“They Want Me To Lie Down, Lie Down” — Powerful and Relatable Lyricism Always Wins
Soca Artist Highlight: Meet Chromatics “Soca’s Eminem”, A Versatile And Persistent Artist
Meet Chromatics, a talented and extremely lyrical Trini artist who recently entered Trinidad and Tobago’s International Soca Monarch Competition and will perform in the Soca Monarch Semi Finals on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at The Arima Velodrome with his new single “My Type” (Beng Riddim | Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Stadic Music).
I got a chance to interview the lyrical genius Chromatics, here are some highlights of our conversation:
What inspired you to write “Lie Down” and what was the message behind that ?
Well it’s actually a sample from a calypso called “Lie Down” by Gilbert O’Connor a calypsonian from Tobago. The way it was formulated really started with me. Coming from a Hip hop background at first, so using samples is what I am used to. On top of that, I didn’t want to come with the same concept, so we used the “lie down” part and reconstructed the hook. The message behind it speaks to all industries where you have someone who is outspoken and there is pressure to control them. They want you to lie down and be quiet, they don’t want you to speak up.
What about your journey makes you unique?
I grew up in a musical family. A lot of family members played music. I was introduced to Hip hop by a cousin of mine at about the age of 9–10. I began starting writing rhymes when I was twelve. It was one of those genres. Everybody knows me as a hip hop artiste, I started a “Carnival Wrap Up” in 2012 which provided social commentary to the culture like a calypso. I have my Trini accent, so one one the things I have been working on is finding a unique sound by merging soca and calypso as I maintain my identity as a lyricist. It’s just a matter of tying those things together as an artist.
Chromatics has been writing rhymes since the age of twelve and began to take his craft professionally in the early 2000’s. In 2012, Chromatics (Soca’s Eminem) took Trinbagonian culture by storm with his “Carnival Wrap Up” which provided rhythmic social commentary; like calypso. He recently released a big bad chune for soca 2019 titled Bigger Dan Dem (Badang! Riddim). He also just came out with this wicked Jouvert chune ft. Blaxx titled All In D Road. I personally became a fan of Chromatics just recently after hearing his powerful Calypso, “Lie Down”, a chune that blew people away. The lyrics in this song speak volumes to a very relatable perspective for individuals who continue to remain true to their identity while striving for greatness in their desired industry.
Give it a listen:
To get in contact with the artist, Chromatics:
Instagram: @Chromaticsmusic
Facebook: @Chromaticsmusic
Twitter: @Chromatics868
Contact via email: bookings@chromaticsmusic.com
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Twitter: @qneverwho
