Casey Veggies “Life Changes” Turns Twelve
Casey Jones, also known as Casey Veggies, has been a significant figure in the hip-hop community since his teenage years, showcasing a discography that reflects his dedication and longevity in the industry. Hailing from Los Angeles, his musical roots are deeply embedded, with a father who worked as security for Jay-Z and was part of the Roc-A-Fella family when Casey was just 7. You might even catch a glimpse of his father walking Jay-Z’s off the set of his iconic music video “Girls, Girls, Girls.” Many may not know that Casey is a founding member of the renowned musical collective Odd Future, which has propelled the careers of artists like Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, Syd, The Internet, and Steve Lacy, among others. He played a crucial role in creating Odd Future’s first mixtape, “The Odd Future Tape,” released in 2007, where he handled much of the lyrical duties alongside Tyler, The Creator, and MellowHype.
“All these new things around me, and I just really want to be comfortable.”
Last week marked the 12th anniversary of what many fans regard as Casey’s magnum opus in the music world, his project “Life Changes.” The project opens with the title track, “Life Changes,” an electrifying song produced by the dynamic duo Mike & Keys and Dawaun Parker. The track draws listeners in from the very first notes, providing an immediate sense of intrigue and energy. Phil Beaundreau’s soulful voice adds depth as he sings the touching lines, “I found love, and I stopped lovin’, found God when I stopped looking for one,” which resonate powerfully with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of love and faith. The song was met with widespread acclaim upon its release, so much so that it was notably sampled by Sean Auguste in 2018, highlighting its lasting impact on the music scene.
At that time, Veggies had just signed a record deal with Epic Records and a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, marking a significant milestone in his music career, making him a part of the “Roc” family, which his father once was a part of. Casey explores the nuances of his sudden rise to fame throughout the album, capturing the whirlwind of emotions chaperoning this transformation. He shares his introspective journey about how his newfound success altered his perspective, changing his thoughts about life during that pivotal time. In “Life Changes,” he doesn’t just showcase his musical talents; he offers listeners a glimpse into his evolving mindset, making the work both relatable and profound. After touring with Mac Miller, Veggies launched his first headlining tour in 2013 for his album “Life Changes.” He performed at the Gothic Theater in Colorado, where the show sold out. The opener for this tour was an up-and-coming rapper from Houston, Texas, who has since made a significant name for himself: Travis Scott, who had just released his debut mixtape, “Owl Pharaoh.”
“I’m definitely seeing a bigger picture. I feel like I am in a great position to step back and do things on my own and take my time. They always say it’s not about who gets on first, but who lasts the longest. That’s really what the main things on see. I think I am doing something that is organic and natural. It may take a little more time but in the end, it’ll mean the most.”
The 13-track album showcases a vibrant collaboration with fellow Los Angeles native and close friend Dom Kennedy, along with the soulful sounds of BJ The Chicago Kid and Phil Beaundreau. While the majority of the album’s production is handled by the talented duo Mike & Keys and the respected collective 1500 Or Nothing, it also features a diverse display of beats from notable producers such as Harry Fraud, Price, THC, Rahki, D.R.U.G.S, Cardiak, and others. To honor the 12th anniversary of “Life Changes,” Veggies has announced the upcoming release of three limited edition pieces of vinyl, set to amuse fans with three striking color options: sleek black, vibrant green, and an exclusive special edition that artfully merges both black and green in a unique swirl, perfect for collectors.
In November, he released his latest music effort, “Caught Up In the Game.” This project has fascinated listeners with its beat selection and heartfelt lyrics. In an exciting turn of events, he announced his upcoming collaboration with Dom Kennedy for a much-anticipated tour. They are set to take the stage at the iconic Gothic Theater in Colorado this April. This location holds special significance for Casey as he prepares for his second electrifying performance there. Follow Casey’s journey and engage yourself in his future projects. Don’t forget to stream his “Life Changes” and “Caught Up In the Game” to fully appreciate his artistic evolution.
