It was completely full in the largest hall in the cultural arena. Hundreds did not get a seat. He was reminded of a scene where he himself has performed a number of times. The hip-hop legend died unexpectedly on December 2. He was described as a loyal, street-smart and cool leader, who always had time for those who needed him. At the memorial ceremony, bow corps boys from the Mathismarkens Battalion stood as a guard of honour. He himself was active there for large parts of his life. Several famous artists performed songs during the ceremony. Bjørn Tomren sang “Eg er framand”, while Lars Vaular performed the song “Legend”. Vågard Unstad (36) broke through as a rapper with the A team. He has also contributed to songs for other Bergen artists. During corona, he started recording his own solo album. – Always cheering on those around him Unstad discovered rap as early as fourteen years old, and quickly got the name “Vågard Verbal”. Later he broke through with the group A-laget, together with Girson and Store P. He has also contributed to the songs of the artists Lars Vaular, Kamelen and Dårlig Vane. Unstad was also presenter of the news program “Spill meg”. He started the nightclub Klubb Kok and several restaurants in Bergen. His friend, Leo Ajkic, says that Vågard has changed Norwegian rap. – He is the first person I remember who rapped in Norwegian and in Bergen, he says. Earlier this year, he recorded his own solo album for the very first time. It wasn’t finished until he died. Ajkic says that Unstad has never focused on his own career. – He thinks that the funnest thing about rap was that it was a collective thing. He has always cheered on the people around him. He has supported the younger rappers, been on all their songs, he says. Leo Ajkic describes Vågard Unstad as a best friend. He believes that he has changed Norwegian rap. – He is the first person I remember who rapped in Norwegian and in Bergen, he says. Photo: Oddgeir Øystese / news Wants to complete solo album Now his wife has started a joint venture to raise money for the completion and release of his album, Notoriske BOG – It’s a darker production, with lots of tempo and funny lines. He has made music without bending or adapting to the industry. This is for fans of rap music, says Ajkic. Over NOK 285,000 has already come in. Although there is over a month left until the fundraiser ends. – I’m touched. Funds make it possible to do bold things. We can make videos, reach more people. There will be fewer limits to what we can achieve, he says. Vågard Unstad (36) died on 2 December. On Monday, friends, family and culture-Bergen said goodbye to the rapper. Photo: Oddgeir Øystese / news
ttn-69