All Hearts” brings an energetic message wrapped in powerful beats. It’s a song that reminds us it’s alright to get up, dance, and celebrate our faith in Christ.
Watch the full lyric video below and sing along as we worship together!
Stream “All Hearts” now and don’t forget to share it with your community. Let’s worship together!
This song represents more than just a musical release—it’s a heartfelt message of faith, hope, and resilience. “Journey Called Life” speaks to the spiritual and personal challenges we all face as we navigate this world, and it reminds us that God’s guidance and love are always present, no matter what season of life we’re in.
The track combines powerful, thought-provoking lyrics with infectious hip-hop beats designed to inspire, uplift, and strengthen your spirit. Whether you’re facing trials, celebrating victories, or searching for direction, this song is created for you.
I believe that music is one of the most powerful tools for spreading messages of faith and hope. My mission with this release is to reach hearts and minds with a message of God’s unwavering love and purpose for our lives.
I invite you to listen to “Journey Called Life” on Spotify and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Your support means everything to me, and I’d love to hear how this music impacts your spiritual journey.
Thank you for believing in this mission with me. Let’s spread hope together! 🙏
09/11/01, I’ll never forget. It was my freshman year at Winston-Salem State University. I had to work that morning at Yeatts Carpet Cleaners in Winston-Salem, and while at work on the shop floor one of my managers (Jason, who was a jokester lol) ran back and said a plane hit one of the twin towers. I didn’t believe him. He said, ‘Come see!’ So I ran into the office and I saw one of the most horrific images I had ever seen! As all our eyes were locked on the TV, the 2nd plane hit and my heart and stomach sank at the noise of the explosion and the torment of the people! “We are under attack and the world is ending!” my 18 year old mind thought. I left work early that Tuesday morning and went to campus…
Upon arriving, all classes had been cancelled so I went to the Ram Shack. It was so crowded that day with students, faculty, and staff watching every TV. One of my friends was a student from NYC. She was crying, frantically trying to call her mom who worked in the twin towers and couldn’t get through. I remember the Campus being a ghost town outside, and feeling one of the most lonely feelings ever.
Processing the Tragedy
That night we had a candlelight vigil, and I went home to be with my parents. I remember thinking “it’s all over”. So many people died, others were missing, and news coverage on every channel. I remember praying with my family. Our lives would never be the same again.
25 Years Later: A Message of Hope
Fast forward 25 years. It’s 2026, praise God! His grace is still on this country. I truly believe that is why we are still here. Regardless of our race, ethnicity, religion, culture, political affiliation, or differences it is evident that God isn’t done with us yet! I share my story because 3 generations have been born since then (Gen-Z, Gen Alpha, and now Gen-Beta) and it’s important for us all to stand up for what’s right. What’s noble. What’s true. What’s real. Most importantly, everyday is a gift from God that should never be taken for granted.
Looking back on that fateful day, I realize how profoundly it shaped who I am today. The events of 9/11 taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of holding tight to faith during dark times. In a single moment, our sense of security was shattered, but it also unified us in ways that transcended all divisions.
Today, as a Christian rapper and “Neighborhood Hope Dealer,” I channel the lessons from September 11th into my message of faith and hope. I believe that our shared humanity and spiritual connection are far more powerful than any force of darkness. We must remember those we lost and honor them by living with purpose, spreading love, and standing up against hatred and division.
Many people spend their lives pretending to be something they’re not. They wear masks around different groups of people, always trying to be what others expect them to be. Who You Foolin? featuring Lil Juju calls out this inauthenticity and challenges listeners to live honestly. This track is about being real and true to who God created you to be.
The purpose of this song is to challenge the culture of fakeness that surrounds us. Social media, school pressure, and peer expectations all push us to present a false version of ourselves. V.R. The Hope Dealer and Lil Juju both speak to the exhaustion of pretending. They encourage listeners to embrace their true selves and live with authenticity and integrity.
The music has attitude and energy that matches the powerful message. The artists don’t apologize for calling out deception. They speak directly to young people who are tired of pretending and ready to be real. This song is about freedom through honesty. When you stop pretending, you can finally be yourself. The lyric video makes this message even more powerful by displaying the direct, honest words on screen..
In a world that’s constantly rushing and stressing, finding peace is more important than ever. The song Peaceful offers listeners a chance to pause and reflect on what true peace means. This track creates a calm, meditative space where you can let go of worry and anxiety. V.R. The Hope Dealer explores what it means to find peace through faith in Jesus Christ.\n\nThe purpose of this song is to remind you that peace is possible even when life is chaotic. Many young people struggle with anxiety, stress, and pressure from school, friends, and family. This song speaks directly to those struggles and offers spiritual peace as the solution. Jesus promised His peace to those who believe in Him, and this track brings that promise to life.\n\nThe music itself is peaceful and soothing. The production values are clean and clear, allowing you to truly focus on the message. The lyrics speak gently about releasing fear and anxiety and embracing the peace that comes from trusting God. This isn’t aggressive or intense music. It’s designed to calm your mind and soul. The lyric video creates a peaceful visual experience that reinforces the message.
The purpose of this track is to provide comfort and encouragement. When you’re overwhelmed by life’s challenges, this music creates a safe space where you can breathe and reflect. The production is gentle and soothing, designed to calm your mind and spirit. The message is simple but powerful: through faith, you can find peace.
Sometimes when good things happen in our lives, we forget to stop and give thanks. It’s All Because is a song of gratitude and recognition that everything we have comes from God. This track encourages listeners to reflect on the blessings in their lives and acknowledge the source of all good things. The song reminds us to be grateful for where we are and what we’ve accomplished.\n\nThe purpose of this song is to shift your perspective from what you don’t have to what you do have. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform how you see your life. When you recognize that your accomplishments and blessings come from God’s guidance and provision, it changes everything. You realize that success isn’t just about you working hard but about God working through you.\n\nThe music has a celebratory feel that matches the message of thanksgiving and joy. V.R. The Hope Dealer shares his personal journey of recognizing God’s hand in his success. This authentic gratitude is contagious. When you listen to someone genuinely thankful, it inspires you to examine your own life and find things to be grateful for. The lyric video helps capture the celebratory spirit of the message.
Evil and negativity exist in the world, and they often try to pull us down when we’re not paying attention. The song Stomp The Devil Out is a powerful declaration of spiritual warfare and standing firm in your faith. This track takes a strong stance against negative forces and encourages listeners to take action in their spiritual lives.\n\nThe purpose of this song is to remind young people that they have the power to overcome evil through faith and determination. You don’t have to be a victim of negative circumstances. You can stand up and fight back against the things that are trying to destroy your life. This message is important for anyone struggling with temptation, doubt, or negative influences.\n\nThe music is intense and driving, matching the powerful message. The lyrics use vivid imagery to describe spiritual strength and victory. This isn’t about physical fighting but spiritual standing. When you stomp out the devil, you’re choosing faith over fear, hope over despair, and light over darkness. The lyric video makes this energetic message even more powerful.
Legend of The Black Starr is more than just a song. It’s a theme song that tells the story of a heroic character with conviction and strength. Featuring Rodney Bennett, this track combines storytelling with powerful hip hop elements to create something truly unique. The music brings the legend to life in a way that captures your imagination.\n\nThe purpose of this song is to inspire listeners by presenting a character who stands firm in their beliefs and values. In a world where it’s easy to give up or compromise your principles, The Black Starr represents someone who refuses to back down. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heroism, courage, and determination that young people can look up to and learn from.\n\nRodney Bennett’s contribution adds depth to the storytelling. His voice brings authenticity to the narrative, making you feel like you’re part of the legend. The production quality is cinematic, helping you visualize the story as it unfolds. This isn’t just a song you listen to, it’s an experience. The lyric video makes it even more engaging by showing the words as the story develops.
Many young people struggle with feelings of being limited or not good enough. You might think you’re not smart enough, talented enough, or worthy enough to pursue your dreams. These thoughts can hold you back from becoming everything God created you to be. The song Limitations featuring Z. Bank directly addresses these struggles and encourages listeners to break through their self doubt.\n\nV.R. The Hope Dealer and Z. Bank both understand how limiting thoughts can damage your potential. They speak from personal experience about overcoming the voice in your head that tells you that you can’t do something. The powerful message is that many of your limitations are mental, not physical. If you change how you think about yourself, you can change what you achieve.\n\nThis isn’t about false confidence or pretending problems don’t exist. It’s about recognizing your true value and potential. God created you with specific gifts and abilities. Sometimes we need someone else to help us see what we can’t see in ourselves. This track does exactly that. The beat is energetic and motivating, pushing you toward action. Watch this lyric video and let it challenge you to think differently about your limitations.
