The Big Ten with Chitty

We are beginning a new interview series here at The Higher Plane. As you can see, it is called The Big 10 in honor of the esteemed Midwestern athletic conference. With this theme in mind, our interviewees will be answering 11 questions, so you all can get more familiar with them.

Our initial segment features Chitty who you have seen much about over here at The Higher Plane. So thanks to Chitty for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions for us. You can check him out tonight at the NV Penthouse in CHI town.

I hope you all enjoy the new series.


Interpreted by MK

To set the scene, Chad is literally playing with a real antique samurai sword while he’s answering these questions.

1) For all the people out there who don’t know, or the fans who may, tell us who is Chitty?
I don’t know where to begin with that one (laughing)… I could sit here all day and tell you who I am. I could tell you some crazy stories. Basically, I’m a guy that likes to have as much fun as possible at all times and make sure that everyone else around me is too. I basically eat, sleep, and breathe music. I’m a pretty intense cat, but you can find me one of two places: on the scene or in the lab.

2) Having the unique background you do, being originally from Florida then uprooted to the Midwest, what place of residence or stop through has had the most direct impact on you as person, then as an artist?
You know, I find something to take out of every day. I look at everything as an opportunity to grow. There’s not just one place that has impacted me more than another. If you listen close, you can pick up on my Florida style along with my Midwest swag. Trust me; it’s always good to have a hide-away spot in the Keys to clear my mind. But I’ve also got my Midwest hide-away where my boys and I go to blow off steam with 4-wheelers and plenty of guns and ammo to go around (laughing).

3) Having started rapping in your high school days, who were your artistic influences at that time?
When it comes to music I’d say I’m pretty cultured, but it always helps when you have plenty of talented artists around you as your friends. The Upright Animals, J-Kidd, Hustle Maine, JD, Qwest, Lojik, and my boys Waltman and Ian who were my first ‘producers’ back in the day. If it’s good music (if it strikes me the right way), I’m all ears.

4) Who are your contemporary influences?
It’s tough to say really. Top three all-time: Tupac, Marley, and Sublime. Some others include Bone Thugz, Do or Die, The Roots, Musiq Soulchild, Common, Talib Kweli, Kanye, Fall Out Boy (no joke), Jack Johnson, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Pretty Lights, Lil' Wayne, Gorilla Zoe, Cam’ron, and The Game. Also, you can’t forget the man who paved the way for me to be doing this: Eminem (haha)…. Basically if you sound good, I’m gonna bump ya.

5) Describe your sound for us.
It’s hard to pin point a specific sound. I try to picture my music as feel good music. I know three things very well: partying, money, and women. So when I talk about it, just know it’s not bull shit.

6) Having the STL background, I have to ask, was Country Grammar your shit or what?
Son, the second I heard Country Grammar, that thing never left my CD player. No bullshit it’s still in my CD player today. In high school, cats were slangin' bootleg copies for 10 bucks a piece, and that’s a fact! (laughing) Nelly put the Lou on the map. It’s all about that Midwest movement baby.

7) How’d the last Bon V show go?
C’mon man, shit was off the hook! I show my ass every show! Sooo many Chicago tasties were in the house.

8) In terms of flowing, you have a very unique gift to freestyle, and freestyle well. Is that something you practice, or how did that develop?
Ummm, let’s see. You know what? I’m a talker, so naturally it comes easy to express myself in words. This whole music thing actually came from me freestylin' at parties in high school, and then evolved even further at crazy ass college parties at Miami of Ohio, Mizzou and wherever else I could go!

9) I saw a video of you clowning with the auto-tune, and I know you have used it on some tracks. What are your personal thoughts on auto-tune, and the masses love/hate relationship with it?
Basically, auto-tune is one of the coolest things ever made. When used correctly by an artist like T-Pain, it’s off the chain. When it’s added as an afterthought I just don’t feel it. The track I used it on was kind of an experiment, and it’s made me really appreciate when it’s used properly. We’ve had countless hours in the studio clownin’ with it and other voice effects. I think the video you’re referring to is my boy Tom, and he’s one of the funniest cats I’ve ever heard with auto-tune (laughing).

10) What can we expect out of Chitty in terms of releases in the near future?
I’m always in the lab, and I’m always doing new things. But I’ll be spending a lot of time in Chicago working on my album so you can expect something from me this summer for sure. GET AT ME!!!!!!

11) Kelly Kapowski, Lisa Turtle, or Jessie Spano?
Why chose one? I want all three (laughing). But for real, Kelly Kapowski is the baddest! I’d introduce her to my mother any day of the week. FACT!