After being affiliated with one of raps best businessmen, Choppa learned how to take regional hits nationwide. The New Orleans rappers breakthrough single, Choppa Style, grew from a regional success in 2001 to a national hit in 2003, with a video in regular rotation on BET. Seizing the moment, Choppa started his own Street Balla Records in 2003 and has now teamed with Roy Jones Jr.s Body Head Entertainment to release Comin Back Home, an impressive album that gives fans an in-depth look into one of raps most promising and exciting artists. I like to be versatile with it, Choppa says of his return. I dont like to cater to just one crowd. A lot of rappers, they cater to just one style of rap. I try to hit them with different styles to show them that Im really versatile. Dont just look for one thing from me. Choppa lives up to his word on the highly impressive Comin Back Home, his third album. Throughout the explosive collection, he delivers his signature brand of club cuts and demonstrates his range with songs that deal with relationship foibles and selections that examine the impact of government policies, among other topics.
Given Choppas already impressive track record in the clubs, it should come as no surprise that the first single from Comin Back Home is a certified banger. Switching gears on the braggadocio Walk With Me, Choppa joins Juvenile and boxer-rapper Roy Jones Jr. on a triple-team verbal slugfest where each artist showcases his boasting skills. The song has a special meaning for Choppa, as both Juvey and Jones have played integral parts in his development as an artist and businessman. When I started getting on the road, I would open up for Juvie, so we became real close, Choppa recalls. So when I got out here, I had to do something with him. I brought him over here, we put it down and then Roy put it down, too. Were knockout artists. I felt a good vibe with the three of us on there.
Hey Now will keep the crowds moving. A song built with style and finesse, it lets the world know that Da Real Choppa is definitely back home, and he is here to stay with a little bit of everything for everyone.
Choppa then gets reflective on the soulful No More, where he details the ups-and-down of a relationship that means more to him than he realized. No More shows how Choppa makes songs that bring the listener into his life and make them identify with his struggle, whether hes rapping in the first or third person. Raised in the Marrero section of New Orleans West Bank, young Choppa had little intention of rapping in any way. Basketball and football were his first passions. But when his high school football coach slighted him, Choppa turned his hobby of writing rhymes into a full-blown obsession. Inspired by Crescent City icons Bust Down and Tim Smooth, Choppa set out to become one of his citys biggest rappers. With his deep, memorable voice and energetic stage show, Choppas rap rep started growing. He started going from club to club, performing at any and every opportunity, whether or not he was getting paid.
Choppas notoriety then exploded when he appeared on Nine OClock Props, a segment of Q93 radio personality Wild Waynes highly rated New Orleans radio show. Choppa quickly became a fixture on the show and became one of the citys most popular underground rappers. In 2001, Choppa released his debut album, the independently released Choppa Style, which was a regional smash thanks to the hugely popular title track. I was shocked, Choppa says of his early success. I was just tripped out because I didnt know that I could do that, make people get down like that. Most people were saying that its the voice. Master P felt strongly enough about Choppa to make him a member of the 504 Boyz and to release Choppas second album, 2003s critically acclaimed Straight From The N.O., which featured a remix of Choppa Style.
Now on his own with Street Balla, Choppa is poised to be New Orleans next superstar rapper with the dynamic Comin Back Home. This album, Im showing the world what Im capable of, he says. I did it for New Orleans and now Im catering to the world. Im still giving them the Straight From The N.O. flavor, but Im hitting them with some hotter 16s.
Choppa has indeed arrived.
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Erin Burke at (917) 689 4975 or
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