Before his six-year hiatus, Chuks Profound was known for the authenticity of his music. It seems as though he intentionally was in touch with himself to write lyrics that’ll connect with his audience, and they did connect. A fan from way back says Profound’s music is deeply reflective and relatable. His last album, Daddy Knows Best, still resonates with them, and I think we know why.
Profound says his hiatus was as a result of many things. Life in general, not having something worthwhile to write about, school, among others, but Profound has recently “Before We Proceed”, so it seems as though he’s gotten his mojo back. He’s here, and he has a story to tell.
“Before We Proceed” is apparently the teaser before we get the real thing. It has quite the literal meaning. He’s telling his audience that before they both proceed onto the next project, he wants to tease their ears with a tip of the iceberg.
In this interview with 49th Street, Profound tells us about “Before We Proceed”, the concepts and inspiration for the tracks in it. He also talks about his next project, Daddy Issues, and what he has for his fans. Chuks Profound is back, and he’s here for good.
Fatiat: Who is Chuks Profound?
Chuks Profound: Chuks Profound is a multi-skilled artist(e). He raps, sings, and does graphic arts on the side.
Fatiat: Why music?
Profound: Basically, I grew up around music. My uncle used to market the likes of P-Square, M.I and 2Face, so I was pretty much around music from a young age. I found out that it was the best medium I could find to express myself, and it helps and comforts me during the highs and lows. Then again, I feel like I’m made for it. So, why not?
Fatiat: You recently released your sophomore project “Before We Proceed”, and I couldn’t help but notice that it’s been six years since you released your debut project “Daddy Knows Best”. Can I ask why it took so long?
Profound: So, the inspiration for Daddy Knows Best was literally my personal struggles. Each song was talking about the different issues I was facing. Things I wanted to shed light on. After I dropped it, it was well received, so I took time to experience more stuff that I could talk about for the next project. During that time — while I was living and trying to experience things — I also had other stuff going on on the side which was another personal struggle; I was going to school during that period. I was recording and making more music. I had a tape that I was supposed to put out, but I didn’t feel like it reflected what I wanted to talk about, as opposed to Daddy Knows Best. I didn’t feel like it was up to par, so I just kept working and grinding. Eventually, I came up with a tape which I think is a masterpiece. It’s called Daddy Issues. It’s a follow up to Daddy Knows Best, and because it’s so introspective and deep, I thought that I should reintroduce myself and first of all give the people that had just known Chuks Profound a re-introduction, which is the EP “Before We Proceed”. That’s why it’s called Before We Proceed. It’s like, here’s something before we get too deep into the life of Chuks Profound.
Fatiat: That’s very enlightening. What’s the story behind the cover art?
Profound: The album art is basically me sitting on a bus which symbolises the journey from Before We Proceed to Daddy Issues. It also symbolises the journey that I am about to take with my fans to the next project.
Fatiat: That’s nice. It seems as though everything concerning your project is symbolic and meaningful to the overall picture. So, what inspires you?
Profound: You can say that. Life inspires me. Like I previously stated, every single thing that I have made is a reflection of what I’ve seen, gone through or what other people are going through. So, basically, life.
Fatiat: I went through your social media accounts, and on Twitter, I found a video. It was a response from someone who had listened to one of your tracks — ADHD — and thanked you for shedding light on it. In that track, you chronicle the lives of people living with the disorder. Is it also applicable to you?
Profound: No, I do not have ADHD. The truth is, I had a friend who was officially diagnosed with ADHD and was telling me about the symptoms, and I really felt like I had those symptoms as well. I Google-searched it and confirmed that most of the symptoms were things I was going through as well, so I decided to shed light on the issue, because there are a lot of people that actually have ADHD and do not know it, they just go around in a bubble. It’s also for people who have the symptoms like I do and don’t know how to feel about it. I didn’t want them to feel weird, so I decided to shed light on it.
Fatiat: You mentioned your next project “Daddy Issues”. Let’s talk a bit about that.
Profound: Originally, I was going to put out a mixtape called Daddy Issues and like the name implies, I was going to talk about my actual daddy issues — because I do have them — and a couple of other issues I’m facing. In my previous project, Daddy Knows Best, I assumed myself as the father in this rap industry, so I was the ‘Daddy’ in point. Daddy Knows Best was talking about different issues I wanted to shed light on, and Daddy Issues is like the same Daddy, except now he has issues and he’s talking about them. There are a lot of introspective songs about my personal life on there. ADHD was originally supposed to be on Daddy Issues, but I decided to give the audience a glimpse of what Daddy Issues is going to entail. The plan is originally to put it out as soon as possible. It’s one of my finest works, I’d like to believe, and I can’t wait to put it out. Not a lot of people in the industry really make the kind of music I make, so I feel like it’s something different and something people are going to enjoy.
Fatiat: You feature acts like PsychoYP, Zarion Uti and Bris B on the new project, are there any other rappers you’d love to collaborate with in the industry?
Profound: I’d love to work with LadiPoe, because I feel like he’s an incredible storyteller which is like down my alley, so I think we’ll make amazing music together. I’d love to work with SDC. I think they are trailblazers and what they’ve been doing is wonderful. Also, I don’t just want to box it into rap. I really want to work with Tems, I feel like making music with her would be fantastic. Tay, as well. I believe that that combination is going to be crazy. Falz, too. He’s like Top 5.
Fatiat: I think I speak for everyone when I say we can’t wait to hear all of these combinations. We know they are going to be massive. Should we be expecting another long sabbatical before your next project or will you be here for good?
Profound: Nah. I feel like my greatest hurdle was inconsistency, and that wasn’t intentional. Now, I really don’t plan to. I feel like I’ve moved past that and I have bare projects to release. You guys are even going to tire of me, because I’m going to keep dropping and dropping. This year, you might even get a new project. Be on the lookout for that.
Fatiat: Noted. Do you have any words for fans who have been following you since the beginning of your journey and for new fans who have listened to your projects and dig your music?
Profound: To the people that have been supporting and listening to me since my first tape, I say a big thank you, because the constant messages that I’d been getting all through the hiatus was the driving force that I needed to use to come back. Thank you. And to the new people that just came on the ride, get ready because now is even going to be crazier. Keep listening and supporting. Put your friends on to Profound’s music. Thank you.
Fatiat: Thank you for speaking with us, Profound.