If we speak of modern rap, there is no American city that comes close to Atlanta's dominance and worldwide influence. From the Migos, Future to even 21 Savage, you name it! And Atlanta will deliver. However, what about their R&B scene? And that’s where emerging melodic singer Chase Shakur comes into play. You see, not only does he skilfully blend the likes of 90s style music with new school harmonies but also, he is without a doubt the embodiment of everything right about serenading singing in this day and age. Not to be mistaken with Brent Faiyaz from MD, Bryson Tiller based in Louisville or PARTYNEXTDOOR repping Toronto. No, Chase is evidently in his own lane. And his comfort in experimenting around with sounds and staying true to his Atlanta roots makes him stand out from the crowd. With songs such as ‘honda civic '98’’ or ‘too far close’, and recent single ‘2ofus’ . This makes him a force to reckon with - the Atlanta's side we’ve grown to adore. Naturally, New York sets for the perfect city to start his national tour for his highly-anticipated album ‘WONDERLOVE’ and to begin his worldwide conquest.
On a chilly Friday evening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we sat down with the young Atlanta star to discuss his music journey and give you some exclusive gems about his upcoming album.
First and foremost, thank you so much Chase for taking the time to talk to Deeds Magazine before your live performance. For those who still need an introduction; tell us, who is Chase Shakur?
I’m an R&B artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Eastside of the city.
What was it like growing up in Atlanta, Georgia as a youngin?
It had a lot of different flavours. I grew up in a house with a lot of women. I would say about nine people. So it was split with my mom, my aunts and my grandma. And then, my cousins and my uncles as well. So I had a lot of influence growing up from different music and different styles.
That’s almost the size of a football team! What type of music would they mostly play in the house?
They’d play jazz, classical, blues, a lot of gospel and old school R&B (music). The men of my family would play artists in our neighbourhoods. So it would be like Gucci Mane, Rich Kidz and just artists we’re from, you know.
Would you say that the religious aspect of your environment really impacted you?
Yeah, for sure.
What role did gospel music play in your life at the time?
When I was a kid, I was in choir. I didn’t take it seriously because I didn’t want to become a singer at that age. I actually wanted to become a painter. So I feel like I was made to go to choir practice for choir. When I got to High school, I joined the choir again and taught myself how to really sing.
Do you still paint or is it something you left in the past?
Yeah I still paint now and then.
You described your previous EP almost like a brush stroke of a larger painting, where does WONDERLOVE fit in this picture? Is it the final chapter of the trilogy?
It is the start of a new one.
You previously mentioned that “X’s and O’s” and “Slide” were your go to’s. What are Your favourite songs from your upcoming album?
‘LIMERANCE’ and ‘SAYTATYOUWILL’. Those are my favourite joints right now.
Why are they your favourite songs?
I think they are really hard. They are a blend of the 90s and trap. It’s basically what I grew up on all in one song or two. It’s fire!
Smino and TyFontaine, that’s an interesting pick. How did it come to be?
Honestly, for real, it was mad random. I was on tour with Kid Laroi and I was listening to Ty’s music non-stop. All tour rides. I was like I need him on a song. So I texted him and I was like yo, I need you on a feature and like a day later, here we are. That’s my bro! And you know Smino, that was a similar scenario. I was on tour and got the verse back. I worked on the whole album while I was on tour.
Why don’t you have too many features in your music catalogue?
Hmm… I don’t know [laughs] I might be a little bit picky with what vibe fits because not everything does.
Is there someone you would want to feature and you believe would blend well?
Andre 3000!
Oh yeah, that would be cool. If your fans were to take something away from this album, what would it be?
I want them to know that reality can be whatever they want it to be. When you fully immerse into something, you can make it anything you want, you know. I look at it (the album) like a bi-product. I lived with it so I want people to live with it. How y'all feel about it afterwards, you know what I’m saying. I appreciate it.
