Chris Clay – First Impression (100 Bars Pt. 3)

While some may view the Midwest as a quiet slice of American pie, the state of Minnesota has in fact spawned some of the most artistically influential people in history. As a songwriter and lyricist paving his own way in today’s scene, St. Paul native Chris Clay is continually drawing strength from the overwhelming artistic mastery birthed in the Twin Cities.

With his recent DJ Whoo Kid-hosted mixtape The Christening garnering acclaim from the toughest of music critics, Chris Clay is poised to be the next memorable face of Midwest Hip Hop. On April 26, 2011, Clay will deliver an original six-song EP via iTunes entitled FML (For My Listeners), which features appearances from Cali rap vet Crooked I and Detroit lyricist Kid Vishis.

Currently residing in San Diego, California, Clay has been working tirelessly on new music with Money Is Motive (MIM) Entertainment CEO Pat DiBello. More EPs and a full-length album are in the works as well.

Growing up is never easy for teens, but Chris Clay found ways to overcome childhood challenges as they came to him. Academically gifted, talented in sports with a knack for acting, Chris focused on his crafts – despite troubles that led him to move from his mother’s care to his grandmother’s house in the suburbs. It was an adjustment that the spirited teen turned into a win-win situation, as he gravitated toward Hip Hop and began writing songs about his life.

Extending the passion beyond his notepad, young Clay began his rise as a competitive lyrical battler, taking out all comers in any cipher he entered.  Eventually he caught the attention of a well-known local producer, which led to a production and management deal that allowed Chris to record and perform all over the Twin Cities. In September of 2006 he released his first solo mixtape The Passion of Chris.

Unfortunately, the intended follow-up mixtape, impending tour and debut album were put on hold when Chris was released from the contract in 2007. Soon after, the rapper faced the tragic death of his longtime girlfriend, and coped with the loss during his two-year hiatus from music. By 2009, Chris emerged with the mixtape Sotafied:Pyrolyricism, released under his own MNUE Entertainment.

With inspiration from impressive lyricists like Jadakiss, Fabolous andLupe Fiasco, intertwined with the Twin Cities’ diverse spectrum of artistry, Chris Clay continued to create personal masterpieces as 2010 progressed.

Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, funk band Mint Condition, playright August Wilson, Peanuts’ creator Charles Schultz, painterLeRoy Neiman, Hip Hop collective Rhymesayers and 2009/2010 National Poetry Slam champions Soapboxing have all made their mark on Minnesota’s pop culture, and Chris hopes to leave his own permanent imprint.

“I value my lyrical abilities, and I’m trying to become more mainstream too,” asserts Chris. “I plan on collaborating with R&B and Rock & Roll artists, and a little bit of whatever is different. I want to break into as many avenues and break down as many barriers as I can. I love what I do, and I want people to see I’m good at it. I talk about myself, where I’m from and what I’m about. A lot of the time I’m giving myself to people through my music and I just want them to feel it. This is who I am, and what I do.”