Written By Andrea Knapp

Rap, hip-hop, and country? While this may seem like an unlikely combination, artists like Curt Chambers are redefining the genre once stereotyped as twangy vocals and folky guitar licks. His unique blend of country music fuses hip-hop, R&B, soul, and rock and demonstrates how the genre has evolved, while showcasing Chambers’s talents as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.

Chambers, who hails from Philadelphia, got his start singing in church. “My family and I spent time in church, and that meant worship music. It is a part of my soul,” he says. He has been working in the music industry since he was in college and wears many hats. He has worked as a producer, songwriter, and a recording artist and has “played with legends.” But he only recently began to establish himself as a solo country artist, though he does continue to work with his team in LA as well.

He has launched himself into his solo career with the recent release of his self-produced EP, 85 South. “This EP is me blending my roots with my present self. It’s country with soul and hip-hop. It’s a blend, and I love it. I am really proud,” he says. The name of the album, of course, comes from the interstate of the same name, a route Chambers has frequently traveled in his career and thus, serves as the primary inspiration behind the EP. When asked what overall message or theme he would like listeners to take away from the album, Chambers says he hopes it will prove to be a nostalgic experience for them as well. “I think the message is to be open-minded and allow yourself to enjoy the music, celebrate and take you down your memory lane,” he says.

It’s a fitting message for someone who has written songs not only for himself, but also for popular artists across many genres. He has written for Eminem, Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, and Jamie Foxx, and for his writing, he draws inspiration from “everywhere.” He cites “life, current events, my memories, [and] my new experiences” as his biggest sources of inspiration, but adds, “And of course, my cowriters while we are in the process.”

With such a diverse list of cohorts, it’s no wonder Chambers has been influenced by artists across the musical spectrum. When asked about those who have inspired him most, he says, “I love all music so this could take a year to list all of my influences.” He admits to drawing inspiration from, “Almost everyone. I grew up with an eclectic taste in music.” But when it comes to country music, he cites Alan Jackson as a major influence. “[He] is definitely someone I listened to growing up over and over again,” he says.

With so many influences and so many collaborators already under his belt, it’s hard to determine who to work with next. He has recently written with David Lee Murphy. “That was a really special day,” he says of the experience. Of his hopes for future collaborators, Chambers says, “I want to work with so many people, my door is wide open.”

His collaborations are just a small part of a long list of career highlights, which include Grammy nominations for work with Jaheim and Dr. Dre. He was also recently asked to play at West Point, an honor he says meant a lot to him. But he adds, “Any day I get to create or share my music is a gift.”

It is a gift for his listeners as well. The EP, which released on July 16, offers an exciting cross-genre fusion of country music, rap vocals, and guitar riffs reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix. Chambers brings a sense of humor and clever lines to the overall theme of love and delivers a unique, multi-faceted listening experience. The 5-track album is currently available on all digital streaming services.

And fans can expect more from the artist, as Chambers shows no signs of slowing down. When asked about his future plans, he says he intends to “grind, hustle, keep making good music, hit the road, and crush it!”