Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Townsend.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Memphis to hard-working blue-collar parents in Orange Mound. I grew up in the church where I was in every choir I could be in and also taught myself to play drums. I learned to play the violin and bass in elementary. I was immersed in music as both parents are huge music fans and both older brothers were huge hip-hop buffs. (8ball MJG, Master P, 36 Mafia, Tupac, Jay Z) starting writing lyrics in six grade. I would print lyrics to songs with artists rapping fast like (Twista, Andre 3000, Mos Def) and memorize the lyrics. Graduated from MTSU with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. I decided to pursue music full time after rapping for Atlanta artist Cyhi the Prince‘s manager and entourage in Atlanta in early 2015.
I released my first single in July 2016 and my first project, “The Peace Tape,” May 2017. I began doing small shows around Murfreesboro, sometimes with only 3 or 4 people. I released the 2nd project, “The Cancerian,” on July 21, 2018. The song “Playa Playa” from that project continues to be the most successful and popular song I’ve done so far. I’m set to release The Cancerian 2 shortly. I primarily have worked with one producer Josh “Burnie Amsterdam” Blair. I and burn are musical soulmates. He gets me. I don’t curse in my lyrics, simply just because I take an artistic approach to create lyrics and the use of 7 or 8 words just frankly isn’t necessary to convey a point. If I ever have to cuss in a song, I will. I’m a spiritualist and I practice prana meditation daily. My nickname is “Memphis Moses” due to my beloved hometown and lyrics that have been described as “deep” and “prophetic.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The toughest obstacle was fully embracing my calling as an artist. I’m fully aware of the stigma that comes with being a hip hop artist. As a fiscally responsible Black man, it can be interpreted as “childish fantasies” to become a hip hop artist. However, I’ve fully embraced what I feel God has called me to do. I even resigned after being hired as an 11th Grade Honors English teacher in Memphis. I had to follow my heart, 100%. I’ve gone completely broke twice since college. Pretty much every major decision I’ve made has been centered around the music. What jobs to take, where to live. All of that kind of stuff. However, once I began to fully immerse myself into my craft and also becoming a healthier person all around, I continue to receive messages that I’m on the right track.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I’m a hip hop artist and songwriter. I do not curse in any of my lyrics. This definitely distinguishes me from most artists because I do not consider myself to be a “religious artist”. I’m just a regular dude with unique approaches and beliefs. When people hear this, it is clearly sometimes off-putting, as many believe that quality is lost when profanity isn’t used. However, I talk about what the average adult does like everyone else, just in my own way. My intention is to ultimately fulfill my purpose as a songwriter who will compose and arrange songs that will positively affect and even change the lives of millions worldwide. I am most certainly a unique mix of talent, intention and purpose.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is being able to live, create, love, travel and perform freely. This means that I will be 100% sustained financially by the art that I create, which will allow me to come and go as I please along with my family and loved ones. Also, to be regarded as one of the most prominent artists to ever come from Memphis is a huge goal. In a city’s whose history is baptized in musical glory, being named in the same breath as Otis Redding, Issac Hayes, BB King, 8Ball and MJG, 36 Mafia and Yo Gotti would be huge.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookchristownsend@gmail.com
- Instagram: CHRISTOWNSEND901
- Other: https://linktr.ee/christownsend901
Image Credit:
House of Sixela Photography (red cap and Tomp Studios for (The Cancerian2 cover) other photos and album covers. Brandon Knox and Richard Echols for “The Peace Tape” cover. Everett Batten for “The Cancerian Cover” Josh Oselen for “The Cancerian 2 cover” Green hoodie photo taken by Kelby Anderson.
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