Not many 20-year-olds can say that their musical career has been personally… Read Full Bio ↴Not many 20-year-olds can say that their musical career has been personally endorsed by Erykah Badu and Amanda Seales (formely Diva); but when you've been rapping since the 3rd grade and embedded in the cultural mecca of New Orleans, Louisiana, like, Chels, that might be a little more feasible to achieve. Inspired by the popular young performers in her own generation and groomed in a city home to the citizens she calls "the most unique people anywhere," Chels has developed a style that blends the fearlessness of youth with the wisdom of those who've come many years before her.

"I always knew I wanted to do this. Growing up, I saw [young rappers] Bow Wow and Lil Romeo performing, and I knew I could do it too." - Chels

Even with musical influences like Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, and Mos Def, some still might find it difficult to believe that the wise words and biting social commentary present in some of Chels' rhymes are from someone so young. As she spit bars like "New Orleas ain't nothing but a big grave/ way of the world; work, have sex, and get paid" over Kendrick Lamar's HiiiPower track, it's easy to forget that, with two decades under her belt, this lyricist isn't even old enough to drink on the streets of the Big Easy.

After completing the production of her first mixtape, Woke Up Dreaming, on her own, Chels is convinced that there's nothing she can't do - and if you've listened to that mixtape, you might be prone to suspect that is true. When asked what factors have contributed most to her success, she simply replies, "The fact that I believed it could happen."

"I don't believe in the devil, but I believe in myself. I can manifest anything my downfall or my health." - Chels HiiiPower

Chels was nominated as Hottest Female Artist and Hottest New Artist in the New Orleans Hip Hop Awards. Chels has also performed in several venues in New Orleans including Howlin Wolf, NV Lounge, Dragon's Den, The Blue Nile, and the world renowed House of Blues. She has also performed in other cities outside of the New Orleans area and as far as Charleston, South Carolina.

With a dedication to music rooted deeply in a desire in to reach the minds and souls of those in her community, it is no wonder Chels' work is heavily acclaimed by those who hear it. Her career goals include working with the great musicians whose work has inspired her own and "helping people to discover who they are instead of letting others opinion become their reality." If any young artist is poised to do that, it's Chels.