Rasheed Chappell is truly an exception to the current rule of click’s and cliche’s. Rasheed is an artist whose music is a sonic backdrop to life as he sees it, lives it and dreams it. Rasheed’s gift is only second to his tireless work ethic and his constant pursuit of elevation, to push himself and the genre to new heights and dimensions.
He is the child of an era when Hip-Hop Legends such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick were considered prophets among men by their command of the English language on the microphone.
Rasheed’s words are able to capture and convey cinematic emotion, it’s as if you are watching a movie more than listening to music. He has the ability to weaves tales of tragedy and triumph into soulful melodies that reflect his environment and love of Hip-Hop culture.
Rasheed Chappell has a story to tell….let’s get to know the man.
Where You Reppin:
Project City…live and direct from the 07055
Introduce Yourself:
My name Rasheed Chappell…no stage name…no a.k.a.’s just me the man, all the highs, lows & in betweens…and my music is a reflection of just that…it has been described by some as Hip-Hop Soul music. I’ve been making music for years just have been blessed to release my 1st single thru Ill Friction/Strictly Rhythm Records, which is available now on iTunes & a ton of other online music sites. “Dope Muziq” produced by the legend Kenny Dope & “Resurrection” produced by legend in the making Maleet. The album is on it’s way with a few special surprises for the world!
Current projects we should be looking out for:
Currently working on my debut album Nostalgia…have had the pleasure of working with Kenny Dope, Maleet, Super X and even got a few tracks from the OG DJ Clark Kent, I have a crazy collab with Biz Markie [see in-studio video]…a few joints with Raheem De Vaughn who was a real pleasure to link up with, I have a feature with a new artist named Mishal Moore that is serious as well.
This album is my life’s work..in order to move forward you have to know where you came from…so this album will bring the listener up to date on who I am and what made me. I am very excited about this project and can’t wait for the people to get it.
Previous work that we should know about:
I have released independent music in the past…worked with Lady Luck, Raye 6, Toni Blackman who is actually the ambassador for Hip-Hop thru the United Nations so that was really cool, but mostly just selling Cd’s at shows, malls where ever there were people willing to listen. I also wrote a book entitled My Soul Exposed a book of poetry, it’s available at Barnes&Noble.com, amazon.com just me being creative, it was a collaborative effort with Marvin Walker
Main musical inspirations:
My main musical inspiration is life, all of it, the good the bad, the hope and the hopelessness. I know a lot of artist say they don’t listen to music but I do, I try to consume as much as possible, to at least be aware of it, you never know where inspiration may come from. Life I would have to say is the main influence though, early on it was the RUN DMC’s & Rakim’s that made me wanna rhyme but I had to find my own voice and it was through my life experiences that I found it and now I’m ready to share it with the world.
If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?
Wow just one song…lol that’s not fair each song is like a child of mine…but if I had to choose, right now it would be the ‘Outrolude” a song on Nostalgia I did with Mishal Moore, produced by Kenny Dope…it’s a very cinematic piece…very personal and needed I feel, so if I had to choose today it would be that one…tomorrow might be “Mr. Chappell” produced by Maleet or “Just Say” produced by Clark Kent so who knows…lol
Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?
Because it’s honest, I gave up lying to myself years ago, so there is no smoke and mirrors in the music, what you hear is me, my views, my ideas, my fears, my joys, pains & all my perfect imperfections put to song. My music is intelligent, soulful and passionate & all I ask is a chance to be heard
What’s next for you?
Next is now…I would love to say what I plan on doing years from now but my goal is to master the now and when later comes I’ll master that then…lol not to get too philosophical but that’s how I look at it. Success is a journey not a destination so I plan on traveling a while!
Desert Island Hip Hop: If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?
ONE ALBUM??!!!??… you killing me now…lol how could I pick just one of all the classic albums out there…man just one…OK hmmmm…wow I’d go with Illmatic…in my humble opinion that was a perfect album and it only had 9 joints on it…I’d go with Illmatic or a beat CD and my pen and pad!!
Any shout outs or last words?
Peace to the world in general Project City specifically, Kenny Dope, Uncle Clark, Maleet, Super X, Coop, Sef, Sugahill, A.P.P. everybody, my family & my whole team X, Tracy Morales on the pics, Tati & Marc everyone that has helped me get here…Thank You and to you for the interview and the love & support…Peace to HIP-HOP!!!
Contact: Rasheed’s Myspace
“Dope Muziq”
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“Resurrection”
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“What Goes Up”
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“I Know”
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
real good interview man…def worth checking the dude out
yeah, make sure you check him out. dope music forreal
RASHEED CHAPpell is where its at. Everybody needs to take the time out and listen to what this man has to say. RASHEED CHAPPELL not the next nothing hes the right now!!!!!! Its on baby, project city all day. You already know what time it is so do what you do. I’ll be on either your right side or your left my brother!!!!!!
Sheedy Iam so proud of you.
Probably one of the better “Get to Know” interviews we did. I added a new song: “I Know.” Pretty dope song. Couldn’t get it up in time before we posted.
What up worls…just wanted to say thank you to Thomas and Kevin for posting this interview…greatly appreciated…keep the movement alive & support this site!! To everyone that has hit me up as a result of this article…thanks as well for taking time to hear a new artist out…for your soul’s consumption I have a FREE mixtape…The Chappell Show…The Lost Episodes Vol. 1 avail for download on my myspace page have a listen & enjoy & once again Thanks Kev & Thomas…Peace
whats the deal sheedy??!!! its a blessing to see the rest of the world is getting a chance to hear that dope music i have been loving since day one…….well now that i think about it you remember what it was like listening to your jolnts day one….lol….i pray my critizism helped you manifest this dope muzik…..peace to da god