From a 10-year-old with a dream to a 30-year-old master of his craft, Frank Vibes is making noise far beyond Chicago.
Some artists wait for the industry to notice them. Frank Vibes (Franklin Simpkins) built his own path, one record at a time.
Born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Frank started rapping at just 10 years old and began recording music at 13. Now 30, he has spent two decades sharpening his pen, his delivery, and his vision. The result is an artist who has mastered his craft and is still pushing to elevate it.
A Catalog Built on Consistency
Frank has been among the most consistent independent voices in Midwest hip hop since 2020. His discography tells the story of an artist who keeps growing without losing his identity:
- Black Coupe Blues (2020)
- Ebony Drive (2020)
- J-Park (2021)
- The Black Urameshi (2022)
- Can I Be Frank Vol. 1: War Arc (2023)
- Dream Cruiser Ambitions (2024)
- Hip Hop: A Story of Rhythm (2025), a sequel to Black Coupe Blues
- Ken’Kai’s Cave (2026)
- The Black Urameshi 2 (2026)
His most recent releases, Ken’Kai’s Cave and The Black Urameshi 2, continue his acclaimed Black Urameshi album series, which has become a signature part of his sound and storytelling.
Charting and Stage Milestones
The numbers back up the buzz. Frank has landed in the top 50 of the iTunes Hip Hop charts six times, with two of those reaching the top 20.
His live career is moving just as fast. This year, Frank opened for hip hop legends Onyx and played his first out-of-state festival in Atlanta, a major step for an artist who grew up in the Chicago suburbs and is now taking his music across state lines.
The Black Urameshi 2: His Biggest Week Yet
Frank’s latest project, The Black Urameshi 2, has delivered the biggest first week of his career in both streams and downloads, and it keeps growing. Fans are spreading the word, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
For Frank, the project is more than a release. It’s proof that years of dedication, independence, and growth are paying off.
The Goal: King of Hip Hop
Frank isn’t shy about his ambitions, and neither are his supporters. Many fans, along with Frank himself, are already calling The Black Urameshi 2 a Rap Album of the Year contender. He has his sights set on becoming the definitive King of Hip Hop.
Big goals come with the territory for an artist who has put in 20 years of work. With nine albums behind him, chart success, major stage moments, and his strongest release yet, Frank Vibes is making a serious case.
Stream Frank Vibes
The Black Urameshi 2 and the rest of Frank’s catalog are available now on all major streaming platforms and digital stores.
