With the evolution of technology and the birth of the World Wide Web, the ability to communicate and get your word out to different corners of the world was like never before. For the first time ever, a kid in West Covina, California could interact with a kid in Beijing with no static. Naturally, this meant art and how it was received would forever be different. With this movement came the influx of music coming from everywhere all at once. Not all was good, but not all was bad either. The issue was siphoning through the dung to get to the diamonds, which has left a lot of artists with awesome potential to fall victim to the times.  Columbus, Ohio native Chuck Brilliant is one of the diamonds, but he’s doing his best to not be a victim.

Chuck recently released his debut EP, Blessed, To Be Here, and has received great support locally/regionally — he’s now in Las Vegas. Tracks like “Growing Up” and “Elevator Sounds” showcase his pen game, while tracks like “Block Party” — which was featured in our With All Due RESPECT. segment — highlight his ability to get the party going with his raspy but melodic voice. RESPECT. Mag got a chance to catch up with the Sin City rep to chat about the EP, his first album, and what keeps him going.

RESPECT.: Where are you from?

Chuck Brilliant:I’m from Columbus Ohio, moved to Las Vegas in high school just a few years back. 

RESPECT.: What type of artist are you?

Chuck Brilliant: I’m big on concepts. Using different words while being creative to get my point across and just applying knowledge to the mind in a brilliant way. I find myself heading towards a more versatile route with my artistry but staying in my lane. I have an old school but modern day flow and I’m able to do many things with my voice. So I’d say my style is truly unorthodox. You never know what’s next, welcome to Brilliant Avenue.

RESPECT.: What made you fall in love with Hip-Hop?

Chuck Brilliant: I fell in love with hiphop the day I walked into the kitchen and “Wanksta” by 50 cent was playing. This was like 2002, 2003 and I literally studied the game from that point on. Being a huge 50 cent and G-unit fan for those following years.

RESPECT.: What was the first Hip-Hop album you purchased on your own?

Chuck Brilliant: First Hip-Hop album I ever purchased was G-Unit, Beg For Mercy.

RESPECT.: How did the idea for the EP come about and what can people expect to hear from you?

Chuck Brilliant: The idea just came about from a long night in the studio having fun during, I wanna say the end of 2015. The saying “Blessed, To Be Here” just popped in my head so I built a meaning around it then just started making records around it. Fusing ones I already had. What you can expect to hear from me upcoming is more experimenting and more having fun with my music. But most importantly molding a new sound that I’ve yet to discover. So just be on the lookout for more brilliance.

RESPECT.: Who are your inspirations?

Chuck Brilliant: My inspirations are my loved ones. Also, Lil Wayne, Steve Jobs, Kanye West, Nipsey Hussle and Eddy Merckx

RESPECT.: How did you start making music and what’s one time you wanted to quit but kept going?

Chuck Brilliant: I started making music back in early middle school with a potna of mine named Free Bang off of a karaoke machine that my peoples had got me. But could record with tapes with beats on it, so I used to set the shit up in my closet like a booth and just rap. I almost quit music, though, in 2013 during my first year of college from just finding myself a little more and lack of motivation. Some homies of mine from another rap group started doing shows, we clicked up, got back hungry and I’ve been on go ever since. 

RESPECT.: Any shoutouts?

Chuck Brilliant: Special shout out to my loves ones and all my supporters, all my brilliant people. Shout out to my brothers and my camp, Rich Souls KAKWorld, we motivate each other greatly to go hard as possible. I’d also like to shout out anybody chasing something or following their dreams, some of your close ones to you may never understand but it’s up to you to have that will power, stand for what you believe in. God’s plan..

Check out the brilliant — no pun intended — new EP from the Ohio native and be sure to keep up with his progression. Diamonds aren’t easy to find.

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The post REPSECT. The Hustle: Chuck Brilliant Talks New EP, G-Unit, and More appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.