Q&A with Valley Boy Choze

Quick Intro: My name’s Justin Odom. I go by Valley Boy Choze. I’m the founder of 574 Ent. and part of UTN Records. I’m a jack of all trades when it comes to the music industry. I really do it all. I rap, produce, and mix and master tracks.

Q. Where did you grow up, and what kind of music were you listening to then?

A. I was born, raised, and still reside in the Valley of Alaska. I’ve always been listening to rap/hip-hop, and R&B. There was a little rock and roll influence just from living in the area as well.

Q. At what age did you decide to start getting involved in music?

A. I started messing around with a keyboard, and writing here and there around 8, but didn’t start taking it seriously until I was about 16.

Q. Is there a difference between hip-hop and rap?

A. To me the difference is that Rap is more of the braggadocios, flashy, money driven, club type/ trap music. Hip-Hop is more the lyrical, message oriented music, with that east coast, vinyl sampled, boom bap type sound. 2 Chainz vs. say KRS One

Q. How often do you perform and what do you enjoy about doing live shows?

A. Right now I’m performing at least every other weekend, whether it be in the Valley or in Anchorage. I love having control of the crowd and the energy live music brings. Plus seeing peoples reactions when certain lines are said.

Q. Your dream collaboration?

A. That’s tough, I’d say dead; Mac Dre or Pac. Alive; Future or 2 Chainz

Q. What artist or bands are on your playlist right now?

A. Yo Gotti, K Camp, Young Thug, August Alsina, Fat Trel just to name a few.

Q. Your top 5 rappers of all time?

A. In no particular order, Pac, Biggie, Mac Dre, Wayne, Ludacris

Q. How would you best describe your style of hip hop?

A. My style like a melting pot. Id say a strong mix of west coast, and southern styles, with some harmony included at times. Its that Valley style.

Q. Any new projects in the works?

A. Currently I’m working on a solo project entitled “Korrupted.” There are also a couple group projects in the works, one that features Emcee Mr. Cee and myself, which is untitled at this time. Also a UTN album entitled “On Switch.”

Q. How do you see the local rap scene right now in Alaska? And your thoughts on making it better.

A. There’s a lot of talent out there without a doubt, and more and more events keep popping up which is legit besides for the fact that the fans can’t act right sometimes. The only problem I see is that its too divided and I think the awards show proved that. The Valley has a stigma on it, Fairbanks as well even in some aspects. Also a lot of other artists are “too cool” to try and reach out to other artists, show love at their shows, and support the cause. I think its because everyone wants to be the first to pop up here, its getting better don’t get me wrong, but theres still a long way to go. Networking is the key, if we were moving like Atlanta artists unite and move, we’d be better off.

Q. Is there any advice you wish you had gotten when you first got into the music business?

A. Invest in yourself, there are a lot of snakes in the grass, and janky ass promoters/managers out there. They will try and take advantage of you any way they can, from your talents, image, sound, and especially if you’re making any money. Also surround yourself with a strong team of people who are on the same mission you’re on. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Q. Where can we find you online?

A. First and foremost the website, 574Ent.Com, Instagram; @ValleyBoyChoze, Twitter; ChosenOne574.

Q. Any shout outs?

Shout out to the team; Galax-C, Ill Shaquille, Emcee Mr. Cee, D the Lyricist. Chris Ray with Bearly Blunt apparel. Mannish Da Jula, Redd Dott, AzRel Ent, Dj Antwoodz, T Marteen, ,Illaska.Com, and anybody else who I’ve worked with or reached out for a feature. AK stand up!

Follow Valley Boy Choze online: 574Ent.Com

Twitter @ChosenOne574
Instagram @ValleyBoyChoze

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/574-Entertainment/176533269030455