Martini Rox: Swagga Boy breaks out with ‘Larry Flynt Project’
Written by Martini Rox | | starmusic@toledofreepress.comCharismatic onstage with a cool demeanor off-stage is the way I would describe rapper Chiefalone. He is one of the four talented members of Toledo’s own Swagga Boyz. Chiefalone, also referred to as Chieledo or Chief, has consistently performed with and without his musical brothers for years, gaining him regional and national exposure. Most notable are his high-energy, polished performances with fellow Swagga Boyz member Cuntry as they switch between playing featured artist and hype man on each other’s sets. It was those performances that brought me to ask about a possible collaboration album between the two currently solo artists and according to Chief, in time this could happen.
Hard work and dedication have paid off for the artist who has remained in music industry conversation by consistently performing and releasing singles like his track, ‘Change the Beat.’ Recognized for his style and his music, Chief is a standout performer and is already enjoying critical acclaim of his current mixtape, “Larry Flynt Project,” released on his birthday, July 14.
His mixtape is loosely based on and inspired by the movie “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and includes snippets from the film (as well as a few others) as introductions and highlights throughout the project. Features include area artists and producers Mally The Martian, Cris Siege, Lagik, MidWest Tone and female rapper Johnnie Mae, to name a few.
Creatively, it is going to be one of this year’s best in terms of beats and content. Chief uses song subjects as his playground and on “Larry Flynt” he effortlessly bounces from the self affirmation track “I Am” to “Chie in Love” to his personal observation of his life in “Mirrors.” A diversified flow and lyrical talent makes this 16 track (plus 2 Bonus tracks: “Change the Beat” and “Runnin’”) mixtape worth a listen. “Larry Flynt” is available for download at www.datpiff.com.
Chief is currently anticipating his upcoming July 27 video shoot at the Glass Bowl at 5 p.m. for the album’s single “March” and he and producer Lagik’s going away party is July 28 at the Peacock. Chief will soon move to New Jersey to join fellow Swagga Boyz member Mally Speaks as he gets ready for the next chapter in his career.
Martini Rox: How would you describe your style of music?
Chiefalone
Chiefalone: I would describe it as complex … and misunderstood.
Martini Rox: As an artist what do you feel you bring to the music industry?
Chiefalone: Of course originality, that’s what everyone else would say. I kind of feel like it’s more, I bring a different type of edge. I say that because I’m more of a misunderstood artist.
Martini Rox: What serves as your main inspiration?
Chiefalone: Business inspires me. Being an entrepreneur inspires me, my friends, my circle. Of course artists like Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, but mostly it has to do with my circle of friends, my surroundings. Because its like all those guys are good and they look at me, they give me the utmost respect so I got to keep that.
Martini Rox: As a Swagga Boyz member you were signed to Shawn Stockman’s (Boyz II Men) Soul Chemistry label; having already dealt with the harsh realities of the industry while in a group, what did you take away from the experience?
Chiefalone: You can’t take nothing for granted, because it’ll get swept right from under your feet. You got to go for it. You got to take advantage not for granted. If you are that type of person that plays the leader role … you should play the leader role. Don’t play in the back.
For more information, contact Chiefalone at Bookingchief@gmail.com. Download music at www.soundcloud.com/chiefalone and check him out on Twitter: @Chieledo
As we continue on …
Tags: Chiefalone, Cris Siege, Cuntry, Johnnie Mae, Lagik, Larry Flynt, Mally the Martian, Martini Rox, MidWest Tone, Swagga Boyz
