When did you discover your talent for rapping?

I started writing as a kid, maybe around 4 or 5 years old. I was constantly writing poems, and short stories mostly. At the time the words were never written to beats, so I didn't really consider myself a rapper...I just knew I could rhyme, and I knew I loved to write. In my mind, I was more of a poet. It wasn't until my early teenage years when I started to develop a cadence and flow. I'd been writing for so many years, that turning poems into raps came naturally to me. In my head I knew I was nice lol, I was just way too shy to let anyone else know it. It was a secret I hid from people for many years.

What was one of the first songs you've fallen in love with?

I remember one of the first cd's I bought as a kid was the Jadakiss album "Kiss of Death". One of my all time favorite tracks on there was/is "Still Feel Me". There was just something about the words, and the instrumental that moved me. He was talking about some pretty deep stuff, so it definitely caught my attention and always stuck with me.

Who are your top 5 artist and why?

It's hard to pick a top 5 knowing there are so many great artists out there who have moved the culture. My list tends to change a little depending on what mood I'm in. But, if I had to pick 5 right now they would be (in no particular order) Jadakiss, BIG, Pac, Nas and Jay. As a 90's baby I may be a little biased, but I think everyone I mentioned has held the "legendary" title at one point or another. Lyrically each artist can go bar for bar with each other, and still put out good songs. There's a difference between being a rapper who can just spit bars, and one who can actually make songs you'd listen to years after they are made. When I hear music, I want to feel it in my soul, I want to relate, I want to hit that replay button over and over again. That's what each one of those artists was/is capable of doing. I think they all paint(ed) a picture, in different ways, but nonetheless they create(ed) a visual to make you feel like you were right there when things happened. That's what you call that classic timeless feel. Music that will live on forever, even after the artist is no longer around.

As a woman, what hardships have you faced pursuing your passion?

As a woman pursuing music, it's easy to feel the need to prove that you are actually talented and a dope artist. Music is a competition in many ways. Everyone wants to be the best at what they do. The trick is to mentally get to a place where you realize the only person you have to prove anything to, is yourself. I named my upcoming mixtape "My Own Worst Enemy", as a testament to myself...and a reminder, that I'm my biggest critic; and that the only one I'm really competing with is myself. I'm a lot harder on myself than anyone I've come across so far.

What are some other passions you are interested in?

Aside from writing and music, I really enjoy just helping people. I think in life it's important to stop and listen. There's a lot to learn from people. It's a good feeling when you're able to extend a helping hand to someone who may be less fortunate, or just going through a hard time; you never know what someone is going through. I realize we're all imperfect beings, so in my everyday life I just try to devote my energy into being a good person and doing what I can for others when the opportunity arises.

Where do you hope to take your musical talents?

My main goal is to have people all over the world hear my music, and be able to relate to my story. At the very least I'd like them to hear my music and feel good vibes. Some things I write about are deep and personal, but I also write "feel good" music. Music you'll get in the car and drive to. Music you can get hype to. I have a little something for everyone. I just want the world to hear it, and love it as much as I love making it.

Who has motivated you to continue to pursue your passion?

My parents and family have always been motivational to me. Everything I do, is to eventually make a better life for them. More than anyone, my parents have always said whatever makes me happy is what I should devote my time, money, and energy into. This is a reminder to stay true to myself, and keep writing which ultimately is what I love.

If you could chill with 2 rappers, who would they be?

I would have loved to meet Tupac. His mind was so out of the box, that any conversation is bound to be interesting. He's the type of guy who'd curse you out, and still drop jewels on you at the same time. It's crazy how he was so ahead of his time, so I'm curious to know what his thoughts would be on today's society. I think I could have learned a lot from him, and at the same time he seems like he knows how to have a good time; we'd probably leave with some wild stories and memories. The other rapper I'd like to chill with would be J Cole. He has such a deep soul, and I've always felt like I could relate. He's the type of guy that isn't afraid to speak his mind and be different. That's just my kind of person

Check out Chelsea's music on https://soundcloud.com/chels_ciara13

Lada: I met Chelsea my freshmen year at LMC. I was and still am interested in her passion for music. As a woman, as she stated in the interview, it can be difficult to be taken seriously, but her relentless approach and dedication to her voice being heard is admirable. Thank you Chelsea.