Chuck Inglish is an American rapper from Mount Clemens, Michigan and one half of the hip-hop duo The Cool Kids. Big Game Air recently caught up with Chuck to talk about dropping a new album, his acting career and his favorite football team, the University of Michigan Wolverines.
You just released a new album. What should fans expect from it stylistically?
It was released in mid-September and is called Special Edition Grand Master Deluxe. I think fans of our music will see this as our coming out party — a breakout of different sounds and textures.
You also just recently appeared in a movie. Can you tell us a little about that and when does that come out?
Yes. This summer was my first taste of acting in a major motion picture, a film titled Widows, slated to be in theaters Nov. 2018. It was a huge step towards my goals of being in front of the camera and behind it also. I learned so much from being on set. When I left college to pursue music, I never stopped thinking about writing and acting in films. I have always been a filmmaker in my mind.
Is this just an acting one-off or will we be seeing you on the big screen more often?
No, this will be permanent. I just see myself as an artist. I can work with any medium I see fit. What’s harder, getting on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans or being behind the camera for a movie? Both can be equally as intimidating. But I believe preparation cures all nervousness. But the catch to that is you can never feel totally prepared. So I think when I am on stage the only way I can feel pressure isn’t from the crowd — I love the people — It’s from the fear of not totally knowing your lyrics. That freaks me out. Same as when I’m shooting a scene, knowing your lines is important to giving your best performance.
You’ve been able to endure in the music game and it’s not easy. What lessons have you learned along the way?
To have complete faith in yourself. Knowing that what your creating is pure, and no matter what the climate is at that time, you can inspire or lead the next breakthrough at any moment. This is a long-distance run. Art is not capitalism. You can’t milk it for what it’s worth and expect to survive off the love of the listeners, viewers, or fans. It doesn’t work that way.
You grew up in the wonderful state of Michigan. With the storied past of Motown and other great musicians that have come from Michigan. Who were some of your early musical influences?
More than just specific musicians, I think the radio is what really influenced me early on. Detroit radio was magical when I was growing up. WJZZ, WGPR, WJLB, those stations would break songs that made my mind bend. My parents were big fans of The Electrifying Mojo, who to me, was the coolest, most progressive radio DJ I have ever heard of in my life. He broke Prince in Detroit.
If you are looking just to chill, what are you listening to?
The Internet, Toro Y Moi, Wes Montgomery.. They never fail me.
Since I know you and your family I’m going to just say it. You guys are the biggest University of Michigan fans I know. How’d this happen?
Well, My Mother was a two sport all-american cheerleader at U of M, on top of that all of her closest friends she grew up all played on the ’77 ’78 team with Bo. I think that’s when my Grandmother became a diehard fan. My family and a group of close family members and friends started tailgating on the golf course in the 80’s before games. We created a culture in my family before I was even thought of. My father was a Michigan fan before he met my mother. So as expected when I came home from the hospital first night after I was born, I had an Anthony Carter #1 baby football onesie on. It’s deep over here. I don’t know anyone in my family who has even enrolled at Michigan State before. That’s how Maize and Blue it is.
What’s your prediction for The Team this year? Who’s your favorite player on this years squad and why?
Honestly, my expectations are high. I think Coach Harbaugh has those guys ready to beat anyone at any given time. We haven’t had that feeling around my house hold since Lloyd Carr left. I think our only test this year is Penn State and Wisconsin, only because our offense still is developing and they scare me when it comes down to having to put points on the board… but our defense is ice cold.. They are our bread and butter. My favorite player right now is Rashan Gary, he is a man child!
Any plans on having Jim Harbaugh rap on your new album?
Actually — the next album.
LA is now home for you. Is it just easier for work or does LA really feel like home?
LA is my work home.. Home will always be Detroit. No matter where I go, or how long I’m gone … Im from Detroit.
When is the next time you guys go on tour and will you be touring with anyone else?
We are going to tour throughout the fall, but the big run will happen at the top of the year. I would love to tour with other artists. To get added to the Jay Z tour would be bananas.
Last question. The ladies want to know if you’re dating anyone? Anyone special currently in your life?
Yes. I’ve been with the coolest girl I have ever met for the past four years now. I turned her into a Wolverine fan too, not like there was too much choice.
