[INTERVIEW] Problem Introduces Us To His World of ‘Chachiville’

We Catch Up With L.A. Bred Rapper, Problem, To Talk His Latest Mixtape & More

As he continues to expand his all-too-popular brand and ever growing fan-base, Los Angeles, CA, based rapper, Problem, née Jason Martin, returns with his latest mixtape outing, Chachiville. The thirteen track collection includes the set’s lead offering, “Moneeey,” as well as the Uncle Chucc assisted “Melrose,” and follows right on the heels of the West Coast spitter’s raucous Los Angeles Rams created anthem, “My Squad.”

We caught up with the emcee to talk about the new music, repping the West Coast and much more. Check out the full interview below…

Parlé Mag: Let’s get right into it. How does CHACHIVILLE either differ and/or compare to previous Problem efforts?
Problem: The way it was created, and the fact that we can say we traveled across the U.S. to make the tracks in hotels, on the road and in The Sprinter. Majority of my projects have been themed, and this is just 12 great songs.

Parlé Mag: Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?
Problem: When I was writing for Snoop for his Ego Trippin’ album, three songs ended up making the cut for the album and that was my first BIG pay out.

Parlé Mag: Who have been your greatest inspirations musically?
Problem: Prince, Eminem, DJ Quik and the whole N.W.A. tree, Kanye West.

Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you actually describe the style of music that you create and perform?
Problem: I wouldn’t, that’s for the people to do. I do it for the culture.

Parlé Mag: Where did your moniker, Problem, a.k.a. Chachi, originally derive from?
Problem: The name was given to me ’cause when I played basketball I was a problem on the court… and Chachi came from the evolution of Scott Baio; he went from being part of a show, to having one with someone else, to then his own show, which is how my career has built.

Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Problem: Relationships definitely. Having great people around me, and my work ethic.

Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop? And even more specifically, West Coast rap or the lack thereof?
Problem: It could be better out here; there’s no real identity right now. For a minute we had a thing that was going out here, and we need to get it back.

Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Problem: I love acting, and I’ve been able to do some of that this year. Also learning how to play piano, and I always love the sh*t outta spending time with my kids.

Parlé Mag: What has been your greatest achievement(s) so far?
Problem: All of my kids, headlining at [Power 106’s] Powerhouse, having the L.A. Rams team anthem this year.

Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Problem: Kanye West; I’d be interested in seeing what he would give me.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose?
Problem: The Super Bowl.
Parlé Mag: One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Problem: [Rapsody’s] “Complacent”; if you listen, you’ll understand. In my opinion, it’s my best release verse.

Parlé Mag: What particular string of events led to your current signing to DIAMOND LANE MUSIC GROUP?
Problem: I was already moving with Diamond Lane, and that’s my family. We had the bread to create this music imprint, and so we did.

Parlé Mag: Lastly, last April saw the release of your EP, Rosecrans, a collaborative collection with the above mentioned DJ Quik, with that being said, it is my understanding that a full length opus is also in the works?
Problem: It’s definitely coming!

Parlé Mag: Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
Problem: Yes, make sure you go check out: Chachiville.com… and get my Chachiville mixtape, and just ride to it.

Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Problem: Follow me on @Problem354