Artist: Chey.N
Interviewer: Stephy Cyn

(track above: “Bonafide” off “Cheeky Pop Vol1”)
At only 21 years old, Chey.N’s lived lives some of you only dream about… A singer, songwriter, dancer and actor, Chey.N’s got it going on! Let’s get you all straight from the start, her name’s pronounced shhhhhh, “shay. N”. You’ve probably seen her on shows like Law&Order, SVU, 20/20, All My Children, and didn’t even know it. Well now she’s out after the launch of her new album “Cheeky Pop vol 1” and is reppin’ a really HOT new clothing line that launches in January, “Dumpe Fresh”.

She’s already got a new album and television shows to temp you with for the start of 2008. So remember the name Chey.N and while we’re at it, remember the name “DUMPE FRESH”… think BAPE, but on some nexxxt level shiiiit… Trust me, you DON’T wanna be the last one on ya block to jump on this!

ThatsHipHop: What’s good. I read your bio and I don’t even know where to begin! It all kinda started as with you as a badass kid runnin’ around a toy store?

Chey.N: Yeaaa, haha I guess that’s the story of my life kind of. I was running around FAO Schwartz and an agent spotted me goin’ nuts and thought, haha “this kids got something”.

THH: So how old were you then and what was your first gig?

Chey.N: I was like 5 I think. Shortly after that I got my first role in All My Children. Sooo corny lol.

THH: Corny, but huuuge! Actually you’ve got a whole list of television stuff you’ve done. I’ve prolly seen you and didn’t even know it! So why go with singing and not continue acting?

Chey.N: Well singing has always been my passion next to dance. The whole acting thing kind of came along first. So I pursued it for a little while, and then realized I was way happier singing and dancing. So I fell back from acting and went on the road dancing for awhile.

THH: So you can sing, you can dance, you can act… tell me you’ve done some music videos, or are going to?!

Chey.N: Hahaha ummm, I don’t see any music videos in my future. At least not as a dancer. Maybe make a few cameo’s here and there for some of my homies lol.

THH: Hahha aight one thing at a time right? …and your name Chey.N comes straight from your real name?

Chey.N: Yea my governments Cheryse Nicol Pickens.

THH: Can we print that? Haha…

Chey.N: Hahaha. Yea, people jackin’ me on MySpace already. So mght as well right? And when I was comin’ up back in the hood people always called me Nicol. It’s a grimy cyber world on myspace init?

THH: Oh yea, nothings safe. They already got me, haha. You just released an album in October, “Cheeky Pop”. How’s that doing?

Chey.N: It’s doing great! I really wasn’t anticipating much, since it was the first release since I was like 16. But people just latched onto it. It’s over 17000 now on isound.com

THH: Yea, I was just gonna ask where people can buy it.

Chey.N: Defpen Radio just picked it up cause their listeners been askin’. So either on isound.com.cheyn or Defpen.com

THH: Is there any one track on there that’s totally blowing the others away at the moment?

Chey.N: Hmm I think “Hard Hitta” is the one that really took off. It was like at 20,000 plays 2 weeks after it dropped on my myspace. Which is crazy to me cause it was just an interlude…

THH: Daaamn…

Chey.N: But I think people just didn’t expect that spit style to come from me and it so different than other females out, people love that. Dudes especially.

THH: Well I gotta say… On occasion, I have my own official team that listens to the music with me for the interviews I do ((shoutouts to JessyJess!!))… and “Bonafide” was a big hit with them?

Chey.N: Really? Honestly, “Bonafide” was one of my faves off there (Cheeky Pop). It was like the moment I let out a lot of the stress I had building, from trynna hustle my way back into this game. I always like my songs that come from a personal place best. I think that’s missing from music now.

THH: “Bang Bang” was buggin’ the heck outta me and I hope you take it as a compliment but it finally reminded me of a lil of Salt n’ Pepper type style, like the way you spit on it.

Chey.N: Definitely a compliment! LoL I get that a lot, or Left Eye, or people just say “You sound like something outta the early 90s” lol. I’ll take what I can get. I’ve only been spittin’ for like 4 months.

THH: I also wanna ask ya how people perceived the song, “In The End”… it’s your version of the Linkin Park song.

Chey.N: Hahaha welll… really, it went over a lot of people’s heads. I’m influenced by so many different kinds of music and Linkin Park has always been a band I really respect. But the people who did take a moment to listen to the words and understand how that song translates to so many people and so many situations, they really loved it.

THH: Good, cuz I loved it, so people definitely need to pick up the album and check it out. So do ya write any of your own beats or do any producing at all?

Chey.N: I do, I haven’t released anything yet. Cause I wanna hone my skillz first, lol. I’m just starting to dabble in production. But I think my people will kill me if I take on something else, haha.

THH: While we’re on it, who and what influences you to sing and do everything you do?

Chey.N: I’m real old school, lol with my young self. Bootsey Collins, James Brown, George Clinton, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, even Janet …. people who are innovators. Artists who are the total package. I think that’s what makes you iconic, is not just having talent but creating something unique out of it. Whether it be a sound or a style or just a presence. I remember watching a Michael Jackson concert in the UK when I was a kid. It was a sold out stadium with hella people screamin’… kids, older people, white, black and watching that, I understood what it meant to really be an icon.

THH: Who haven’t you worked with yet and would like to?

Chey.N: Umm I really wanna work with Madonna… And Janet.

THH: Those are good choices. I don’t care what anyone says, they’re definitely well experienced and strong females.

Chey.N: Yea. Madonna is freakin’ amazing. I’d love to be able to write something for her. I think that’s like my highest dream as a songwriter.

THH: You have a large fanbase in the US and the UK… Where did you grow up. Where’s home?

Chey.N: Its wierd cause I’ve always considered the U.K. home even when I’ve been away for a long time. I just have so many memories. The U.K really shaped my vision when it comes to life and music. It’s so much different than here, so much more accessible. But I def think NY is home too. Cause that grind and the hustle gave me my swag for sure lol.

THH: Word, so were you born in the UK? Cuz you definitely have some real NY swagga…

Chey.N: Nope, born in the US. My fams from Sheffield, So I came up between NY and Sheffield. Then when I decided I knew everything about life and moved out at 17, I was in NY fulltime.

THH: And did I hear you just got an apartment in LA too?

Chey.N: Oh don’t remind me…lol. I was actually making the big move this fall. Had everything set up and then the myspace page started to blow. So now I am still here stuck in the freezing cold. But I guess that’s how life always gets you. Now I’m in the studio every week, working on something out here. But I’mma be back in LA to work on some “Fly Society” stuff soon. Cannot wait to escape!

THH: Yeaaa. So now that people been showin’ Cheeky Pop mad love, what’s next?

Chey.N: Well I’ve just started a joint venture with Def Pen to release Cheeky Pop Vol 2 which is gonna be targeted mainly for the U.K and overseas. The bulk of it is gonna be produced by Don-E-Blaze who’s a siiick producer outta London. The 1st single from that “Bang Bang” just went online and people are lovin’ the new sound. Then I’m gonna be doin’ some writing for a lil bit, hopefully have some heat done with SNiPER and Kwame Dennis… I have my group A52 which just got a major endorsement which I can’t spill the beans on just yet but it’s massive. And we’re working on our album right now actually. THEN I will finally get myself geared up to start my album. When that comes out is all depending on where my home ends up being as far as labels but we’re tryna figure all that shit out now so I can just get to the music!… Oh and most importantly we just started putting the show together. For Cheeky Pop volume 1 and 2. And that should go Live around late Feb or March, so people can finally see a show… Whew…

THH: Haha, so wait… tell me more about A52… You’re like sooo full of nooks and crannies!!

Chey.N: Hahahhaah I’m multi faceted Stephy come on now! A52 is more of a clique really then a group. Kind of like Wu Tang, lol. But without 5million members…There’s me and another group called the Bundies, which is my dude Pav whose a rapper/producer and Jamelle who can sing her ass off.

THH: Haha… so do you have a myspace page or website or anything for updates on A52?

Chey.N: The official page for A52 is under HEAVY construction lol but it’s www.myspace.com/areafifty2music

THH: Aight, and this may be a personal question, so we don’t hafta put it out there if you don’t wanna…

Chey.N: Nah, personal works, lol you gotta get the inside story.

THH: Alot of people try to get into this industry and make it… even as they’re on their hustle n grind they still have regular jobs… Do you still have a regular job or have you been blessed enough to makin’ enough paper doing what you do in the industry?

Chey.N: Haha story of my life…. People automatically assume if you’re an artist and you’re buzzin’ that someone just handed you a 50,000 check, lol…. No way, I still work and until I’ve got some serious fallback money haha best believe I’ll still be! I’m lucky enough to have my acting, that def helps I can’t front. And I have an ill job. Working at nightclubs is def a plus, but for everything I have, I had to work hella hard to get a spot. But I think it’s gonna be hilarious thinkin’ back and remembering that one of my first jobs was workin’ for Jay at 40/40 club.

THH: Haha, word… Any acting stuff coming up that we can look for on tv or anything?

Chey.N: Hmm right now I’m just doin’ a lot of press to promo the music, I have a xmas special I just did with emerging artist. It’s a first listen to the song that’s hopefully gonna be the theme for our “Rize Above” project. Which is gonna be a program aimed at my peers especially girls, who are on the grind struggling.

THH: And that’s gonna be on tv right? Do you have any idea what channel?

Chey.N: Yea, all the info for that will be posted on my MySpace. Not yet, but hopefully I’ll have that info up on the site within the next 2 weeks. As soon as we get the airdate.

THH: Aight, I’ll keep buggin you about it!

Chey.N: Haha ok I’m countin’ on you! Cause Chey will forget. I would forget my head if it wasn’t attached to my body. *pause* haha…

THH: Uh-oh pressure, cuz that’s MY line!! Haha… well speakin’ bout being on the grind strugglin’… my boys UGP (www.myspace.com/UndergroundProfessionalz) they spit a line, “How many licks does it take to get a break”… So now I’m gonna ask you the infamous question: What the hells wrong with the Industry today?

Chey.N: You know what, it’s simple. There’s no soul behind anything. We have some of the best pop vocalists of our generation sticking to formulas just to try and sell records. And not just pop. Hip hop’s hurting too. People forget that music is an art. And it don’t matter if you’re singing bout getting crunk, you better feel like you bout to get crunk listenin’ to a record. Real talk, I can’t listen to the radio anymore. Cause it’s so vacant. Everyone’s trynna make up a dance.

THH: What’s the radio? Haha seriously…

Chey.N: Like what the hell happened to hiphop, that’s what I wanna know. LoL. That’s why I go outta my way to support artists like Boy Shy and Fly Society and Lupe. Cause hiphops lookin’ really lonely out there with Soldier Boy and Hurricane Chris… Damn lemme stop… “hate hate hate”… (from the Playa Haters Ball circa Dave Chapelle)…

THH: Hahha nah go go. I was just gonna ask ya what’s out there that you can’t stand. Like if you could throw an artist in Davey Jones locker, ya know what I mean… haha….

Chey.N: Yoooo that’s my shit Stephy. Lemme find out you on Pirates of the Caribbean, haha… Soldier Boy is def one of those songs that make me wanna just punch someone dead in the face! lol

THH: It’s crazy cuz I KNOW there’s amazing hiphop out there. That’s why I do this. But the only thing that seems to get the shine is everything cookie cutter for the white man running the industry, hahaha…

Chey.N: LoL, Yea but you know what. We are on the edge of a huge shift. Like people don’t even know. I just wrote this record called the come up kids and the first line is “welcome to your future”, lol.

THH: Yo seriously tho. Big Left’s got a great song off his new solo cd called “Kids” w/ Slaine… it’s gotta message (www.myspace.com/BigLeft)…

Chey.N: Yea, I feel like we’re about to bust the scene wide open. Music is cyclical and right now we’re just going through another disco phase. A lot of artists out there are just seat fillers. Opening acts for the big show, Feel me. LoL. Let me not start spitting or asking for finger snaps…

THH: Hahah nah I feel ya… So since everything is so structured with the radio and the labels, tell me who ya work with label-wise and shout out your producers.

Chey.N: Well we’re strictly indie right now. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of really respected people in the industry who believe in me and what I’m trynna create. Shout to Ossie Gibson, Dr. Dre, Keith Shocklee, Kim Jackson, SNiPER, H.I.T, Fly Society, Dumpe Fresh, Persaud Bro.s advertising, Def Pen Music Group, Lecs Prods, Don-E-Blaze and of course A52, that’s the movement. And I know I’m forgettin’ people. **please reference my statement before about forgetting my head if it wasn’t attached** But the bottom line is we’re coming, lol. And I don’t do well with taking no for an answer, so it’s a guarantee you’re gonna see me and the crew in 2008.

THH: Haha, that’s all that matters! And you got a birthday coming up soon too! Happy Birthday, got any plans?

Chey.N: Oh crap, haha. Not yet. But I’ll tell ya. It will def involve some Patron! 22’s a big one, and I plan to not remember any of it the next day.

THH: Ohhh nooooo you didn’t. Haha. I said I couldn’t touch any more Patron for the rest of the year… so umm yea I guess me and Patron are valid for 08’. Me and Patron have been like ex husband and wife, we had a great time, made a lot of wrong choices, temporarily parted ways, haha…

Chey.N: Ahahhahahaha. Seperated….damn. Good memories tho. Me and Pat are still going strong and we may even be joined by Dom that evening… who knows…

THH: I wanted to ask you about the video blog updates on your page. Those are hot. You still do those?

Chey.N: Yea I do, def any chance I get I try to check in with the fam. It’s my way to connect and let everyone know what the B.I. is.

THH: So people/fans got no excuse if they don’t know what’s going on in Chey’s world!

Chey.N: Damn right! Haha, no but for the most part they’re good about it, lol. They know when I’ve got a cold or if I’m stressed and they send me cards and comments, it’s cool. Love my MySpace fam.

THH: Is DumpeFresh the UK release coming up in Jan?

Chey.N: No Dumpe Fresh is actually a crew and a sick clothing line out of France. That’s Boy Shy’s (french rapper/producers) crew. Think Bape… but some neeexxxt level shit!… Definitely wanna shout out Charlie Sloth I almost forgot we just did a track 2gether. Source just voted him the best rapper outta the UK. So big up.

THH: Big ups Charlie Sloth… look out, might be my next victim. haha… So it’s a crew AND a clothing line?? And that will be available everywhere for everyone? What’s the best place to go?

Chey.N: Yes January 1st they will be available everywhere. www.myspace.com/DumpeFresh Yea, Charlie is sick… Stephy I’m still thinkin’ bout the Patron, you gotta go easy on me, lol. Best place to go… Dumpe Fresh will have a list of all the stores up soon. They’re actually out here right now lockin’ that down. They’re gonna be partying avec moi pour New Years. (avec moi pour is “with me”).

THH: You drop alotta French. Can you speak it fluently?

Chey.N: Hahaha I speak broken French extremely well. I definitely write and understand more than I can speak. Haha.

THH: Well you got me fooled… Anything you wanna touch upon or shout out before I let ya go? Cuz this was a great chat, I hope we got something outta it!

Chey.N: Come on now Stephy, you act like this is our last interview! Haha I’ll be back soon enough init. 2008 is our year. I guess I’ll leave off with a thanks to everyone who’s supported me and the music. And of course to you and Thatshiphop.com for shinin’ some light on the whole thing. To quote jay…its the takeover

THH: Awww you’re amazing and you’re definitely going places!! Aight everyone, all the links and info is below. Be sure to check it out aight!

*Get your copy of “Cheeky Pop Vol 1” at:
www.myspace.com/CheyNmusic
isound.com/CheyN
www.DefPen.com

*Don’t forget to check out www.myspace.com/ThatsHipHopInterviews for exclusive audio interview content, info, videos and more!

*Shoutouts*
BoyShy
www.myspace.com/shyns
Dumpe Fresh
www.myspace.com/DumpeFresh
Charlie Sloth
www.charliesloth.com
Fly Society
www.myspace.com/flysociety2007
Defpen Radio
www.DefPen.com
Don-E-Blaze (producer)
www.myspace.com/DonEBlaze87
SNiPER
www.myspace.com/SniperBeats
A52
www.myspace.com/areafifty2music
Pav (rapper/producer)
www.myspace.com/PavBundyOnline
Lecs Prod (French producer)
www.myspace.com/LecsProd

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 30th, 2007 at 11:41 pm