7k Cjay

7k Cjay is a 17-year-old artist from Chicago. Musically, 7k Cjay points to Kanye West as his biggest inspiration. Growing up in Chicago, Kanye’s music was a major influence, but even more important to him is Kanye’s strong sense of individuality and refusal to be like anyone else. Outside of music, Cjay says his grandfather has been one of his biggest inspirations, teaching him how to be relentless in life and how to be someone others can always lean on.

Cjay first got into music at 12 years old during quarantine, making songs on BandLab, though his love for music started even earlier through piano classes. His sound began to develop more seriously after taking a beat-making class at Hyde Park Art Center through an apprenticeship taught by ISPRO Academy, which also helped him buy his first microphone, an AT2005. Another important turning point came in high school when his friend @amf.m3 shot his first music video, giving both of them a start and helping reignite Cjay’s hunger and excitement for music.

In the next five years, 7k Cjay hopes to build a stronger fanbase while continuing to grow into a more creative and unique artist. He wants to be the kind of rapper who cannot be boxed into one lane, someone defined by individuality rather than trends. At the same time, he plans to graduate college, which he’ll begin in the fall, and continue making music out of passion instead of chasing quick success. No matter where life takes him, he sees himself staying consistent and hopefully becoming more of a household name.