Hip-hop’s approach to visuals is constantly evolving. From AI and holograms to other special effects, artists can now create immersive dream worlds for their music. However, one method of rap visualization that is gaining momentum is animation.
Few creators have made as distinct a mark in this space as rhymezlikedimez (aka Robin Velghe). Based in Belgium, Velghe’s journey began like many aspiring artists — with a love for drawing, music, and film that started in childhood.
As an only child, he often entertained himself by sketching wherever he went, calling it “second nature.” Though he excelled academically, he took a leap of faith at 18 and chose art school despite his teachers warning him against it. It was a risk he never regretted.
After graduating, doing corporate projects was the only way to make ends meet, but Velghe quickly realized he didn’t want to lose his love for real art. He started rhymezlikedimez as a Tumblr and Instagram page to stay true to his creative vision, combining his love of hip-hop and design.
What began as a passion project turned into a full-time career, with Velghe reimagining artists like Travis Scott, Ye, and Playboi Carti in his signature comic-book style and, furthermore, building his own universe through animation, clothing, and physical art pieces.
Today, Rhymezlikedimez is a sought-after collaborator in rap and digital culture, known for viral animations like “tv off” (featuring “Kendrick the Menace”) and “Like That.” We spoke with Velghe about his journey, inspirations, signature aesthetic, and the impact of his work on hip-hop and animation.
Where did the inspiration for “Kendrick the Menace” and “Like That” come from?
While many might have taken the easy route of animating a classic rap rivalry like Kendrick vs. Drake, Velghe opted for a more thoughtful approach.
“With both animations, I didn’t want to do the classic ‘Oh, [Kendrick] is fighting Drake’ because I love both artists equally. But I didn’t think it was a smart move for Drake to pick Kendrick as an opponent when it comes to rap. They just bring two different things to the table,” he explained.
For “Like That,” Velghe was inspired by Metro Boomin’s flip of Rodney-O & Joe Cooley’s 1988 song “Everlasting Bass.” “Everything feels very old school, but the flows on there are obviously contemporary, and the song just spoke to me,” he said.
“Like That” animation by rhymezlikedimez.
Velghe decided to portray Kendrick as the one troublemaker kid you knew back in the day who still got along with everyone. This mischievous, larger-than-life character is what inspired the fiery, powerful persona of “Kendrick the Menace.”
“Kendrick has no business attacking everyone, but he chooses to do it, and it created a beautiful moment in hip-hop. With ‘tv off,’ we were in L.A. when GNX dropped, listening to the song in the car, and I thought, ‘This is a perfect reason to do a sequel ‘Kendrick the Menace’ animation,’” Velghe said.
“tv off” animation by rhymezlikedimez.
What inspired the comic-book aesthetic in your animations?
The bold, comic-book-inspired visuals in “Like That” and “tv off” reflect a style rooted in live-action movies and shows, reimagined through Velghe’s unique lens.
“I just try to find my own visual language,” he explained. “I’m always looking for a perfect blend between a strong graphic visual language and the nostalgic cartoony feel. That’s my style, but it’s evolved over time. My older work was simplistic; now, it’s more detailed.”
How do you make your animations uniquely yours?
Velghe’s signature style shines in “tv off,” where he packs in Easter eggs that Kendrick fans will recognize. Every detail is intentional from K. Dot’s Buick GNX car and iconic Nike Cortez shoes to a burger joint reminiscent of Tam’s Burgers from the “Not Like Us” video and a “Pray for L.A.” logo.
“I aim to spark conversations among fans. My work isn’t super political—it’s about celebrating the things we love. There’s nothing cooler than sharing excitement with others who are passionate about the same things,” Velghe said.
Beyond the Easter eggs, Velghe introduced Puff the Cloud, a character he created in 2020 to bring a personal twist to his work.
“After a few years, I realized I was always giving the spotlight to the artist I was working with—understandably, since they’re way bigger than me, which is cool. But I started thinking, what if I created my own protagonist to include in those worlds?” Velghe explained.
Inspired by figures like Zack Bia and A$AP Nast—“the guys that are always hanging with cool people and are everywhere”—Puff the Cloud allows Velghe to travel into the worlds of his favorite artists.
Puff the Cloud and Travis Scott in Once Upon A Time In Utopia animation by rhymezlikedimez.
What is your creative process for these animations?
Velghe’s creative process has remained consistent over the years, no matter the artist or project.
“It always starts with music. I’ve never created anything without music playing in the background,” he said. “I really need to feel my ideas—whether it’s direct, like working with an artist and listening to their song, or indirect, where I’m creating a random illustration and transferring that energy onto paper. I kind of see something when I’m listening, and then I try to bring that world to life through artwork.”
For Velghe, feeling connected to the music is the most critical step. “That doesn’t mean the music is bad, but some songs just don’t lend themselves to being animated. I personally gravitate to album cuts—songs with a more nostalgic or melancholic energy. It’s rare that I [do] something like ‘tv off.’ Usually, I’d work with a track like ‘Gloria’ or that song called “GNX” on YouTube that didn’t make the album,” he explained.
How does copyright permission factor into your work?
Navigating copyright can be challenging for many artists, but Velghe shared that it has become easier over time.
“Back in the day, it was harder to use music in animations, but now we have UGC (user-generated content), so you can use music more freely,” he explained. “When an artist like Big Sean or Anderson .Paak asks me to create something, I don’t have to ask for permission because they’re directly involved,” he said.
Even when creating as a fan, Velghe ensures his work remains a tribute to the music and the artist’s vision. “I always try to respect the person and their artistry—and only use humor in a way that doesn’t disrespect them. It’s about enhancing the project or music in a beautiful way,” he said. “For me, ‘tv off’ was also a tribute to L.A., a place I truly love.”
What illustrations or projects can fans look forward to next?
When it comes to upcoming projects, I was able to get a first look (literally, shoutout to Zoom) at what Velghe has in the works. On February 6, he released the limited-edition textured art print “Reincarnated,” featuring Kendrick Lamar surrounded by hidden details, including a literal nod to “Kung Fu Kenny.” Proceeds from the drop are being donated to support L.A. wildfire victims.
For those who prefer wearable art over wall displays, Velghe has something for you, too. He revealed plans to release a “Reincarnated” limited-edition cut-and-sew baseball shirt. The design features a bold front appliqué, intricate embroidery, and a numbered jersey tag in rhymezlikedimez’s signature style.
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