Today, multi-faceted and genre-bending hip-hop artist Cassie Chantel shares the music video for “Cool Chix Only,” a reimagining of one of her previous works from seven years ago.
“I never gave it the care it should have received because I had this idea that mainstream rap music has to be danceable, or shiny, and easily digestible. I limited myself for more than a decade. This release is actually a release of who I am in its purest form—an introverted loner amongst a crowd, a melodic singer that likes jazz and poetry, but also raps,” says Chantel.
In recent years the Athens native has taken a step back from music, so in many ways today’s release is a reintroduction of Cassie Chantel the artist. In a heartfelt and vulnerable post on Instagram earlier this week, announcing the release of the “Cool Chix Only” music video, Chantel opened up about her personal journey of growth and fostering meaningful connections and relationships—including her relationship with music.
“My relationship with music is forever changed. As I learned life lessons I disconnected from rap altogether. I started a band. We recorded a beautiful album that I’ve been sitting on for two years now. We filmed a music video a couple of months ago, and I’ve been trying to figure out how and when to release it. I figured out that I think too much. I’ll drop it Friday,” states the Instagram post.
“Cool Chix Only” is a smooth track with a lyrical focus, melding the swagger and versatility of Chantel’s buttery alto vocals into a jazzy beat contrasted by a classic backing chorus. The music video highlights the convivial atmosphere, and if you’re familiar with Chantel’s previous content releases, her trademark attention to detail and emphasis of style shines through. This feels like the Chantel who invites you into her home rather than the Chantel you might come across at the club.
Although the future is uncertain, we can expect to see more releases from Chantel come our way soon.
“My next chapter in music is still being written. I recorded an album with my band, and I plan to release it this summer and just see where it all takes me. This chapter is about how the music makes me feel and less about how I want others to receive it. So who knows, we’ll have to see,” says Chantel.
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