Nothing But a G Thing

Yep, he's a gay white rapper

Photos courtesy of the artist (click to enlarge)

You’ve probably heard of Chuck D, but what about Chad D? The Philly-born music man first started dancing to Michael Jackson classics in his family’s suburban living room by the age of five. Later, Chad D (real name Chad Douglas) won lip sync and talent shows throughout the region.

After recording his first single this year (“Life is a Ride”) about his own professional ups and downs and what it’s like being gay in Hip Hop, he’s been in the studio recording his first full-length release, which he describes as Neo Pop, a mix of pop, rap, dance and rock.

Douglas, who says his iPod is stacked with everything from Lil’ Wayne, Ke$ha and La Roux to Kings of Leon, John Mayer and Daft Punk, recently talked to G Philly about his gigs at Outfest and why it’s good to be a gay rapper in Philly.

How would you describe your musical style?

As one of my lyrics goes, “I’m inventing a genre, you can’t fit me in.” I call it Neo Pop. I’ve been passively studying popular music all my life. I blend the styles of the past several decades into a fresh new sound. The outcome is a catchy tune with positive and meaningful lyrics. You can dance to music, you can sing along, and your outlook on life can be positively changed.

What’s your earliest memory of music?

Well, we have a video of me dancing to the radio on my first birthday. I remember hearing Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There” in Free Willy when I was five and it really intrigued me as a kid. I used to perform shows to that song for my parents. I’ve wanted to perform and make music since then.

When did you start performing outside of your parent’s living room?

I did lip syncs in elementary school, plays throughout grade school and typical things that kids interested in the arts usually do while growing up. I started performing as Chad D in January of this year.

Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?

It usually starts with an issue, any aspect of life. Some are more light-hearted and others are very serious, like about suicide, abuse and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. I explain the issue, and then explain how to deal with it and solve the problem if there is one.

So you’re pretty political?

I am inspired by world events, friends, family and internal thoughts and conflicts that I deal with on my own.

(click to enlarge)

What was it like growing up gay in the Philadelphia burbs?

I didn’t have any problems, except I was fairly alone. I wasn’t harassed, even though I had friends that were. But it wasn’t an issue. There were no “out” guys that I was interested in and I was far from the city, not to mention underage, so it was tough meeting people. I resisted joining LGBT youth groups and I now realize that I should have.

Do you consider yourself a gay artist?

Artist first, then gay, if we even need to add that. I am an artist who happens to be gay. I don’t want to be “the gay rapper” or “the white gay rapper.” I’m just Chad. I make music. I happen to like men.

You’re recording your first album. What’s that process been like as an artist?

I love it. It’s something I always wanted to do, but never had an image of how I could pursue it or how it would happen. I met my producer through a friend and we’ve gotten along really well. He is into my sound and does a great job of actually producing. I live in the Northwest suburbs of Philly and the studio is in Raritan, NJ. It’s an hour-and-a-half drive each way, but it’s worth it. We usually take two days per song and we’re at the studio eight to 10 hours each day. Lots of coffee and hoagies keep us going. No coffee for me, though, only tea and water.

When will the album be released?

I want to complete it by the end of this year, so I’d say it should be released in early 2011. I have an EP available now with four tracks, including my lead single, “Life is a Ride.” You can buy all four songs on iTunes and you can get a real CD (with autograph) from me by emailing me on my website or tracking me down in person. All the money from these sales goes toward finishing the album.

Where can people track you down these days?

I’m working on getting a steady gig set up. I get gigs by word of mouth right now. I’ve had the honor of opening for Christine Martucci at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park; we’re working on another date. I perform at Venture Inn, I was just on the mainstage at Outfest and at Spring Mountain. I keep my website updated with dates.

What’s the Philly music scene like for an openly gay rapper?

It’s been very receptive and supportive. I’ve performed at gay, mixed and straight venues without resistance.