Artist Profile: Chyna Streetz is a New York City Rapper on the Rise

With a unique blend of influences and a penchant for storytelling, Chyna Streetz is quickly becoming one of the top names in New York City hip-hop. Streetz is known for her fierce lyricism, frequent collaborations with Griselda rapper Rome Streetz, and a distinct style that melds traditional East Coast hip-hop with a modern flair. Born and raised in New York City, Chyna Streetz has carved out a unique lane for herself in the crowded, male-dominated rap game.

Growing up in a family of musicians, Streetz showed a natural talent for music at a young age, and began performing on stage when she was just four years old. However, the rapper’s musical journey began in earnest with a rap battle victory that proved her prowess in the genre.

“It was a battle between me and a boy in the lunchroom over music,” Chyna Streetz said in an interview with The Harvard Crimson. “We were arguing over different artists and who was better. And then he was like, ‘I'm a better rapper than you,’ and I was like, ‘You can never be better than me.’”

This pivotal moment not only boosted her confidence, but also set her on a path toward creating her own unique sound. “I wound up winning and I realized that I could really do this rap shit,” she added.

In 2018, Streetz released her first EP, "Weird Girl Antics.” The project showcases her unique style and ability to blend elements of classic hip-hop and R&B into a cohesive sound. “The process of putting that [album] together was comprised of all of my life journeys at that moment, like I was dealing with a lot of weird shit. So I was just like, ‘Yeah this is some Weird Girl Antics.’”

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists such as Lil' Kim, Salt-N-Pepa, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Janet Jackson, Chyna Streetz's music is a melting pot of styles and sounds. Embracing a combination of Lauryn Hill's poetic expression and Lil' Kim's unapologetic fierceness, Streetz has managed to create a distinct persona that sets her apart from her contemporaries and inspirations alike.

Over the years, Streetz has honed her creative process, focusing on conceptual storytelling and structuring her projects in relation to one another. On recent releases like her EP “Hourglass” from last May, each song is carefully crafted to evoke emotions and tell a story that captivates her audience, like on standout track “Ghetto Diva.” This attention to detail and her passion for creating music that is meant to be felt has set her apart in an industry often criticized for its monotony.

“All my projects have a concept to them,” Streetz said. “I attack them like chapters in a book. How do I want this chapter to look? How do I want this chapter to sound? How do I want this chapter to translate? What do I want [listeners] to know? What don't I want them to know?”

A common thread in Streetz’s music is her unflinching honesty and willingness to tackle tough subjects. Her lyrics often touch on themes of struggle, survival, and perseverance, reflecting her own experiences as a young woman navigating the often hostile world of hip-hop. In addition to her solo work, the rapper is closely associated with Rome Streetz, with whom she shares part of her rap name.

“Rome Streetz was like, ‘Why don't you change your name to Chyna Streetz?’ because Chyna Streetz was my Facebook alias [in 2010],” the rapper said. “It was just supposed to be for Facebook. I changed it to that and then started rapping under that name because everybody was trying to book me with my Facebook name.”

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Chyna Streetz admits that navigating the rap scene can be challenging. Often underestimated because of her appearance, Streetz has learned to take these misconceptions in stride, proving her ferocity and talent through her powerful performances. She is set to headline a show in New York City with Vel Nine on March 25th. It will be one of Streetz’s biggest solo performances to date.

“They moreso approach me for my look,” the rapper said. “Because I have a real dainty look about me, they don't really take me as the ferocious rapper that I am. And then when I actually perform, it's like ‘Holy shit, who is this?’”

—Staff writer Ryan S. Kim can be reached at ryan.kim@thecrimson.com.