2. Who are the Top 5 artists (dead or alive) that inspires you as an artist?

Mary J Blige

Missy Elliot

Cardi B

Ludacris

Alicia Keys

3. How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

At 14, I wrote my first song on piano. I also went into the group home system and creating music was the only positive outlet I had. When I signed out at 18, I knew I wanted to pursue this as my career. I was addicted, hungry to share my art, and most importantly, determined.

4. What’s the name of the first track you ever recorded? What was your inspiration behind it?

The first track I ever recorded was called “L.O.V.E.” and it was inspired by falling in love with a guy and having those feelings every girl always has in the beginning of a new relationship. I listen to it now and I see how far I’ve come. I’m always like “Nahhh, turn that offff.” LOL. You listen to old records and you see how you’ve evolved in your craft and you’re like, “I wrote that?….I felt like that at one point? Ughh, I am so not there now. *Cringe Face* lol.

5. First person you ever saw in concert & where.

I wouldn’t call it a concert, but I saw Alicia Keys perform “Brand New Me” at 106 and Park. It was a pivotal moment for me. She’s one of my biggest musical influences, and to experience her face to face, definitely did something for me in a positive way.

6. Tell us about your first performance.

My first performance was a song I wrote called “Butterflies.” I wrote it on piano. I was 16 years old. I was scared, but I remember just getting on stage and doing it. I was still in the group home system at the time and the girls loved the song. They were screaming out, “THAT’S MY SONG!” when I was playing. They all loved listening to me play piano.

7. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Yikes. lol. Craziest thing I’ve ever done was place the bet on myself. I was investing in studio equipment because studio time was way too expensive. I needed equipment at home to practice beat making and recording on. Studio equipment isn’t cheap and I needed at least $1500 to get the starter equipment I needed. I’m a dreamer, and sometimes, dreams require sacrifice. I didn’t pay my rent and put it towards my equipment. I know. Crazy. I purchased the equipment and picked up Uber on the side and drove everyday and all that weekend to make the money back. My rent was late, but it was paid. I was at the place where I had to JUMP. I was tired of talking about what I wanted to do. I pushed myself to go out there and get it. That Brooklyn in me kicked in all the way in Houston where I live now. Sometimes you just gotta hustle!

8. What has been your favorite quarantine hobby?

My favorite quarantine hobby was producing beats! I watched a lottt of YouTube tutorials to better my craft when it came to producing my music. I learned a lot and got a lot better with playing in drums, and learning new plug ins to take my music to the next level.

9. What Made You Submit Your Music To Who’s Next?

I grew up on Hot97. Now that I’m releasing new music and want the word to get out there about what I’m doing, it was a no brainer to submit my music. I’m repping NYC, specifically Brooklyn, and also giving more visibility to the brown skinned, plus size female artists. I believed it would be great exposure and a major accomplishment if I won.

10. Let us know why YOU are Next.

Chiyanti is next because I’m giving everything you’re not used to. I play piano, I songwrite, I sing, I produce all my own music, I dance, I rap and way more to list. Not only do I write and produce for myself, but I also do for other artists. I’m dedicated, and give real talent. I have a different sound and I’m original. You can put me in a studio by myself, and I’ll come out with an entire record, written, fully produced, and mixed. Not many artists can do that. I’ll also create the treatment to the music video, cast the talent, and execute it. I’m rare, I’m a light, and no matter who watches or meets me, I’ll ALWAYS make a lasting impression.

11. Shout out your social handles & where people can find your music.

You can find me on IG, Twitter, Tik Tok and Youtube at @Chiyanti_

My music is on all platforms under “Chiyanti”

Get tickets for SUMMER JAM on Ticketmaster NOW! See you at the show!

Check out her 300 Unplugged x Hot 97 Who’s Next performance: