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Up-and-coming, Chrishan is ready to take over the world as he prepares for the release of his new project #ManOfTheYear3 on August 27th, 2013. Now, this is not your typical up-and-comer who drops a tape and calls it a day. No. Chrishan has the power and will to succeed to within his peers. Be on the lookout for #MOTY3 - www.KillerHipHop.com

Chief Keef has finally learned how to stay quiet within the blogs. Instead of bashing him, let’s introduce you to some new music by Chief Keef entitled, All Time. This record was produced by West-Coasts talented producer/rapper, Chrishan. Hit that play button! - www.KillerHipHop.com

No he's not down with the Bad Boy crew but he is the new "Bad Boy" of R&B. Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Performer are just a few of the words you can use to describe 20 year old Chrishan, born Christopher Dotson. Growing up in a musically inclined family that includes such acts as "The Dotsons" and soul singer Lyfe Jennings, it was eminent for Chrishan to test the waters. With the help of his father, who taught him the ins and out of the music business as well as perfecting his craft, at 17 yrs old Chrishan began to plant the seed that is now his budding music career. Following the footsteps of many artist he released his first single, "2 Late 4 Us", independently, selling over 15,000 units. It wasn't soon after that, that major label execs were reaching out to the Young Boss!

On the heels of preparing for his debut album to be released, Chrishan is gearing up to put Minnesota on the map musically with his first single, "Look At Me Now".

Singersroom: What is the one must have accessory you never leave the house without?

Chrishan: I would have to say my Gucci belt.

Singersroom: If you were to walk in a room and have your scent linger what scent would that be?

Chrishan: Sean John

Singersroom: Would that be KING?

Chrishan: Yea

Singersroom: What do you think is the hottest fashion trend out right now?

Chrishan: Sneakers with straps like Supras, and the Air Yeezys. I'm a huge sneaker fiend.

Singersroom: Who is your favorite designer?

Chrishan: I would have to say Kanye West. I like his Louis Vuitton shoe collection.

Singersroom: What piece of clothing do you find sexiest on a woman?

Chrishan: You're going to laugh when I say this but I think its sexy when a woman puts on my clothes. Like my sweats and T-shirt.

Singersroom: That's not weird because a lot of guys actual prefer something so basic like that. It’s us women who complicate things.

Chrishan: Yea (laughs)

Singersroom: Where are going to move on to love now. What would you say is the sweetest thing you've done for a girlfriend?

Chrishan: I wanted to ask a girl to this sweetheart dance at my school for valentine’s day so I decorated her entire room with rose petals, and pictures of us. I cut out construction paper hearts and strung them up in her room also.

Singersroom: That is so sweet. It’s something you see on these reality shows. Her parents let you in her bedroom to do all that?

Chrishan: Yea, this was a girl I was dating for like a year. So they were cool with it.

Singersroom: What's the most attractive feature on a woman to you?

Chrishan: Eyes.

Singersroom: Do you believe that eyes are the window to the soul?

Chrishan: Yea (laughs)

Singersroom: What exactly is it? The shape, color?

Chrishan: Color. Like light brown, hazel, blue, or green eyes. Green eyes especially.

Singersroom: So anything that looks exotic?

Chrishan: Yea, pretty much.

Singersroom: What is your definition of Love?

Chrishan: My definition of Love would be when someone shares the same understanding as you, the same level of respect, and someone who is into it as much as I'm into it.

Singersroom: What is your idea of a perfect date?

Chrishan: It might sound boring but dinner and a movie. Dinner first then a late night movie.

Singersroom: It's said that Chocolates mean "I Love You" and Flowers mean "I'm Sorry". Based on your track record with women what type of guy are you, a flower sender or a chocolate giver?

Chrishan: (Laughs) I've given a lot of flowers. So I guess a flower sender.

Singersroom: I bet after hearing this you'll be a chocolate giver.

Chrishan: Yea (laughs)

Singersroom: Now let's get down to your music. At what age did you decide you really wanted to be in the music business?

Chrishan: It wasn't a particular age. I would sit in the backseat singing Michael Jackson so my Dad started to train me on how to use my voice. Then at 16 I took that and grew into my own artist and started singing in my own style. Then at 17 I decided I'd get serious and put an album together.

Singersroom: If you could make a Chrishan Gumbo what three musical influences would you add to make it complete?

Chrishan: I would have to say Chico Debarge. His voice is crazy. Michael Jackson and Tevin Campbell. I would sing a lot of Tevin Campbell songs to train my voice. He's the reason my voice is the way it is.

Singersroom: Do you write your own music?

Chrishan: Yes

Singersroom: What do you think about when it’s time for you to write a song?

Chrishan: I think of personal experiences. Everything in my music is something I've gone through in the past or currently.

Singersroom: Do you wait to listen to the beat before you start the writing process or you just write and then when you get the beat arrange it?

Chrishan: Both. Mostly I'm just always writing. A lot of people don't know I wrote, "2 Late 4 Us" when I was 15 and r - Singersroom

Last year, Minnesota, MN up-and-comer Chrishan was a selected winner through Ozone’s Sonicbids feature series. Chrishan has since signed with EMI and his latest video was featured on WorldStarHipHop.com. His “Somethin’ Like It” video is posted above, and for more music, log on to www.chrishantheprince.com. - Ozone Magazine

“Determination” is the name of the game for singer/songwriter, Chrishan the Prince, a St. Paul, Minnesota native, whose spent years successfully maneuvering through the music industry’s independent neck, with hit tracks like “Bitch Look At Me Now,” “Do It To It,” “Gucci Swag,” and “Somethin’ Like It.”


In December 2010, his newest LP Night And Day: Platinum Vol I, sent his career into new heights when it went number one on the charts in one of the most unlikeliest places… Japan. But this presence in Tokyo, all over Europe, Australia and Asia have helped to make this Midwest superstar an international great.

What distinguishes Chrishan apart the pack of other possibilities is his continual refusal to stay static on his journey and wait on an opportunity to come to him.

He’s had his fair share of potential record deals with major labels, and other opportunities that fell through the cracks, but one thing that has always been a guarantee for this talented singer/songwriter, is his thriving relationship with his fans, and the love the independent music community has for his craft. His undeniable web presence continues to keep his audacious and marveling music at the center of our ear drums.

Chrishan is also the winner of this years Twin Cities Hip Hop Award for Best R&B Male Artist, and he sat down with me to tell me about his international success, his music, and what it’s like to be in control of his own musical destiny. Take a look.

Alaina L. Lewis: So… in your word, who is Chrishan?
Chrishan: Chrishan aka Chrishan the Prince, aka Mr. Gucci Swag aka Mr. Break-Your-Heart.

Alaina L. Lewis: What sets your music apart from these other artists out here?
Chrishan: I create R&B music that is grittier. My uncle was Lyfe Jennings. We basically take after the same thing. If you listen to his album, we have the same style except mine is a little more new-school than his.

Alaina L. Lewis: Is that how you got into making music; because of you uncle?
Chrishan: My dad started the group The Dots. That was a group that Lyfe was in. You’ll hear him talk about it in interviews sometimes. My dad had this studio available for me, and I used to practice in it. I would always hear [The Dots] rehearse in the back room, and when I would be in time out, I would pull up a chair and sit outside of the room. I used to always hear them rehearse, so it was like I grew up in that whole music environment.

Alaina L. Lewis: So you came by it honestly. The talent is in the family, so it’s in your blood as well I see. Well you’re an incredible artist. Are you signed to a label, or still independent?
Chrishan: I’m still unsigned in the US, but I am signed to a label in Japan, and I am working out my deal with the UK right now as we speak.

Alaina L. Lewis: So what does it mean to be signed in Japan, does that mean you’re under an official label?
Chrishan: Yeah, I am signed to a label in Japan, and it’s for exclusive rights. I’ll be under one label exclusively. A lot of time when artists do deals in the US, they’ll do a deal with the same label in Japan and the UK. There are actually a lot of labels in Japan that are looking to pick up US artists, because we’re really big in the Japan market. The label I’m signed to is a really good label.

Alaina L. Lewis: So why skip over the US and go straight to Japan?
Chrishan: Because the US is uncomfortable with what I’m doing right now. I want a good situation; I don’t want to jump into anything really fast. Me signing a deal in Japan is broadening my horizons. I really want to break out in more areas, not just the United States market. I want to keep my mind on the bigger box.

Alaina L. Lewis: So have you ever been to Japan? How’d you attract their attention?
Chrishan: They just picked me up on one of the blog sites. I know I have a lot of fans in Japan, so I’ll be heading over there sometime this Spring.

Alaina L. Lewis: When you say “The US isn’t comfortable with what you’re doing,” tell me what that means? I know you’re likely referring to your personal style with your music, but elaborate a little so people understand that statement in your own words.
Chrishan: Basically, in the US when you come out on a label, there’s a lot of different politics that play a factor into what comes out, what’s on the radio, what music video’s are played on MTV, to what award shows you show up at. I really want to be respected for my music, which is why I’m taking my own independent approach, and doing my own thing. I don’t want to be subjected to people telling me I can’t do “this style” of music, or you have to tone it down a little bit. I like where I’m at, and saying the things that I want to say. I don’t really feel that I would be able to say what I’m saying now if I were signed to a major here.

Alaina L. Lewis: I think here they want to keep you in a box. It’s corporate run. How long have you been in the game? The first time I stumbled upon you was with the track “Do - Alaina L Lewis // BeSoulfullyUnique.com