WAX Features – Chalie Boy

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ARTIST Q&A
by Ural Garrett

Houston rapper/singer gives advice on marketing music; success of “I Look Good”

Known throughout Houston’s underground for years, Chalie Boy recently burst unto the national scene with his hit single “I Look Good.” While the single was a hit on local radio for almost over a year, it gained national exposure when he signed with Battery/Jive records. “I Look Good” even debuted on BET’s 106 & Park at number 10 and reached as high as the number four. The remix for Chalie Boy’s (real name Charles Williams) breakout hit even included Juvenile and Houston veterans Slim Thug and Bun B.

On Wax: So how did you get the name Chalie Boy?
Chalie Boy: My great uncle was name is Charles and in the south people pronounced my name Chalie. In sports they yelled OH BOY and later on they added Chalie.

On Wax: What sport did you play?
Chalie Boy: Oh I played football.

On Wax: What are your thoughts on the success of “I Look Good”?
Chalie Boy: All I can say is that man……Words can’t express it….It’s hard work paying off. That was a wonderful feeling. It was for the fans and for Houston. You know; hard work and dedication, know what’s going on and what’d being played. “ I Look Good” tapped into people’s emotions.

On Wax: A lot of people say you sound like the late great Big Moe. How do you feel about those comparisons?
Chalie Boy: We were friends man; may he rest in peace. But as comparisons go; besides background vocals, we are two different artist. He was a musical artist representing for Texas.

On Wax: Career wise, what was your road to success?
Chalie Boy: I was attempting to make a push for radio and that’s why I made “I Look Good.” “I Look Good” was made for the radio. It was a breakout for my commercial success. It was for the masses. I mean I got to a point in the underground where I wanted music on a bigger scale and you can only go major with a major record label because the majors have the machine.

On Wax: When did you start rapping and what are some of your inspirations?
Chalie Boy: O started singing as a child but I started rapping in 2000. My influences? I would say artist like Jagged Edge, Public Announcement, N.W.A. and Luther Vandross. I like all types of music. My influences vary.

On Wax: Are you working on an album?
Chalie Boy: I’m working on an album but there’s no steady release date. I’m in the studio. When I get the green light from the label to put one out, I have tracks to choose from. When it comes to this album I want to hold my own, so when that time comes for some features to support the album it’ll come but for right now it’s all me/

On Wax: Do you plan on a follow up to “I Look Good”?
Chalie Boy: Yeah I have a new single in the works entitled “Look Like Money, Smell Like Dollars.” It’s an up-tempo groove like “I Look Good.” It’s geared more toward the ladies. It’s a nice bouncy track and I feel people will feel it.

On Wax: You launched on the scene by yourself without major backing and do you feel pressure to be the next big thing from Houston?
Chalie Boy: I’ve never had a co-sign, I don’t need one. I know what it takes and I know what I have to do. I feel no pressure at all because if I continue to do what I do then I’ll be fine.

On Wax: You’ve been in the underground for years, how did you build your brand and what advice do you give to up and coming artists?
Chalie Boy: I’ve been around the underground for 10 years. I did things like email blast for all my fans and DJs. I built up relationships with radio, promoters and DJ over the years. For the most part, I say to go from state to state for marketing and use the internet to sell your music through sites like Itunes if you’re just starting out. The marketing part is easy. So easy, that the market is flooded. Have faith, have an open mind and take constructive criticism. It’s about the block-to-block hustle. Never burn any bridges.

On Wax: Any last words for our readers out there?
Chalie Boy: I appreciate the support. “I Look Good” is the first single and look out for more of Chalie Boy. Check out my Twitter and my MySpace.