INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK

With the massive amount of success that Buffalo, New York’s Griselda has managed over recent years, its safe to say that Upstate New York rappers have someone to say too. Elmira, rapper Cherp is looking to add his name to the list of notable rappers hailing from the top of New York. Telling his story like no one else can, he takes pride in standing out. With his real life messages and down to earth delivery, Cherp is paving his own lane. His bar work allows him the flexibility to work with emcees and melody rappers alike. We sat down with the artist to discuss his most recent album release, “Up Now” and more.

“I THINK HIP HOP IS LOVE AND pain and INTEGRITY and AUTHENTICITY.” - cherp

VALIDATED: Being from Elmira, New York, what’s your earliest memory of hip hop culture?

CHERP: Man, it’s hard to pinpoint, I think I fell in love with hip hop at 11 but always loved music.

VALIDATED: How did you get your start as an artist?

CHERP: I’d say in 2014 when I made some noise and ended up in XXL Magazine as an up and coming artist.

VALIDATED: Who are a few established artists that you’ve worked with?

CHERP: I’ve worked with Game a few times, Dave East, Young Buck, Fred the Godson, Jaquae, Mariahlynn, Vado and down shows with Cardi B and Pnb Rock just to name a few.

VALIDATED: Performing alongside artists like Vado and Cardi B, what jewels did you pick up from those experiences?

CHERP: I think being professional and learning how to engage the crowd.

VALIDATED: As an artist what do you feel your responsibility is to hip hop?

CHERP: I think hip hop is love and pain and integrity and authenticity. So just being myself as an artist and sharing my story through music as real and honest as I can be.

VALIDATED: Which artist influenced your style and what if anything did you “borrow” from them?

CHERP: I borrow from everyone, man I love music, I actually go back to classic albums of all genres and see what made them so great. You get in the whip with me it could be Ray Charles or Johnny Cash on. I love creativity!

VALIDATED: Your recent album “Up Now” dropped June 2021, you released the visuals for the song “New Money” featuring O3 Kizzy off the project, what’s been the response to the video?

CHERP: Its been great, BET and Revolt TV played it.

VALIDATED: Which artists and producers did you work with on the album?

CHERP: I worked with artists O3 Kosta, Vado, Disco Black, Jxylen, Johnny Stacy, 33 Either, Ken Blvd and Adon Allen. On production, mostly D Fresh, Trak Matic of Roc Nation and L2, also some mastering from Parks formerly of the Joe Budden podcast.

VALIDATED: What's your favorite track off the album and why?

CHERP: My favorite song is “Can’t Wait” because I’m signing the hook and it sounds great. I honestly never thought it would sound that good.

VALIDATED: What can listeners expect from this project?

CHERP: Everything... There is something on here for everyone.

VALIDATED: Other than the album, what does the remainder of 2021 look like for you as an artist?

CHERP: As the country opens up, some shows lined up. I’m in talks about joint tours and working with BSF (Griselda) on some upstate collab work.

VALIDATED: How can the readers follow and support you and your movement?

CHERP: Follow me at @RealCherp on all social media.

UP NOW: CHERP