Click here to listen to the interview:

Chantly Jones is a rapper, songwriter, dancer and producer from Charlotte, North Carolina.

He’s a lyricist who attributes his talent to his many experiences singing gospel music in the church choir as early as 11 years old. Even though Chantly was inspired by other talented musicians and artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, LL Cool J and Big Daddy Kane, he admits that music was always a part of his life.

His own father played instruments such as the guitar and taught him to play as well. He is also a dancer, not the contemporary or ballroom style, but the old school hip-hop style that includes freestyle and break dancing. At age 12, he earned his first taste of victory in the freestyle battle competition which inspired him to rap and write songs.

We spoke to Chantly about the challenges he’s faced in his life and how he hopes to overcome them.

You can find his music on all streaming sites and on his website at www.chantlyjones.com