Spotlight on Byg Cheef (@BYGCHEEFWAZDOWN)
COLUMBUS, OH – It starts with a pen and paper. Byg Cheef sits down and pours out his emotions – fears and worries, joys and triumphs … all the hallmarks of a man working to pull himself out of a tough environment and make a better life for himself.
Those scratches on a notepad become lyrics, which when coupled with the perfect beat make up the music that has become Byg Cheef’s life.
“Music has always been a part of my life,” he said. “My father used to sing and my uncles still sing and rap. Ever since I was a kid I followed their example. I’d sit in class and write down stuff, then go out on the playground and do my raps for the girls in class. I started picking it up from there and watching my dad and uncles. I know how much you have to put into it to get what you want out of it – and my music shows that. I want people to hear my music and know that I’m just like them. I go through the same things. I’m coming from nothing, and anybody can make it and be what they want to be. So be yourself, and feel good about being you.”
That life philosophy is reflected on Byg Cheef’s new single, “Slap’n N Ohio,” which he recorded with his new record label, Wazdown Records. Through this single, Byg Cheef shows the world what it was like growing up in Columbus, Ohio, as a young artist slappin it out on a daily basis. He said his experiences of “coming up from the struggle” and trying to overcome and be on to bigger and better things are the main themes in the single.
Since signing with Wazdown Records in February, Byg Cheef has grown his fan base in Ohio and has started making a name for himself nationally. This summer and fall he’ll be traveling to locations in Texas and southern California for live shows, and will be working on a music video for another single, “All I Want,” which is slated to be released later this year.
Byg Cheef is also working on partnering with Big Heff – an artist signed with Def Jam Records – for an upcoming Southern States tour. Big Heff and Byg Cheef collaborated recently on a single that will be included on the latter’s album, which is slated to be released at the beginning of 2017. Byg Cheef has also worked with other artists, such as Queen Cee and the Ohio Play Boyz.
Fans can get a chance to see him live on July 12 at Skully’s Music Diner in Columbus Ohio, or Sept. 18 at the Power 107.t Sneaker Freaks festival at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.
Byg Cheef’s new single, “Slap’n N Ohio” has already seen play on local radio stations throughout Ohio, as well as on the iHeart Radio app. Those wishing to purchase the song can do so on iTunes, CD Baby, Ripple Tunes, Jango, and all other digital download sites. Also, the music video for the single has been released on YouTube.
To find out more about Byg Cheef, or to hear more of his music, fans can follow him on multiple social media platforms, including: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.