PRIEST OF S.F.E.

UDC: Name? Who you are? Background Information?

P: My artist’s name is Priest aka Cheddachaser and I have doing music for a good eight years now. I am producing my solo album, SFE, Super Fly Esquires. I am trying to put it out there and do my thing.

UDC: Explain what Priest means 2 you?

P: Priest is metaphoric for someone that has a positive image, that is motivated to do something besides rap and to motivate people in a spiritual manner. By producing a message that the youth can feel, as well as adults and anybody else that likes my music.

UDC: Who are your musical influences? Why?

P: 2Pac definitely because he was a realist and was a rapper who studied his music not just one type of music but all types. He knew what he was talking about. People like Frickaseed, DirtyTracks and many other records labels.

UDC: At what point in time did u realize that music is what you want to do?

P: I wanted to pursue music in about 7th grade. I knew I had an adoration for music; I wanted to pursue it for a career. It intrigued my mind, every part of it; vocally, musically, and instrumentally. That has inspired me to do what I do now.

UDC: Is there a message or a theme in your music if so what is it?

P: My message is don’t pattern yourself after me or follow me, my music will inspire people to follow their own dreams. Don’t stop at nothing and don’t let anything stop you. Don’t necessarily go word for word but do what inspires you and take yourselves to your goals and dreams.

UDC: What music equipment do you use?

P: We use Pro Tools, Acid Pro, Cubase, and many other programs. We also use the 88-key Triton.

UDC: So what is priority number one for Priest?

P: Personally for me, my goal is let people know my music is real and rap is a form of self-expression. Whether I use curse words or lyrics without curse words, it is letting people know how I feel, how our community feels and how society is. I give everybody a certain vibe on what going in our world, our nation and to spread a message that we have to make a change. Maybe I am not the one but that is why I am out here. I hope to make change in society and do some positive things.

UDC: What are the three most essential items that you need when at the studio? Everyday?

P: I need time, a piece of mind,and
definitely need people around me that will
bring the best out of me.

UDC: How do you feel the internet has affected your genre of music and the music industry as a whole?

P: The Internet is overrated just because people can burn your music for free, I say look at how it can be positive and negative. It can be positive as far putting your music out there and people can find out about you. At the same time, it can be a negative because many things can be misconstrued. I figure I will use the Internet as a tool to put myself out there.

UDC: Do you think that penalizing music download site for sharing music is fair?

P: I feel like burning music is a discredit to the artist because we are trying put music out there to entertain the public and keep them listening to what they want to hear. It took us 100% to 200% effort to get it to them and least you can do is buy it.

UDC: Describe Priest five years from now?

P: Five years from now, Priest will be doing his thing in rap, being a missionary for Christ and for what I believe in. Staying focused on my goals and continuing to make music for the people. Making a my voice sronger, so people can understand the positives of my message. I am an artist and what ever it takes to spread my message. I’m going to speak my mind.

UDC: What types of pressures do you face as a producer/artist in hip-hop music?

P: The pressures are society itself; you have Bill O’Reily who does not consider rap music a positive image for youths. He feels like we are expressing things that cause violence and turmoil amongst each other. Despite those pressures, the media, money, and the government, I think that can be overcome through time and change. We have different political leaders who are trying to make a way for us in this music industry. As long as we keep a positive message like Biggie and 2Pac, this music will go every far.

UDC: How do you feel about large corporate labels suppressing artist and their creative freedom?

P: I definitely feel they suppress it, a perfect example; before he was mainstream, Lil’Flip was able to say anything and express himself fully. Under Sony, they prohibit the things he would say, what he will do and how he will portray himself. He is on a label where he is representing them. Me as rapper, a vocalist, and a realist, I want to express what I feel because this is my passion.

UDC: Would you sign with a major label and would that change Priest as an artist?

P: I will sign with a major label but I feel like Kayne West in Jesus walks. If I speak about Jesus, abortion, and racism if that will discredit my lyrics or record sales, then thats not the label I need to be with. I need to be who I am no matter who I sign with.

UDC: Are there any words that you would like to express to your audience?

P: I want to let everyone know that Priest is real and I have been doing this since the ninth grade and I’m 22 now. I'm spreading a positive message whether I’m explicit or clean, you will feel my message within yourself. I work with like people like Lejend, Kiest, EP, Smurf, Polo, and Young Texas, who surround me with positive energy so I know my message will be heard and I will touch the nation.

Interviewed By Lejend@undevco.com
Photography By Ean Pegram