Artist Spotlight: Charmingly Ghetto

A short while back, the web was treated to a phenomenal product from an unsigned treasure by the name of Charmingly Ghetto. His project, Study A’broad – The International Mixtape, dropped last November, and if you were among those who took a listen, your encyclopaedic thirst was probably screaming for the low down on this cat. That’s where we come in…

Where are you reppin’?

East Coast – Boston, MA.

Introduce yourself…

I go by the name Charmingly Ghetto and I make music for the world.

How did you come up with your name?

My name is derived from W.E.B. Dubois’ social theory of double consciousness. It sums up the duality of the life we lead here in America as people of color and the struggle within ourselves created by outside forces. It’s how I define myself as someone who can navigate through this confusion whilst preserving myself, my culture, and my values.

Main musical inspirations?

Common, Nas, Biggie, OutKast and Ghostface Killah.

When did you fall in love with Hip Hop?

I fell in love with Hip Hop when I was 11 or 12 when I would go through my older cousin’s music collection and listen to [the] 2Pac and Biggie albums he had. In addition, I would listen to his Alternative and Rock albums and I’d observe the manner in which these different art forms and sounds would coincide. I would just hear so many elements of music woven within each genre and the Hip Hop vibe was what grew on me. I guess I could have been a Grunge head (laughs), but this is what I chose.

Current projects we should be looking out for?

You should definitely be checking the new project, Study A’broad, which dropped a few weeks ago.

Previous work we should know about:

Overstanding EP, which was released by RubyHornet.com this past summer.

What’s your equipment setup like?

Recently, I had the honor of working with a lot of talented individuals and these cats had some great studio setups with some of the best equipment that I have ever seen or worked with. So, my equipment is wherever I can lay down some dope lyrics that I am confident can be laid down immaculately to please the listener’s discerning ear. Shout out to everyone that has worked with CG on the recording tip. I could not have done it without you.

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

I would say the “One More Rhyme” track off of my original Overstanding project would have to be the track that sums up my career to date. I’ve had the honor of letting people hear my rhymes all over the country in the most humble of settings. I kicked rhymes in Houston, Pittsburgh, and Miami all off the cuff because people wanted to hear me do my thing. When I kicked my sh*t, people bugged out on some: “Who’s that? Damn, did that young cat really say that? Charmingly Ghetto – what does that mean?” Then all I got to do is spit one more rhyme…that’s it. They just got to listen to me one more time to get their answer because their ears will be that much more intent the second time around.

If you weren’t doing music, what would your occupation be?

My occupation is survival in the US, especially being the man that I am. I feel that if I had the opportunity to work in a field of choice outside of music, then I would certainly want to work either with or on behalf of the well-being of young people in this country. They are, and will continue to be, our biggest investment for our future. And if you believe in a future for yourself, then it’s imperative to make sure you look out for and protect those that will be in power in years to come. Lead them right, protect them, and teach them accordingly.

Why should our readers give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

I’m not asking for a shot, so to speak – I’m asking for a little less than an hour of your time to hear the Study A’broad project. Pour a glass of wine, roll something up or hop in your car for a drive. I say this because I want you to be engaged in your moment of Zen when listening to this music. I was in a moment of Zen throughout its development and that is what I hope transcends when you give it a listen. I have got music and future projects that are in development, but I am working on and striving to build relationships with people within the music industry – people that can help me to strategically market my music all over the world and develop ways to continue to modernize, yet maintain, the vintage feel of my craft. It’s a tough task, but accomplishable by the willing.

If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?

I keep trying to fight it but Biggie’s Ready to Die was such a poignant and creative piece of work that I will never be able to let something else trump it. Its value in Hip Hop is everlasting and I would definitely need that in my knapsack to complete my deserted island swag.

Tell us one thing that very few people know about you.

For me, I see music as a vehicle for growth and a doorway to greater and larger life opportunities. I am here for people to be excited to hear a style they have never heard before. I am, as you so well put it before in your writing, repping the “everyman.”

What’s next for you?

I’m working on some DJ mixtape placements and working on solidifying and expanding many of the artist/producer relationships that I have now. And I’m still giving the world Study A’broad, day in, day out.

Any shout outs or last words?

Shout out to KevinNottingham.com for this artist spotlight and giving the people the music that they need. And shout out to you, Andy. Keep growing man, I’m proud of you. Peace and love, CG.

Artist Spotlight: Charmingly Ghetto

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