BY ADAM QUANDT | Arts & Entertainment Reporter | The Statesman
On the streets and in the office he is known as Scott Vezina, but as soon as he hits the stage it’s time to party with NonFic.
Not even five minutes into sitting down with Vezina you can tell he has nothing but passion for everything that he does.
Vezina is a native Duluthian through and through. He was born in Duluth, went to school in Duluth, graduated from UMD in 2009 and continues to call Duluth home today.
“Duluth has a huge music scene that is on the rise and growing,” Vezina said.
Vezina got into Duluth’s hip-hop scene as a break-dancer before he was an emcee and became known as NonFic.
“I just started going to local shows and breaking to local hip-hop artists,” Vezina said.
NonFic also draws most of his musical influence from Minnesotan hip-hop artists such as Atmosphere and Brother Ali.
The name NonFic came from one of Vezina’s friends and really applies to the music he writes. Vezina described his music as based around himself for the most part. It all tells a real story, or in other words, is non-fiction.
NonFic is joined on stage with fellow UMD grad Ben Jorgenson, also known as DJ Risky Fingers.
Things are really starting to happen for NonFic. Most recently, he opened for Machine Gun Kelly at the DECC.
“It was definitely the biggest show I’ve played so far. My whole family was there to see me perform. It was a memorable experience,” Vezina said.
This Friday, NonFic will be premiering his first music video for the song “Shake It Out.” The video is being produced by Blue G Productions out of Minneapolis.
NonFic will also open up for Minneapolis-based rapper Prof when his “Liability Tour” comes to Duluth on October 29.
Coming up on November 20, NonFic is dropping his first EP, titled “Night Movements.” The album follows the storyline of a night of partying from beginning to end.
The EP has been in the works for a year and half with Minneapolis based producer Andrew Diff.
“I just take my time when it comes to my music, something other people don’t really do,” Vezina said.
The album will be available to download free of charge online.
When attending a NonFic show, one should expect a high amount of energy and just some good ol’ Minnesota hip-hop.
“People should come out, get down and just have a good time,” Vezina said.
To stay current on NonFic, check out his facebook at www.facebook.com/nonfictionhiphop.