C-Styles – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
I am a kid born out of Guadaljara mexico who grew up in Chicago and now currently living in Brownsville Tx. I’ve been doing music for about 10 years now and till now I’m feeling comfortable to how my sound has evolved to. Being able to have some industry contacts and doing shows where I’ve opened up for major artist has been a blessing for myself and the label I co-own, Vocal Line Music Group.
How has Chicago, IL influenced you in your Hip Hop music?
Well for one, DRILL music in no way has influenced me whatsoever which is what Chicago is known for nowadays and no disrespect to it, but I grew up in the 90’s in Chicago where Common, Juice, twista, da brat, and Do or Die were an influence from the city while growing up. Then Lupe fiasco and Kanye just added more to where the soulful sound was the sound I’ve always been a fan of so they naturally became one of my favorites. The city has a diverse sound musically and being from the north side, the soulful sound is what I’m always on. I have an ear for other ones as well but the soulful sample is my bread and butter.
Describe how you linked up with the legend himself LIL FLIP and why did you choose him to be featured on your latest single “Things Ain’t The Same No More”.
Flip has always been a real dude! When I started working on the song “Things aint the same no more”, it all started with my gf who loves this reggaeton artist J. Balvin and Farukko, who made the hit 6AM. I told her I can have my boy do a hot hip hop sample out of it! Sat for a few minutes listening to what he can sample and I got some parts of it that I found on the song. My boy WO flipped the sample and I went ahead and wrote the hook on the spot to where my boy Kold Ice sings on it. I did my verses right after and got word flip was coming to McAllen TX (an hour away from where I live, my studio is located there) and so I’ve had his number saved from a previous show and asked him if he can stop by the studio to record a verse for a song that I have. He hooked it up with a nice deal, paid him and he came right by, heard the beat and he freestyled his verse like he’s always been known to. I was surprised he gave me one of his best verses so shout outs to flip. We’re looking to shoot the video for it a month from now so be on the lookout. I didn’t even plan on having Flip on the song, it just so happens he was there at the right time and he vibed well on it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs regarding in your Hip Hop career?
The past 3 years have been such a rush and a blessing, I’ve done more than what I’d imagine I’d be doing. 5 years from now hopefully I’ll still be doing music and have my music to a broader audience. I feel like I have something for everyone so it’s easier to market my work.
Our most famous question, what is your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
While most will say “Non-Mainstream” I would expand on the notion that it’s having your basics down and being able to spit a 16 at moment’s notice. Most mainstream artist are afraid to spit when asked on radio interviews or have the phobia to and having that “UNDERGROUND HEART” can be taken with you even when you make it mainstream. It’s like a badge of honor and should always be with you at all times. That’s where you came from. You’re a rapper so love the art of rapping, always keep that sharpen that knife!
Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
Most of my production is done by either Kold Ice, WO, and Edwi Beats, but I do work with a variety of producers. I would really love to work with if given the chance with DJ Premier or Just Blaze. Just is the east coast Dr. Dre and has the sample game on lock, that would be a dream for me.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
Right now I have my album “The Fear of Success” out now and which I consider my best project to date and very well produced. It has the hit single “Ridin” ft. Kirko Bangz and Kold Ice which got local radio play. I am currently working on a new album called “King For A day” which will feature Lil Flip, Tony Sunshine, Jerome Childers (Former bad boy child star) as well as contacting Chris Rivers and Rising artist Dougie Kent. Reason I’m calling the album “King for a day” is because I have the opportunity to work with some of these major artist and it’s making me feel like I can do anything nowadays, like I dreamed of doing this since a kid and now pretty much can contact some of these artist I looked up to, to work with me. I’m in the early stages of the album but so far I have those already recorded. I might make a run at G-Eazy and Bun B if budget permits.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of “the fear of success”? Also/ tell us a little bit about the concept and idea behind your Album/Mixtape Cover Art.
The concept behind it is that some artist for the most part are afraid to take it to the next level. They know they can get to where they want to be at if they just push a little harder but just won’t do it for some reason or another. The lion is the symbol of courage, the half-light half shade is him being unsure yet determined to go after the unknown. The splash in the background can either be defined as art or blood with meaning you either succeeded or failed trying. Me and Kold Ice thought of the concept and I’m very happy how it came out. I don’t have any tattoos but I thought about that being my first lol.
Where can we find your music and info?
You can find my music in either iTunes, spotify, sound cloud (soundcloud.com/ChicagoStyles) or even on my website as well www.cstylesofficial.com as well as my youtube (Youtube.com/ChicagoStyles23) where I also have a reality show on there.
Any shout outs?
Big shout outs to Kold Ice for looking out for me in the last 5 years of my career, my boy Robbie Blue for being a great friend and on the hooks whenever i needed that soulful voice while spitting gems on life while we play nba2k. My gf Ana for being the #1 motivation and telling me to keep up with my dreams. UGHH for the opportunity and taking time to get to know me as an artist, not a lot of blogs offer the opportunity and I’m really thankful!
