Name: Chy Cartier

Where She’s From: Tottenham, North London

Genre: UK Rap

File Next To: Clavish, Nemzzz, Pozer

When She Started: “I started in 2018 but I’ve been rapping since the age of 7 so, technically, I started in 2011. It all started when I would recite songs my mum would play at home and eventually, my creativity extended into writing my own bars. All my friends know I’m passionate about rap.”

Sounds Like: “My sound is motivational. I make music for the ambitious and daring. I prioritise releasing tunes that are jumpy, hard-hitting and equally relatable to my audience.”

First Music That Inspired Her: “Foxy Brown’s Ill Na Na.”

Chy Cartier captivated rap fans across the UK (and beyond) when she released a snippet of “Bossed Up” in late 2023. Many, including lyrical legends Wretch 32, Bashy and Ghetts, were gripped by her sharp, distinct flow, while her nostalgic undertones, rhythm and diction set her apart from the start. Observers marvelled at her ability to merge classic rap influences with a fresh, modern twist, delivering something familiar yet wholly new. This is no surprise when Chy tells TRENCH she grew up listening to an array of music, including hip-hop, dancehall, grime and UKG.

Chy—short for her real first name, Chyna, whose parents are from Jamaica and Sierra Leone—has emerged from North London’s deep talent pool, and her arrival signals a refreshing reminder of the power and necessity of the female narrative in UK rap. With each freestyle and release, she reclaims and reshapes the space, adding her voice to the evolving story of British music. Her rise in the UK rap scene came at a pivotal moment: when the genre craved revitalisation. With her infectious hooks and signature phrases (her “BAP!” ad-lib serves as an ode to the pioneers of grime and UK rap), Chy Cartier has sparked microtrends across social media. This fresh take not only pays homage but also highlights the evolution of the scene, showcasing the immense talent and creativity now leading the charge.

The 19-year-old talent counts ‘90s rap icon Foxy Brown as a central influence—as well as the chart-topping Barb, Nicki Minaj. “I admired the way she [Nicki] joined the rap game and dominated the genre with her colourful hair, outfits and unique personas,” she says. Chy follows suit with her distinct and well-loved fringe hairstyle, which was spotted on Mowalola’s SS24 London Fashion Week runway. She exudes a similar playful assertiveness, proclaiming her affinity for “very handsome” boys—a mantra that resonates with every boss babe. Chy Cartier’s bodacious lyricism is a common thread throughout her work. “I was 7 when I wrote my first track about what will happen if you step on my shoes,” she explains. Her music prompts reminiscence, evoking memories of the Black British musical landscape circa 2011-16. Balancing lustful ambition with lyrical precision, her sound reflects a fierce determination that fuels her artistry. The result is a collection of hair-raising tracks that capture the complete essence of London life, all while cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary rap.

Breakout track “Bossed Up” is a declaration of the hustle and a look back at Chy’s independent journey. Her rapid rise also testifies to the effective use of social media amidst the impact of short-form content on musical promotion and consumption. Chy has since released singles such as “Like Magic”, “04”, “Snakes & Ladders”, “YO” (and its epic remix with Headie One), as well as featuring on tracks with the likes of Nines and Clipz. Her recent appearance on Victory Lap Radio was also a moment. Well on her way to becoming a household name, we can hold faith that UK rap will be just fine with acts like Chy Cartier pushing things forward.