HOP CASHAY

BRONX, NEW YORK   HIP-HOP ARTIST 

 VALIDATED: Where are you from and what's the story behind your rap name?

HOP CASHAY: I am from the Bronx, NY, Highbridge to be exact. I used to go by "Hop The Great" but it wasn’t original enough for me so I changed my name to Hop Cashay. I was watching ESPN one day and Stephen A. Smith said Chris Paul had the cashay to take his team to the chip. I immediately thought how I have the cashay to take my team all the way and that’s how Hop Cashay was created. 

VALIDATED: Growing up, what kind of music was played in your household and how has it influenced the music you create?

HOP CASHAY: To be honest a lot of rap wasn’t played in my home. My mom and uncles listened to Sade, Biggie, Michael Jackson, Snoop, etc. A lot of classics. It gave me a balance, rhythm and a open mind to create all types of music. 

VALIDATED: Tell us about your neighborhood growing up and how it influence you?

HOP CASHAY: It was rough. We didn’t have much. A lot of crime and I always wanted to be something better than what was going on. I wanted to succeed.

VALIDATED: Name the hip-hop artists that have influenced your flow and what, if anything did you borrow from them?

HOP CASHAY: The beginning of 50 cents work ethic. Kid Cudi's melody. Heavy D because he was a big guy. That influenced me to be myself.

VALIDATED: What sacrifices have you made or things that you had to go without because you've invested in your artistry?

HOP CASHAY: I have had to let go of friends, women and time. I’m at the age where I reflect and sacrificed but my lady had to sacrifice the most. A little more than me.

VALIDATED: What's your earliest memory of hip-hop, the culture?

HOP CASHAY: My earliest memory is Snoop Dogg dropping "Doggie Style". That was 1993, the first cd I ever had.

VALIDATED: What are your thoughts on lyrics remerging as the focus in hip hop again?

HOP CASHAY: It’s always good to say something in your music. I’m all about balance so you don’t have to be lyrical to say something.

VALIDATED: Not including you, name your top 3 most slept on indie rappers from your borough and why.

HOP CASHAY: I rock and respect everybody consistently putting in that ground work. But I'm all about home team Martial WAL and DSC Empire. We've been consistently supplying quality music and sometimes it seems like it goes unseen but the work speaks for itself!

VALIDATED: What can fans expect from your latest, "Liquor Stores & Churches 3"?

HOP CASHAY: Fans can expect good music. It's all about quality and impact.

VALIDATED: What producers and artist did you work with on this project?

HOP CASHAY: Uncle Murda, Vado, Statuzz, Brian Angel, Dizzee Beats, Derry Eim, Blasian Beats plus more.

VALIDATED: How difficult is it creating your own lane while trying to stay true to you and your brand of hip-hip?

HOP CASHAY: Its not hard because I worry about me. I focus on me. I never was a follower. If I like something that’s cool.

VALIDATED: Tell us about other ventures you're currently working on.

HOP CASHAY: I'm currently working on "Liquor Stores & Churches 3". Recording singles “One Minute“ and “Out The Mud”... STAYING PRODUCTIVE.

VALIDATED: Where can the reader support you and your music online and social media?

HOP CASHAY: Spotify, Google Play, iTunes. Just type in my name Hop Cashay.