Los Angeles-based Chad Watson is not only a staunch hip-hop head but a classically trained musician. He’s a recording artist, songwriter, Lyricist, and composer. His songs “Chad Chad Chad”, and “She don’t eff wit rappers” continue to attract audiences. The artist has performed alongside acts like the Gutta Twins, and Audiopush, and opened for Dizzy Wright, Noa James, and Yo Gotti. We had the opportunity to catch up with him to discuss his current projects and more!
Thank you for granting this interview with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be and why?
Thanks for having me, I appreciate the opportunity. I went to school for criminal law, and my dad is the district attorney…so no doubt, I’d be a prosecuting attorney.
How did you get into music?
Being raised in the church taught me the value of good music. Note choice and delivery are everything. After informal training from the church, my parents enrolled me in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music where I was formally taught to read, write, and compose piano music. With a strong background in music theory, I gave writing lyrics a shot shortly after college.
Who would you love to collaborate with and why?
I would love to collab with Andre 3k. He’s incredibly influential and doesn’t grant many features. I idolize his style and look, he’s a huge influence on my image.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist and how do you overcome it?
Can’t speak for other artists but I’m sure they’ll say something similar. The many “no’s” you receive as an artist can be overwhelming. At least, discouraging. There’s really no way to prepare for rejection, you just gotta find a way to be ok with it and push forward. At times, that can be easier said than done.
Please explain your creative process, and how the pandemic has impacted your artistry?
When I find an instrumental I like, I play it on repeat for days. I’ll sit in the car and zone out. Writing melodies, cadences, figuring note choice, and what pocket of delivery I wanna use. There are several diff minutia that’s involved as well, but that’s mainly how I create. The pandemic has actually made it easier for me as a creative. With all the extra space and less interaction, it really allowed me to create in peace.
Please tell us more about your latest project.
The latest project is titled “The Unimpressible”. It’s a more transparent yet vulnerable view of me. Traditionally I pick up-tempo, modern beats to rap on. As of late, we’ve been pushing the envelope creatively, exploring diff voices and genres.
Can you share any information on other projects in the pipeline?
My song “Bang” will be released with a music video and merch line in December. I’m excited about this. I partnered with MaisonTIET for a line of hemp sweaters with removable pouch technology. We’ve worked hard with manufacturing companies all over the country to deliver an organic, stylish, and functional sweater. It’s my first merchandise collaboration, so it’s super special to me.
Aside from music, your philanthropical efforts include working with the Think Wattz Foundation, the Watts Community Core, Havasole, and the Humanity Heroes Project. Please tell us more about these initiatives and how our readers may get involved
Thank you for mentioning that. I’ve managed to give away hundreds of blankets, hot meals, shoes, and backpacks full of essentials, to the needy and underserved by partnering with the Think Wattz Foundation, the Watts Community Core, Havasole, and Humanity Heroes Project. The. Think Wattz Foundation delivers water to inner-city communities and donates a portion of their sales to the city of Watts. About 2 months ago I partnered with Havasole to package and donate shoes to programs for inner-city children. The Humanity Heroes Project delivers backpacks of blankets and much-needed essentials to families across south-central, I’m just glad to be a part. They do this weekly.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
On Instagram is best. But my YouTube also has the catalog. I’m available on all digital platforms though. https://youtube.com/channel/UCCstXu2_hKKl93vhfkDGvsw
Instagram: @chad.watson
Images, courtesy of Chad Watson
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