Chief Minosa: Rap Writing
Being in college reminded me that somebody worth remembering was always next to me. In dining halls and even the back corner of a hushed library. I once wrote about unknowingly having a classmate who was a neighborhood hero. Rappers hide themselves and their talents in plain sight as though they fear how those around them will react once they’re discovered. College campuses are a pivotal part of a lot of rap stories.
We might forget that rap artists are, and were students, just like us. But I like the idea of being able to say I went to school with rappers. Open mic nights on campus were usually a hub for creatives. If you wanted to find out about all the talented artists near you, attending an open-mic night was like a college football scout posted in the stands of a Highschool game.
Chief Minosa, or as community kinfolk might know him, Frederick Morris, is an independent Artist with roots tracing to Palm Beach County. Sitting on a total of 4 EPs gaining over 50,000 streams worldwide.
I didn’t discover Chief, his music actually found its way to me. Around 2018 to be exact. This is a good thing though. Good music doesn’t have to ask to be discovered. It doesn’t have to ask to be covered or written about. The universe and rap gods will usually make room for it.
As an artist who has always been zealous to touch any stage that’s invited his feet, Chief is likely to be spotted at an open mic night or performance no matter how sturdy the stage or dense the crowd. Even if not up close, a clip of him with a real or imaginary mic in his hand would usually surface for me to catch. Artists will never forget the days of rapping for groups of 12 or 20. They will make the moments of rapping for 200-500+ worth relishing in.
A lot of his music resembles the buoyant sound of the Saturday morning raps we enjoy. Borrowing his sound from the influence of artists like Wayne and Childish Gambino. With colored tunes and many hues, instrumentally, his raps are weaved with introspection and the wisdom of a man who’s figured life out for himself.
His 2019 EP, “Nostalgic” is directly reflective of his creative caliber and production style. With keys and guitars steering the direction of the project. Besides this, Chief has built a solid discography by throwing many assists to projects of his counterparts, like, King $mvsh’s “Demon$ at night” and Yung Bet’s “Mission Space.”
His most recent release— a 2-pack, “It’s Tuesday” is likely a creative bend as well as blending with his current style. Inviting the 808 and other blaring instrumentals— rapping with more competitive aggression and less introspection.
“Y’all niggas gone’ gimme my space for’ I let it go”
When his studio is empty. Freddie is living as an artist; performing at the Creative Lounge here in Tampa or hosting open-mic nights through Isolated Vybez, a space for artists to perform poetry and raps; or Monday on Instagram Live for Minosa Mondays. (via @thefreddiemo)
Rap Stories all start somewhere. Chief has carried his name well, telling his own story and making himself, unintentionally, a point of reference for other rap storytellers.
Chief
/CHēf/
noun
the one who smokes herb and raps well; and paves a path for others to rap and live well.
