After an outstanding show and performance at U Street Music Hall (in DC, on July 12), Chaz French‘s buzz continues to build. Over the past few weeks, the DC Native capitalized on “Happy Belated” (released April 27) by getting on the road with the recent XXL Freshman and fellow DMV native GoldLink.

Now that Chaz has finished up touring, he reveals a visual for “The Sh!t” off the  “Happy Belated” mixtape. This is the final visual released from the project, but don’t be too sad as we can now expect great new records.

The frequent TDE collaborator Jerome D was chosen to direct the music video, giving us the familiar simplicity and deep angles throughout the scenes. The turnt up visual matches the energy of Chaz’s constant chant, “I know I’m the sh*t!”

Watch the dope visuals below, and let us know what you think!

Source: HNHH

The post New Video: Chaz French – “The Sh!t” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

RESPECT:Hows everything been ever since you dropped “Happy Belated” EP?

Chaz French:Everything’s been great I see alot more people spotting me on the street.

How was SXSW?

It was great. Really really fun.

Your often known for your collaboration with Godlink. Is there more music coming from you two?

Yes. There’s definitely more music coming from us we just did a track the other day.

Other than what’s already out, any new EPs, singles or videos fans have to look forward to?

I’ve been working hard on the EP. We got some videos and some singles comin in a matter of months maybe even sooner.

Are you still living in DC? How is the music scene over there these days?

Yeah. DC is really comin out right now there’s a lot of great acts in the city that I like that are getting their shine.

What do you ultimately like to achieve with your music?

I really wanna help and touch people. Of course I wanna Grammy I always talk about that. I wanna build a following and ultimately I want to reach millions and be able to touch them. I want people’s situation to improve through my music.

How would you describe your style?

My style is always gonna be me. My new EP is just a bigger sound. But I try to keep as organic as possible, like an open letter to the listeners.

What are you listening to these days?

I haven’t been listeneing to too much. But if you come to my house there’s gospel music on all the time being played by my mom. That’s really all I’m listening to. Sometimes I’ll just be singing along to so shout out the gospel stations.

Are your parents into music?

Not so much my mom, my dad is.

If music is your first passion, what’s your second passion?

My daughter is my first passion, music is second.

You dedicated your last entire project to your daughter. How’s your relationship with her?

I can talk about her for hours. Everything I do I think about her in every little way, like even when I’m out shopping. It’s the type of joy you never knew you had.

Something your fans still don’t know about you?

I’m terrified of heights (laughs)

5 goals in 2015:

1 Million views on one of my songs, Sold-Out tour, do a song with Kid Cudi, buy a poncho and to make my project perfect.

What is your favourite Kid Cudi album?

Man On The Moon 2 is my favourite Cudi album. I’m mad I missed his secret SXSW shows I saw some photos.

Any plans for touring this year?

There’s a lot of things in the works i’m gonna say that. Really just building my brand and building my following in the most unselfish manner.

Artists on your bucket list that you would love to work with?

I wanna work with OGs in the game Erykah Badu, Bun B and M.I.A she’s awesome.

Name some of your favorite brands.

Saint Laurent, Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Margiela, I used to be into Balmain, Acne, APCs, Vans, Old Supreme. I like 10Deep shoutout to them.

To check for more music from him, follow his soundcloud.

The post RESPECT Exclusive Interview With Rapper Chaz French appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

While everyone’s attention is focused on the hip-hop scene in Atlanta, the DMV remains one of the most underrated areas when it comes to the hip-hop culture. Think about it, what’s the first thing you think of when someone mentions the DMV area? Mumbo Sauce and chicken boxes? The nation’s capital? Gogo music? Allow me to shed some light one of the rising rappers out of the DMV area, Chaz French.

The 21 year old D.C. native first made a buzz after his energetic performance at Broccoli City. Over the summer, the rapper continued to make a name for himself opening up for Flume on the east coast with Virginia’s own, GoldLink. During the short tour, French released his first video for “Came Down”. The Jerome D directed black and white visuals featured a hungry French turning up. The video helped to promote his then upcoming project.

Influenced by his daughter, vices, and a brief stint of homelessness as a teenager, the lyricist finally released his debut project, Happy Belated in October.The 13 track tape is filled with hits. The standouts are “Came Down,” “LMGLML” featuring GoldLink, and “YNN,” which are songs to add your turn up playlist. Chaz French shows extreme promise on his first mixtape. It is clear that Happy Belated is just the start for the DMV representative.

So don’t sleep! Checkout Chaz French’s debut project, Happy Belated below:

The post DON’T SLEEP: Chaz French appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.