Chazzie Shepherd
Atlanta, GA | Established. Jan 01, 2004 | INDIE
Music
Press
Chazzie Shepherd has achieved more in the music industry than some veteran artists, but has yet to sign a major label contract. How is that possible? The Atlanta native consistently works with the industrys best, and has put in more work behind the scenes than most. Music insiders bask in the glow that is Chazzies sultry and authentic sound, and the time has come to give the outsiders a taste of what she has to offer.
Chazzie is an artist in every sense of the word. She is a multi-faceted musician who is a master of the Country, R&B, and Rock n- Roll genre. She is a painter whose works of art captivate the homes of some of musics most well known talents. And this is only the crust of what she has to offer the world. This rare gem sat back with Allhiphop.com Alternatives and laid down her master plan to take the game over, slowly but surely.
Allhiphop.com Alternatives: Lets get into what you currently have in the works right now. Obviously, there are certain things you cannot speak on, so talk as much as you can about your music as it stands right now.
Chazzie Shepherd: I am currently doing some things with Parliament, Im on Cee-Los next album, which is dropping January 20th, and Im also doing some things with Killer Mike. I have some paintings, and Im getting ready to go in the lab and do some things with Ludacris. I did some paintings for Cee-Los wife and for his manager, and I did some paintings for Luda.
AHHA: Are your paintings the ones that were featured on MTV Cribs when they did a segment on Ludacris?
CS: I dont know which ones you saw, but any of the ones you saw in Cee-Los house, I did. The ones in Ludacriss old condo, I didnt do those, but the newer ones I did. I have a couple of songs Ive done for Macy Gray for her documentary, and I have two songs that are available now on this movie with John Amos, called The Watermelon Heist. I have a number of different things going on.
AHHA: Do you have any information about your upcoming debut?
CS: Im going to try to have everything done after I go on this tour. We havent come up with a date to drop it.
AHHA: Is this an independent project, or are you going to go with a major label?
CS: I wanted to do the independent thing. I didnt really want to sign to a major label because I think right now its in my best interest to go independent. The majors are raping people. Im trying to stay clear from that. Although Im doing some major things, and it would be good to have the people of the industry whove been there for a minute, Id rather risk some of these small time people whos really trying to get their name out there, and being real about it first.
AHHA: When does the tour begin? Is this just a national tour, or are you venturing out overseas?
CS: [It started] December 4th. This is a just a promo tour, so we are going to stay in the states. I got to stay clear of the water right now. Well probably head overseas in the spring and the summer.
AHHA: What exactly drew you into this business?
CS: I grew up doing this all of my life. Id been singing in church. My mom played the piano in church for 30 years, so being that she was over the youth choir, I had to sing in church. Then, I ventured off into learning and wanting to write songs on my own, and fiddling with the keys a little bit. I fiddled with the guitar a little bit, too, so I just tried to establish myself as an individual and not really follow the gospel thing. My music is kind of a conscious music. Everything has a message behind it. Youll bounce your head, but if you take the music away and listen to the lyrics, theyll move you just as well.
AHHA: I took some time to listen to your music, and I identified three different influences. I want to know how much these three particular people play a part in what you do. I hear a lot of Cee-Lo
CS: When people hear my songs, they always swear hes on it. Actually, I did that before I even got on the album with him.
AHHA: I hear a lot of Macy Gray
CS: Yes sir, yes sir!
AHHA: Is she a major influential force in your music.
CS: Yes, I love Macy Gray. Anything thats kind of back wood and deep root. I can get down with anything kind of country but real. I go from old Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and then I can go to 2Pac, Eminem, and Dr. Dre. It depends on what mood Im in. I love all kinds of music. I love country music, so I got a couple of country tracks on there. I got some rock n- roll on my next album, and were already working on that. Expect the unexpected with me. You cant say Im just neo-soul because Im everywhere.
AHHA: I also hear a lot of Erykah Badu in your music, too. Where does she fit in with the influence of your creativity?
CS: I listen to her a lot, but Im more caught up on her lyrics. I like Erykah, of course I like Cee-Lo, Outkast, Nappy Roots, and Talib Kweli. But like I said, its all kinds of music. Ive been inspired by a lot of different people. I play the piano for my mom, and I play the guitar because it was something that I wanted to fiddle with. Ive been doing this for 12 years, and I was writing behind the scenes for a minute. I did some stuff with Dallas Austin when he was working with TLC. He also had an artist named Diamond, and I worked for her in secret for awhile as a ghostwriter.
AHHA: What kind of buzz and response have you gotten in Atlanta thus far?
CS: Man, they was ripping my clothes off. I had to hire my brother for security. (laughs) I knew it was time to venture out and do something else, so Im excited about this tour to see how other cities and states take it.
AHHA: What is your best description of neo-soul? I ask that a lot, but no one has been able to give me a straight answer as of yet.
CS: Its the same thing as soul. Its a more soothing sound, a more soothing feeling, and they say its a more conscious music, but thats not necessarily true. Music is music across the board to me. As long as you are telling a story, to me thats music.
AHHA: From what Ive gathered so far, you can basically take any genre and make it your own. What do you to keep your creativity fresh and avoid making repetitive music?
CS: Living life everyday and talking to people. All you have to do is watch and observe. Theres no such thing as writers block. You always got a story to tell; you always got something to say. Someone can always relate to anything thats going on in your life, as long as you have a certain way to relay it.
AHHA: What is your opinion on these award shows, like the Grammy's and the Source Awards? Do you think these shows actually validate these people as legitimate artists in the industry?
CS: It dont make or break a person. Honestly, Im the greatest known unknown, and Im triple platinum in my heart. Whether someone likes my music or not, as long as Im satisfied with what Im saying, and it makes me feel like Im living life and causes me to do better, then you know. - Allhiphop.com
The Atlanta native, Chazzie, has worked with a world of phenomenal unknown talents, as well as known artists Cee-Lo Green and Killer Mic both Dungeon Family, including producers DJ Primier, Rusty J. and Anthony David to name a few. Chazzie is an artist and songwriter who combines both R&B and Hip-hop into her music style. Her voice is raw and emotionally invested; it’s the one quality that sets her apart from many other singers in the business. She has heart and that comes through in every word she utters.
Chazzie-350You’ve probably been hearing a lot about soul lately, and how it’s that soul that can make or break an artist in any avenue of work they choose to pursue. If your projected audience can’t believe you then you won’t make it, no matter how hard you try or how talented you really are. Chazzie has that soul. It is evident in the song, “Save Yourself”, Produced by Rusty Jay and Chazzie Shepherd, released through M.A.D. Entertainment/Investing Black Records.
On “Save Yourself” she masterfully delivers to her projected audience, with her heart on a sleeve and we just devour it up because it tastes so good. Chazzie is assertive but she’s not blunt and aggressive. She also knows how to work and ride a groove which is evident on this single, which offers a great mid-tempo flare to it.
Chazzie-250Chazzie’s vocals draw you in and catches your attention. She creates a song out of inspiration and personal experiences and she does what she feels is her best capacity. She has beauty, sass, class and a voice to match.
Chazzie knows how to deliver music for the urban airwaves, have the ability to appeal to the crossover world, and still maintain a fan’s respect on “Save Yourself”. Everything is done so well; lyrics, music, production and let’s not forget the voice. Her vocals here, are melodic, mature, and with a definite pop sensibility.
Once again Chazzie has proven that she is here to stay. Her style is off the hook and she is busy cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with each new release. The voice, the style, and the sophisticated edginess of “Save Yourself”, will keep you wanting more. This song has flavors anyone can relate too and feel. - Buddy Nelson for Jamsphere
1. What is your artist name and why have you chosen for this name ?
My artist name is CHAZZIE; it suits cause,
I AM CHAZZIE, I live my life out loud, on purpose, I AM colorful and vibrant, I AM warm and inviting, I AM a lover of life, I AM real, and it shows; so l say to you "My name is CHAZZIE cause... I AM!
3. How would you describe your style, and what makes you special ?
THERE IS NO BOX; I'm a limitless, soulful, singing, pop, hip-hop, jazz, rhythm and blues kind of mc... I do what feels good to my spirit, & sets my soul free
4. What is your future dream ?
My dream is to LOVE ON THE WORLD & HAVE THE WORLD LOVE ME BACK - Mike Kwaitaal
I intentionally waited to post my new blog series #HonouringOurBlackHeritage after the "given" month of February in order to set apart our culture and to bring awareness that we should honour* our heritage DAILY and not when they say it's tolerable to do so! We don't need permission to celebrate our beautiful culture, one that has survived many obstacles and continues to do so today!
However, I digress, we will save that for another time!
I am excited, honoured, and humbled to have had the privilege to sit down with an artist that, in my opinion, embodies all that our ancestors have fought so hard for and what God is indeed shining upon daily. She is an artist, both musically & visually, singer, songwriter, a positive being, walking in the light & love of the creator. I am speaking of none other than, Chazzie.
I met Chazzie at April Daniel's Rock Out with Me event here in Atlanta last year. What caught my eye was her style. She was uniquely dressed and she owned it with every step. She not only had confidence, she exude God's love with every encounter. While detailing her journey to now, Chazzie dropped nuggets that you would expect to receive only from a Sage and as I've stated before, she's what the ancestors fought so hard to bring forth. Ladies & gentlemen feast your eyes and ears on the video below....I give you....Chazzie!!!
Enjoy!
Blessings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o7d7khCmeQ&feature=youtu.be - Untamed Royalty (Letonya)
Bio
CHAZZIE...
As a breath of fresh air, catapulting to new heights; birthing a unique style all her own with a rich innovative sound, this Atlanta native has brought a new era to the music industry, not only as an artist, but a writer as well; by her amazing combination of R&B/ Pop/Funk and Hip Hop.
After listening to high energy lyrics that inspire, and fuels soul, Chazzie's music, speaks volumes, she is a trailblazer, bringing a universal dynamic to every track she touches, making her "Super Natural". Unlike most artist out today, you can never predict the turn any of her songs will take.
Chazzie's appeared on Cee Lo Green's Album Cee-Lo-Green...Is the Love Machine. She has also worked with Killer Mic another Dungeon Family Member, Chazzie produces her own music but has worked with several well known producers like, DJ Primier, Anthony "Ace" Ratliff and Anthony David to name a few.
Word of her unbelievable talent is spreading like wildfire in the artist community.
This Virgo has proven that she possesses an innate ability to create a unique energy and vibration in her music that'll leave you addicted, craving for more.
Stay Tuned!
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