“I know I’m dope,” Chika says with a chuckle. The 23-year-old Alabama-born rapper never shies away from her talent. “I’m fully aware. To say I’m not would be spitting in the universe’s face and calling her a broke bitch. And I’m not going to do that, because she’s done nothing wrong to me except give me back what I’ve put out.”
That self-assurance and skill have earned her a new level of recognition this year. In March, she released her debut EP, Industry Games, and the influence of her stylistic forefathers (Wale, T-Pain, and André 3000) is palpable. The energy varies from the simple, stirring piano accompaniment of “Intro,” to the sunny soundscape of “Crown,” to the deceptively subversive “Balencies,” and the soul-sampled, drum-heavy “Designer,” which is her favorite track.
“I’m damn sure not leaving this earth the way I found it,” she declares with the utmost sincerity. “So I might as well — I’m gonna raise hell. I’m gonna use my voice. What else am I here for?”
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