Cha$e Valentino has jumped onto the scene making heavy tracks ridden with horror references – from the big screen to your back yard. Although young, the 19 year old Virginian has commanded power though his confidence and lyrical talent. While still a newcomer, his sound is easily identifiable, both violent and unique. Despite fitting under the ‘underground’ category, the deep rooted inspiration in classic hip hop is undeniably evident in his music. We got the chance to ask Cha$e Valentino 20 Questions to explain why he has been garnering so much attention.
Question 1: Why did you start making music?
I grew up wanting to be a writer, but then people told me I had to go to go to school for that, so I was like “Whatever I don’t want to do that,” and started to kind of go down another path in life. But I’ve always loved music, so I just kind of combined those two things.
Question 2: Where does your stage name come from?
Well, Chase is my real first name, and Valentino is my mom’s last name. I didn’t wanna go above and beyond and be called Lil Shit-Head or something like that *laughs*
Question 3: How long have you been making music?
Probably around a year now, seriously. 
Question 4: In what ways has your music changed since you’ve started, and how did you decide what changes were necessary?
I really just started to find my voice. It’s a lot more intense, and I can control it a lot more nowadays. I realized that I’d been smoking cigarettes my whole life, so now I have a raspy voice. So I said “Lets just do violent shit from now on.”
Question 5: How did you find your signature sound and was there a process to ‘finding your voice’?
I recorded sick one day, and it gave me this nasally deep type sound. So I was like “Cool, I can fuck with my voice and make it sound like this.” So, yeah, I’m thankful I got the flu that one time.
Question 6: What is your writing process like?
I have to be completely by myself. Nobody around or anything, I even have to tell my roommates to leave the room and shit. I can write a song in an hour, I really just need my space for a bit. Its all stress relief.
Question 7: You’re 19, and already impressively covered in ink. Why do you think body modifications have become such a big part of artist branding? What’s your favorite piece?
I started getting tattoos when I was 15, I went through high school with face tats. Music wasn’t even a thought at that point for me. I definitely notice a lot of people saying “I wanna be a rapper!” and then they go out and get one tattoo smack dab on their fucking face, but yeah, whatever floats your boat. I think if you’re not serious about something it can definitely fuck your life up.
My favorite tattoo would probably have to be the ones on my hands.
Question 8: Where have you drawn inspiration stylistically?
Definitely people like Pusha-T and DMX, people like that, like old school people.
Question 9: What is one thing you cannot record without?
My phone. Also I smoke every day, so probably weed.
Question 10: In your song “Hoia Baciu Forest” you reference 24 horror films: Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and Dead Silence to name a few. Have you always loved horror? Has it been a big part of shaping your persona?
Definitely, thats my shit. I love it. I just think they’re super interesting, and funny sometimes.
Question 11: A noticable component to your music is consistently good and interesting beats. Who are some of your favorite producers you’ve worked with?
All of YouTube. I really like Lezter, and my friend Grove. Most of it is just random YouTube.
Question 12: Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
Of some sort, yeah. 
Question 13: You’ve done a few shows so far, so how has that been? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
The first time was okay. I never had a microphone in my face so that was hard. The second one went really well. Its always to go get drunk in front of people and bounce around. As for pre-show rituals, not really. Just a shot of Jack Daniels.
Question 14: Where would you most like to perform?
If I could pick anywhere, Madison Square Garden.
Question 15: What are your top 3 favorite albums of all time?
Huh, okay… I think David Bowie’s Blackstar album was great. I like Freddie Gibbs a lot, and probably A$AP Rocky’s first studio album (Long. Live. A$AP).
Question 16: If you could work with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
Probably Waylon Jennings. I’m from the country, I love that shit.
Question 17: What was your introduction to the Underground Scene?
It basically just kind of happened. I’ve always just been doing my thing in Virginia, and when I started making music people liked it. At that point I started interacting.
Question 18: Do you currently have anything in the works? What can we expect from Cha$e Valentino in 2018?
I’ll probably have another tape out within a week actually. It’s currently untitled, I usually wait until the last minute.
Question 19: What project/track are you most proud of and why?
Probably these two that are un-released right now. It’s a two part story about this kid named Billy. I refer to him as Billy because no one’s actually fucking named Billy anymore. He gets into a situation he wasn’t expecting, and had to do some things that he doesn’t want to do. After he gets caught up in it all, he ends up burning some bridges. It’s told from 3 perspectives: Billy, someone trying to kill him, and myself.
Question 20: What do you want your supporters to know about Cha$e Valentino?
Just don’t give a fuck, really. We’re all probably gonna die soon honestly. Also, fuck Donald Trump.
