At just 20 years old, Chy Cartier is already a bold voice in the UK rap scene. With the release of her breakout track ‘Bossed Up’ in 2023, the North London rapper quickly gained fame and received acclaim from her peers, including enthusiastic endorsements from artists like Skepta, Central Cee, Stormzy, and Novelist, despite having only released a few singles.
She solidified her rising star with her debut mixtape, No Bring Ins, which received critical acclaim earlier this year. Chy Cartier attributes her unique flows and sharp, gritty lyricism to her childhood community, stating, “You can hear it in my tone, my style, my energy.”
As she reaches the peak of her rapid ascent, Chy Cartier moves with purpose, harnessing the creative outlets around her to craft her own world. “When I take the stage or release a visual, my style communicates just as much as my lyrics. Fashion establishes the tone, mood, and intention. It’s a form of communication — and I’m fluent in it.”
This week, Stone Island announced Chy Cartier as one of the faces of its ‘Community as a Form of Research Project’ for AW25-26. Captured by David Sims, she showcases the 4100085 Translucent Cover and Cotton Moleskin from the brand's latest collection. We spoke with Chy Cartier about her journey so far, meaningful collaboration, and the impact of storytelling.
What drew you to rap as a form of self-expression?
Rap is raw and sincere — that’s what attracted me. I love narrating stories through my music and the way it resonates with people. Rap is also incisive—it can deeply impact or uplift, depending on the delivery. That contrast is significant to me.
What’s your perspective on the current UK rap scene?
UK rap is thriving right now, and I’m proud to be part of this new wave. Whether you call it new gen or underground, we are advancing things — sonically, visually, and culturally. We’re no longer seeking validation from the US. We are defining our own sound and identity, and the world is finally taking notice. It’s an exhilarating time to come from here.
How did your upbringing in North London shape your music career?
North London instills resilience. There's a mix of beauty and chaos. I witnessed a lot at an early age, giving me plenty to express. I was surrounded by creatives, hustlers, and people with genuine stories — that built a robust foundation for me. You can hear it in my tone, my style, my energy.
Who is your favorite lyrical rapper?
If we’re discussing legends, Vybz Kartel at his peak was extraordinary — powerful delivery, raw energy, and completely unapologetic. But he’s just one of my favorites; there are far too many to name.
Leading up to your debut mixtape No Bring Ins, you received significant endorsements and were included on UK Rap’s One To Watch list. How did that influence your approach? Did you feel any pressure?
Yes, there were people watching — but I didn’t let that throw me off. You don’t feel pressure when you remain authentic. I wasn’t after hype; I just wanted to share my story in a genuine way. No Bring Ins was personal. The title says it all: no handouts, no favors. I had to deliver properly.
You released ‘Miu Miu’ last month. The track is sharp and self-assured. What made that beat resonate with you for this moment?
I just know when a beat fits — it’s instinctual. If I don’t start nodding my head almost immediately, it’s not the right one. ‘Miu Miu’ felt like stepping into a room and owning it. No apologies. That vibe matched my current state.
What direction are you taking with your new music, and what themes do you wish to explore?
I’m focusing on contrasts – soft vs hard, light vs dark. I want to delve into duality, identity, and power, particularly from a woman’s viewpoint in this scene. There’s beauty in complexity, and I’m embracing that in the next chapter.
Your work has consistently intertwined with fashion. How do music and fashion connect for you?
Both are tools for storytelling. When I perform or release a visual, my outfit communicates just as much as my lyrics. Fashion sets the tone, mood, and intention. It’s a form of communication — and I speak it fluently.
How does fashion enable you to express aspects of yourself that music doesn’t?
Fashion allows me to reveal parts of myself that I might not cover in my lyrics. It’s the first thing people see — it gives an impression of who I am. I want it to always exude BOSS vibes. I often mix streetwear with high fashion deliberately.
Do you recall when you first began experimenting with your style?
Absolutely. Even
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