There seems to be a lot of talk within industry circles about California based Rapper Horchata The Choppa. He is quickly making a name for himself in the world of Hip Hop and beyond. This versatile MC continues to prove himself as a lyricist and he has garnered the respect of many of his peers from around the world. Check out this candid interview with Horchata The Choppa.
Jesse Atkinson: Give us some background info as to who you are.
Horchata The Choppa: I am a Hip Hop artist/songwriter/entertainer who performs under the stage name Horchata The Choppa. I was born and raised in the Town of Windsor, North Bay, California. I started writing poetry at 8. I developed my skills and began telling stories and emotions about my life thru music. I was discovered by Tim, “Milkman” Murph at a party. He helped push me further and recorded some of my earliest songs. I met Rudy G, of RG Recordings and after signing with him he taught me the in’s and out’s of the industry. I credit him for polishing me into the artist I am today. Music aside, I’ve been a chef for several years and have helped open several restaurants. I also have a hand in some stand-up comedy. I have a 4 year old son who is the world to me.
JA: What is the significance of your name?
HTC: I went by “Jesse J.” starting out. Overused and unoriginal, I knew I needed something to better brand myself. On a trip to LA for Team BackPack, I posted on my social media asking for my followers ideas and opinions. After some back and forth we came up with “Horchata The Choppa”. Part due to my absolute love for the Mexican cuisines and my fast, lyrical content I was being recognized for. I love my name because it’s something personal that I actually came up with because of my supporters.
JA: Who is your target market?
HTC: My target market is roughly 24 million people between 19-43 years old who make up the Hip-hop demographic. That’s a combined potential spending power of $500 million. My target is 14-34 year olds who truly listen to and are impacted by the words and emotions of a song.
JA: What is your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition) and what sets you apart from other artists?
HTC: I’ve never done music in hopes of reaching/gaining “fans.” I’ve never wanted to be worshiped or treated different. I do it for actual people with real emotions. Each and every individual I come across has a unique and different story. I love being something that makes them FEEL something. For a brief moment in time, they are not alone. I’m not looking to be the best. I’m looking to be different.
JA: What single or project are you currently pushing?
HTC: RG Recordings and myself have spent the last couple of years putting together my first EP “Fossils”, featuring Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs, Rittz of Strange Music, and my label-mate Kiddy Nite. We’ve been pushing my single off of the project called “Windsor town” which has received great responses from people.
JA: What is the philosophy by which you live by?
HTC: My philosophy is “Don’t let the opinions of others curve your creative process.” You don’t need to work hard to prove people wrong. Everyone has an opinion and it’s okay to be different. I focus on making great music for the people who believe and support me, because they deserve it.
JA: Which artists have inspired you?
HTC: Tech N9ne has been one of my biggest inspirations. He came from nothing and built an independent powerhouse without going the commercial route. Several of his artists such as Rittz and Prozak work so hard to produce amazing projects. Tupac will always be in my music in one form or another. I grew up listening to him and even to this day his word speak oceans of truth.
JA: Who does your production?
HTC: Rudy G actually does all of mine. He’s been great to work with and has always been brutally honest with me which is crucial to my creative process. He has pushed me and motivated me so much. I love that guy.
JA: What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
HTC: I’m not happy with it. With technology advancing, streaming, and piracy, it puts pressure on artists and labels to stay ahead of the game. The creative process has become overly commercial, formulaic, and generic. There are exceptions if you look deep enough, but most all popular songs are the ones with major financial backing.
JA: If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
HTC: I would love to somehow hear more original artists get spotlight. Drake and Jay Z are dope, but I would really love for a no-name from a small town that opened his soul and made a really great piece of art get recognition? People put very little credit to the production of the song itself and I wish more people would understand the true craft of any artist and the time it took to build them.
JA: Are there any singers that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
HTC: Oh man, John Legend. He’s been a dream of mine to work with for years. I saw him perform live and it was amazing. Also, Khyenci, I recently sat in her session and she’s got a voice that people write songs about. Raw and real.
JA: What producer would you like to collaborate with in the future?
HTC: Rick Rubin definitely. He revolutionized hip-hop. I’ve heard so many crazy stories about him. I hope they are all true to be honest. I feel like him and Rudy G would make something timeless with me.
JA: What is your favorite movie and favorite book?
HTC: I am a HUGE fan of all Marvel movies and really any superhero movie. Comic books were my life growing up and I still really love reading the, to this day in my spare time.
JA: What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?
HTC: I love connecting with people. Coming out to a show I want them to FEEL my emotions. Rudy worked hard with me on my stage presence. I am the crowd, and that crowd is me.
JA: What is your album going to be like?
HTC: Currently I’m working on some really interesting stuff with Frankie Valentine and Ben Jones for my next project. It’s going to be a fresh, well balanced, but emotional experience for my listeners.
JA: What is your website?
HTC: You can find my work on Rgrecordings.com. Also my soundcloud is Soundcloud.com/horchatalifestyles. And I have my own VEVO as well which currently has my music video for my single off the EP “Windsor Town”.
JA: Any final words for the people.
HTC: Dream big. Dream often. I went from being homeless to working with some of the most talented people in the industry. Anything is possible if you just take that jump. I love you all. We’re here to win.
