"The Struggle is Real" is a raw, relatable anthem that delves into the frustrations and challenges of independent artists navigating SoundCloud's ever-changing landscape. With honest lyrics and an infectious beat, this hip-hop track captures the emotional highs and lows of striving for recognition in a crowded digital space. From algorithmic uncertainty to self-doubt, the song's narrative resonates with anyone who's faced similar struggles. Yet, its message of resilience and determination inspires listeners to keep pushing forward. Authentic, heartfelt, and energetic, "The Struggle is Real" is a testament to the enduring spirit of creatives refusing to give up on their dreams.


LYRICS:

[Intro]
Yo, listen up, let me share my tale,
About the grind on SoundCloud, where the struggle prevails,
Tryna make a name, but it's hard to gain,
In a sea of artists, it's easy to remain.

[Verse 1]
Upload after upload, but the plays ain't right,
Algorithms changing, day and night,
Tryna reach the top, but it's slipping away,
N oomments or likes, the engagement's gray.

I'm chasing clout, but it's hard to claim,
My voice is drowned, in this digital game,
Thousands of tracks, but mine's getting lost,
The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

[Chorus]
The struggle is real, on SoundCloud streets,
Tryna get noticed, but it's hard to compete,
Thousands of tracks, but mine's getting lost,
The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

[Verse 2]
Promotion's key, but it's hard to afford,
Reachin' out to influencers, but they ignore,
Collaborations, but the chemistry's off,
Tryna find my sound, but it's hard to cough.

I'm tryna stand out, but it's hard to shine,
My music's fire, but it's hard to align,
With the right ears, with the right vibe,
The struggle is real, it's hard to thrive.

[Chorus]
The struggle is real, on SoundCloud streets,
Tryna get noticed, but it's hard to compete,
Thousands of tracks, but mine's getting lost,
The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

[Verse 3]
Networkin', engage, repeat the cycle,
But the visibility's low, it's hard to smile,
Frustration mounts, feelin' like a fail,
Questionin' my craft, maybe I should bail?

I'm tryna stay true, to my art and soul,
But the numbers game, is takin' its toll,
Tryna balance, creativity and fame,
The struggle is real, it's a never-endin' game.

[Chorus]
The struggle is real, on SoundCloud streets,
Tryna get noticed, but it's hard to compete,
Thousands of tracks, but mine's getting lost,
The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

[Bridge]
But I won't give up, no way, no how,
Gonna keep pushin', makin' moves, somehow,
Gonna find my niche, my sound, my style,
Gonna make it happen, all the while.

[Verse 4]
I see the success, of others on the rise,
And I wonder why, it's hard to realize,
That everyone's grind, is different and unique,
And my time will come, if I just keep.

[Chorus]
The struggle is real, on SoundCloud streets,
Tryna get noticed, but it's hard to compete,
Thousands of tracks, but mine's getting lost,
The struggle is real, no matter the cost.

[Outro]
The struggle is real, but I won't quit,
Gonna rise above, no matter the hit,
SoundCloud, I'm comin' for the top,
The struggle is real, but my grind won't stop.

The Struggle is Real (Version1)

I've been writing songs as a hobby for many years while I raised a family but I'm now looking to take the songwriting to the next level.  I grew up with the Classic Rock of the 60's & 70's and the 80's music scenes.  Hard to find a similar artist to my songs but it is in the Pop, Rock genres.  I believe the songs have good potential and are something different and original from what you hear today. Take a listen to my various demos and let me know what you think.  I'm looking for a creative producer who enjoys what he hears and would be interested to take this music to a new level to grow a fan base and/or share with an artist.

Please click on Follow as I will be adding more tracks over time.

Electronic Music Producer, Composer, Arranger. Graduate of Berklee College of Music Online and the EDM PROD Producer Launchpad. 

To all those who have followed me during my journey into EDM Production, Thank you. There is more to come. Stay tuned.

Songwriting has been a lifelong passion for me, dating back to elementary school when I first began crafting stories, poems, and eventually lyrics. As a former drummer in various bands, I always relied on others to bring my words to life musically. However, after a long hiatus from drumming, I decided to take the leap and learn to compose music to accompany my lyrics. Through classes and dedication, I've embarked on a new journey, breathing fresh life into old lyrics and penning new ones. You'll find a mix of older and newer works here. Especially for some of the lyrics. 

Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is being completely entranced by 'The Little Drummer Boy' as a very young child. There was something about the rhythm and the melody that just captivated me. I must have played it a thousand times, wearing the record out, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a drummer and to create that magic for others. 

But I was too young then, and of course, I couldn't afford a drum set just yet. So, I turned to writing as a way to express myself. As I mentioned above, I started with stories, then poems, and eventually, lyrics. I found that writing was not only a way to tap into my creativity, but also a way to process my emotions and experiences. 

As I grew older, my love for music only deepened. I realized that music has this incredible power to transport us to different times and places, to evoke emotions and memories that we thought were long forgotten. It's a universal language that can bring people together like nothing else can. 

For me, writing lyrics is a cathartic experience. It's a way for me to tap into my emotions, to process the world around me, and to create something that I hope will resonate with others. And when I hear my words come to life in a song, it's truly magical. It's a feeling that never gets old, and it's what keeps me coming back to music time and time again. 

I love many genres of music and artists of many genres. And if you listen to some of my songs, you will find that I like to make songs of different genres as well as mix different genres into each song. One of my all-time favorite bands is Evanescence, and I have made a lot of songs where I have tried my best to emulate that sound. 

Now, I have recently started experimenting with new sounds. I never heard of glitch beats before I took music classes, and now I'm fascinated with the sound, so I have been experimenting with glitch beats recently. 

I hope you enjoy some of my songs. And thanks so much to everyone who has been listening so far. I truly appreciate it. I welcome constructive feedback to help me grow as an artist, and I appreciate your support. ❤️

BTW if you follow me, I will ALWAYS follow back. If I like your music, I will follow you, but if you don't follow me back within a week or so I will probably unfollow. The same goes for when I see someone listening to my music, I WILL follow, however, if they don't follow me back within a week or so, I'll unfollow, because I'm at my limit of follows and I want to follow back everyone who follows me. Did not know that SoundCloud limits us to following only 2000. 😢

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VickStiX's Artist Manifesto
*******************

I am the static between truth and noise.
A pulse that cracks the silence open.
When the world forgets its conscience,
I remind it — one beat, one lyric, one spark.

I don’t shout to divide; I sing to awaken.
I don’t chase fame; I chase clarity.
My art is not a weapon — it’s a flare in the dark.
A signal to every soul that still believes in better.

Let the trolls rage, let the cowards hide.
They can’t drown out a voice that’s tuned to truth.
I will paint their lies in sound and light
until justice has a melody again.

Because protest is not anger — it’s hope with a megaphone.
And I was born to be loud.

🎶 VickStiX — Truth. Rhythm. Revolution.










