Upcoming Congolese born rapper, Charlie stacks was recently spotted having a few drinks in News Café, Rosé bank. Jozi Gist took the opportunity to have a conversation with the charismatic young talent about his new single, “Papichulo”, a new dance move he would be introducing to the world called a “Skrrrrr”, his plans to take African Hip-Hop by storm, how is love affair with music was born and what’s in store for the future (amongst other things.)
Dressed in a Calvin Klein black leather jacket, black denim skinny jeans and shoes by Paul Scott, Charlie stacks offered a glimpse into the lifestyle he portrays in his songs. At just 21 years old, Charlie Stacks has headlined major youth events all around Johannesburg. With his status as a writer and a performer rising at a rapid pace, Charlie stacks promises to captivate a global audience with his unique brand of local Hip-Hop.
The newly signed rapper, who just signed unto the Aris Albetti music group, is reportedly getting ready to premiere the visuals for his smash hit, “Papichulo” soon.
HEAR WHAT HE HAD TO SAY IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Tell us about your background?
I was born on the 23rd December 1994 in the complex city of Lubumbashi which is located in Congo. At a very young age my family relocated to South Africa in search for a better life. Having lost my father at a very young age, I was singularly raised by my mother. My Mother ran a small time hair salon and often travelled a lot to try to provide for me. I resided in Yeoville where I attended a community school named Yeoville community primary and later completed my secondary phase at the porch co-ed school Northview High School.
Why the stage name ‘Charlie Stacks’?
I have always been about my money from a young age so that is what the “Stacks” part is about. Charlie was a nickname I got from an old girlfriend.
How is Charlie Stacks different from Aristote Kanga?
Charlie Stacks is the fun, happy guy. Aristote Kanga is the business, serious guy.
Congrats on your record deal. How did that come together?
It’s exciting stuff. I want to say it was just a complete focus on my craft and my music. I was lucky to bump into Aris Albetti.He heard my music and invited me over. And we had a conversation and that was that.
When did you first get into music?
From the age of twelve, I always use to write rhymes. I use to call my boys close and bust a line. My mother was a singer at church so music has always been a part of me.
When did you write your first song?
I was 16 years old when I wrote my first professional song. The song was called “Twitter”. I did not have money to record the song and so I could only perform it. The response from the crowds I would perform it for was just so great that I was encouraged to stay in music.
Which artists have influenced your music?
Tory Lanez, Adele, young Thug, Ed Sherraan and Taylor Swift. I believe these artist’s all have a different style. They all bring something new to music and I would like to emulate these great’s artists.
What inspired your new single,” Papichulo”?
The song is inspired by the movie, “Scarface” .I was inspired by the lifestyle that was portrayed in that movie.
What makes your music different to what the music Industry now has to offer?
I don’t like to focus on what sets me apart, I think I just do me. My flow and my creativity is very distinct though. I feel like I am bringing a new hip hop sound to South African hip hop. I want to take South African music to the billboards. The phase of music we’re in right now, there are so many people trying to force things. But you can’t force passion. I’m passionate and I’m very distinct with my vision and I know exactly what I’m trying to bring forth. I don’t try to bring a certain sound out; my sound is my sound because I’m just being myself in the studio. It is what it is. And I feel like it translates and it’s gonna work. It’s just my reality; I found a way to explain it through this and give it a feeling.
When does the album drop?
Very soon but I am looking at dropping a Album first called “God bless the trap” We’re so ahead of schedule, you know, it’s a blessing. I got a bunch of remixes I’m dropping online, the “ Papichulo ” single and video coming out soon. There’s a bunch of stuff coming up in the next couple months to keep everybody entertained.
Tell me more about your new dance move, “Skrrrr”?
The “Skrrr” is a very simple dance move that I created last year. It is almost similar to dabbing. I will be doing it a lot in my music videos. I think it will become a really popular dance move.
What are you most scared of getting into the industry?
Failing. I want people to be has excited about my music as I am.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to go down as one of the greatest musicians to ever do it.
For Info: [email protected]
