Today we’d like to introduce you to CHAFFU$.
Thanks for sharing your story with us CHAFFU$. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started making music back in 2011, surprisingly with a Guitar Hero microphone. Literally it’s a USB mic it works with most music programs, sound quality is terrible but for practice and high school? Not bad. I started making music because I would write these sappy love poems to girls all the time in middle school and there were a couple of guys who had started rapping. In my eyes at the time, I felt like I could do better so I just kinda did it. Story of my life.
I made a very minimal amount of songs to begin with. I’d say I made 2-3 songs between 2011-2013, but in 2013 I dropped this little tape called GREAT and the rest is history. Something I think is really unique that try not to stray from is talking about things in my songs that can only be fully understood if you’re walking in my shoes, but at the same time I want my content to be relatable. To kind of explain that in a sense; my song “Pink Durag” is a real story that happened to me but I wrote it in a way so that people can use this person in the “Pink Durag” as a proxy for someone in their life that is trying to take something they have or want. It’s relatable content presented in a personal and relevant way.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth for several different reasons. For starters, the creative process for me genuinely comes from the heart. My emotions and the way I’m feeling fuel my creativity. So whereas some people might hear my song and find something relatable that pertains to them, they also gotta realize if I’m rapping ’bout being depressed or not feeling wanted there might be some validity to that.
Aside from that though, I’d say the amount of listens I get on some of my songs does disappoint me. It makes me not want to share some of the work I’ve worked the hardest on because it’s not reaching a big enough audience. Or not reaching the target audience. My biggest struggle right now however is sorting through all the music I’ve accumulated since the last time I compiled a serious project. I’ve made over 400 new songs and it takes a lot of listening to your own voice to really figure out which ones you want other people to hear and which ones you’ll keep for yourself. I always wonder what songs will go to the grave with me or end up in a vault-like Prince.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I think what really sets me apart is my versatility. I can dabble in trap, R&B, boom-bap, alternative, but my personal favorite is Chillhop, Nujabes, JDilla kind of beats. I’m really proud of my ability to kind of stretch my limits of what I’m capable of. One day I’ll be in my room channeling the energy of the Migos then the next I’m making a spiritual successor to Redbone.
Additionally, me and my colleagues started a creative agency called Uncommon Colors to bring together artists and creatives throughout the Houston area with the goal of networking and moving Houston’s artistic culture forward.
I’d really like to see myself become a successful musician, it’s one of the few things that brings me eternal happiness and bliss. Whether or not my success comes from my own music or from uplifting others through my platform is irrelevant to me as long as the message is heard and thoroughly conveyed.
I have my degree, working a regular job is something that is feasible to do and all but if I can make an opportunity happen for myself one way or another it’s what’s got to be done. Living a comfortable life is safe, living a happy life however…
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a tricky place when it comes to rap music. It’s interesting really because when you look at the current state of Hip-Hop in general it can’t be argued that Travis Scott & Meg are both very popular at the moment and they’re both from here. It’s a great time to be from Houston and honestly, I’d love to see people like Travis, Meg, and Maxo use their fame to put on other unknown people from the hood more often. Don Toliver is another big name out of Houston right now and Travis definitely gave him a good boost in popularity. With that being said Houston is still an interesting place to try and be a rapper. Mainly because there’s a large abundance of people trying to do it with varying levels of quality separating them. But when the amount of people rapping is higher than amount of people looking for new music it becomes overwhelming for both sides.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend focusing on marketing 100%. Nobody cares how good your song sounds if they’re not even clicking play. In this day in age using social media, memes, video clips, and engaging with people is the best way to be successful. Quality is always king over quantity in my opinion but if you are only looking for success then virality is your ticket. I’m personally torn between making trendy music and staying true to myself. Which always sounds nice When you say it out loud but I can tell you wholeheartedly that staying true to myself hasn’t paid the rent yet 😉.
Contact Info:
- Email: jloxsmith@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chaffudollasign
- Twitter: @chaffudollasign
- Other: soundcloud.com/chaffudollasign
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