Chris Young Interview: SXSW 2010

With little in his pocket and a whole lotta of ambition, rapper Chris Young went from average college student to signed hip hop artist over night. Wowing the pants off of musician/producer Cisco Adler (of Shwayze), Young signed to Adler's label, Bananabeat Records in 2009. Two albums later, the rapper is heavily touring the US and successively collecting new fans along the way. Young will be performing at this year's SXSW Music Festival.

Describe your sound in your own words.

My music sounds like I was locked in a studio as a child, but I have a good mom. I swear.

When did you know that you wanted to be a musician?

When I heard the drums in church growing up; rhythm moves my soul.

What are your musical influences? Who inspires you?

Nas and Bob Dylan greatly influenced my way of expression. People inspire me. Everyday people. Especially the lower class person.

Have you played SXSW before? If not,what are you most looking forward to at the event and/or in Austin?

I had the honor of playing in Austin back in 2009 with Shwayze. I'm looking forward to seeing rap artists, Balance and Pac Div from LA.

What is in your festival survival kit?

Lots of water bottles, some condoms and a pack of Bubblicious.

What is your favorite venue you've ever played at and why?

So far, the ROXY in Hollywood is the best venue in the world to me.

Tell us a little bit about where you have toured geographically. What is your favorite city to play?

In 2009, I did my 1st tour with Shwayze, Mickey Avalon, Beardo the Trailer Park Hero and Tabi Bonney. We went from Virginia, to the Carolinas, to New York, stopped from Rhode Island to Connecticut and all the way to Canada. By the way, my favorite city to perform is my hometown, San Diego. And I dream to perform in Dubai someday.

What's the craziest thing that ever happened to you on tour?

There's no specific story that comes to mind, the entire touring experience is very spiritual for me. I pray before I perform, do a ritual of rhyme on stage and then celebrate with the people. I always end up going into the crowd and hanging with the people after the show. Once in South Padre, Texas, I ended up going to a house party with the people I met and performing for the party. Sometimes you gotta do an unexpected show, life of an entertainer I guess...

What is your music guilty pleasure?

Death Cab For Cutie.

What is your biggest vice?

White Women.

Lauren Modery is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.