At Only 20, Chy Cartier Is Proving Female Rappers Run the Show

Grime was the defiant spirit of the U.K.'s music scene in the '00s with legends like Dizzee Rascal and JME brining the genre to the global stage. Grime rose with artists like Stormzy and Skepta, and continues to resonate today with chart-topping Brighton boy ArrDee and genre-adaptions from Little Simz.

Amidst this ever-growing scene, Chy Cartier emerged. Brought up in a household where rap, R&B, and hip-hop were always playing, the artist was naturally drawn to the energy and lyricism of the genre. But it was hearing Nicki Minaj's "Beez in the Trap" on TV that truly sparked something in her. From that day, Cartier began writing her own lyrics and performing them for her family, quickly realizing she had a talent worth pursuing.

 

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What sets the North London-based artist apart today is her use of what she describes as a "dark, mean bass," which defines the tone of her music. For those familiar with Cartier, it's clear she challenges labels with her unique lyricism.

At just 20 years old, she's already released 16 singles over the past three years, including the breakout hit "Bossed Up," which has been pivotal to her success. Despite the challenges women face in the rap scene, she's managed to carve out her own space. "People tend to second-guess female artists a lot," she explains. "It's harder for women to break through because there's always that question of, 'Are you really writing your own lyrics?'"

We caught up with the rising star ahead of her highly anticipated mixtape, No Bring Ins, to hear about what's next in this exciting chapter of her career.

On Her First Taste of Success

The first time I went to a studio properly was when I was 11. I recorded a track, but it never came out. Shortly after that I made my first-ever song, "Chy Freestyle." I remember recording it on my phone because back then, you could record straight onto SoundCloud and upload it. So, I put it out and suddenly, everyone in school was talking about it. Even the older kids in Year 11 were giving me compliments on it. I know it was only in school, but even then I found it slightly overwhelming getting that much attention, so I ended up deleting it.

On How Her Musicality Has Evolved

While my musicality has improved over time, my approach hasn't changed much. I've always focused on studying rap, especially rhyme schemes, and breaking down how they work. Growing up, I analyzed my favorite artists and how they structured their bars, like using patterns such as A, A, B, A, B. Lately, my process has shifted -- while I used to write alone at home, I'm now more open to collaborating with producers; something I learnt when working on this mixtape. We bounce ideas off each other, and once that dark, mean bass comes in, everything just falls into place naturally. Music is now a true extension of me, and when it's right, it feels effortless.

On Inspirations Behind No Bring Ins

After "Bossed Up," I've been working with different producers who really get my sound. The project has a mix of chilled tracks around 95 BPM and some high-energy ones closer to 145 BPM. I've been collaborating with BKay who's also from North London, on a new sound we're calling "The Bounce," which started with my track "YO." Making this mixtape has been pretty smooth -- it's all about sharing my journey since "Bossed Up." Over 10 months, I recorded 70 songs, then chose the ones that felt right for the final cut.

On Her Dream Collaborations

I'd love to work with people like Nicki Minaj, Drake, Future and Skepta. There are so many others -- it's hard to name them all. I'd love to get to a point in my career where I can collaborate with the legends. I feel like that would be a real moment of knowing I've made it.

On Her Fashion Influence

My fashion inspiration comes from brands like KNWLS, Corteiz and Stone Island -- I also love Rick Owens. In the music video for "Different Kettle," I was styled in a mix of Rick Owens and Chrome Hearts, with a gothic vibe. It fit perfectly since we shot it underground and one of the lyrics in the song goes, "Rick O down till I look like a goth," which is quite fitting.

On Her Future Plans

I'd love to get into acting at some point. Once I've put my all into music, it's definitely a path I want to explore -- whether that's as an actor, writer, or director. I've never done anything like it before, but as a natural entertainer, I feel like my skills could translate well.

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