Jesse Atkinson: Give us some background info as to who you are.
Chase Dinero: I’m an independent Hip hop artist who has lived in numerous states from down South to North East. I spent a lot of my younger years in North and South Carolina. Also I lived in Louisiana for a little bit and I lived in Philadelphia, and that’s where I started to take my music more serious. I released my first two projects “George W. Kush” and “Trappin Rappin Pimpin”. I moved to Newark, NJ about 6 months ago, and now it’s about taking my craft to the next level.
JA: What is the significance of your stage name?
CD: I came up with my stage name when I was about 19 years old, and I loved any movie that had Robert De Niro in it. So I guess it’s like a play on words kinda thing, but it’s still different because I wanted a name that had something to do with getting money. All my friends at the time said I looked like I’d be someone with the name Chase. So I put it all together and it just clicked. This name always gives me a reason to stay on my hustle.
JA: Who is your target market?
CD: My target market I would have to say is the streets or anybody out there that’s been through the struggle and is out here trying to make it. Doesn’t matter the age bracket. If you’re out here trying to make a better way for you and yours then I’m with you.
JA: What is your USP? (Unique Selling Proposition) and what sets you apart from other artists?
CD: The thing that sets me apart is that I’m really trying to inspire those that see and listen to me. I want to to show people that I’m not perfect and no different from them. I’m just a regular guy with a dream that’s very honest about accomplishments and set backs. I want them to see that no matter how much you fall that you can get back up and bounce back. That’s what my independent label New Visionaries Ent is all about. We’re showing people especially the youth that you don’t have to take no for an answer and can do anything that you put your mind to like starting your own business , company, or record label. I’m tired of seeing so many with great potential go to waste due to deaths and killings and want to influence people to unify more.
JA: What single or project are you currently pushing?
CD: I’m pushing my newest single “Money My Religion” produced by: Srvn-Btz from my album “God of War” that we’re planning on releasing this year.
JA: What is the philosophy by which you live by?
CD: Everything I say is a lie but I always tell the truth. People look at me crazy every time I say that like what do you mean? I tell them since everything is a lie anyway so there is truth to everything. What is the truth? The truth will set you free, but what is the truth?
JA: Which artists have inspired you?
CD: Man so many great artist from different genres but if I had to pick I’d have to say Dmx, Wu-Tang, Hot Boyz, Jay-z, Kanye West, Fabulous, Outkast, The Fugees, Bone, State Property, Dip Set ,The Lox, Big Pun, and of course Nas, Biggie a lot of the greats. Pretty much most of the mid to late 90s stuff. Just too many too name. I used to Djay when I was a teen so I had a lot of records for that era.
JA: Who does your production?
CD: My main producer is Srvn-Btz outta Newark, Nj. We’re always working crafting a new sounds and ideas. I also have a few songs on my album produced by D’aki also from Newark. I decided to work more with local producers this time around. It’s just a different vibe and it enhances the creative process.
JA: What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
CD: I think there’s a lot of good music out, but it lacks the same passion of past eras where lyrics, story telling, and bars really mattered. I hate when people say Hip hop is dead. Naw man. There’s a lot of good stuff you just have to look for it and support it once you find it. I do think a lot of artist should spend more time on perfecting their craft.
JA: If you can change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?
CD: One thing I would like to change is all the free music that artist put out. I mean I guess it’s good for the fans, but I don’t see how it really helps the artist. I feel like it devalues your brand and movement. On an underground stand point I would like to change a lot of the shady club promoters. I feel as though if you have to charge artist to perform then you’re not really a promoter, you’re a fan. It only makes sense unless it’s giving the artist a legitimate opportunity to further their career.
JA: What is your favorite movie and favorite book?
CD: My favorite movie is either Paid in Full or Coming to America. Favorite book is 48 Laws of Power
JA: What is your favorite part of your live show? How has it evolved?
CD: My favorite part of the show is when I first come on stage because I usually do something unexpected like jump on stage outta nowhere. When I first started I’d be stiff as a board and too nervous to move around stage. Live performance is very important to me. It’s a chance to really vibe with people. Now I just feed off the energy of the crowd. If I see someone in the crowd not bobbin their head then I look them straight in the eye while I’m rapping that way I know they’ll feel me.
JA: What is your EP or Album going to be like?
CD: My album plays like a movie. I’m real hype about it and it turned out way better than I could have imagined it would. Don’t be fooled by the title “God of War.” It’s more about war with self and personal demons, overcoming self conflict and defeating your oppressors. It touches on a lot of topics especially the issues we’ve been having with police. It touches on religion. It’s not a religious album, but it’s still very spiritual. So it has a lot of God themed songs. Sonically, be prepare to go for a ride. The beats are definitely knockin and the overall feel of the album is pretty consistent.
JA: What is your website?
CD:The website is WWW.CHASEDINERO.COM.
Soundcloud.com/therealchasedinero
Twitter.com/realchasedinero
Instagram.com/therealchasedinero
JA: Any final words for the people.
CD: Just wanna salute anybody that’s checking for me and following my journey. Power to the people!
