“A Mannequin, a Fish Tank, and a Bed”: Atlanta Rapper Che Tells Us His Studio Must-Haves

Photo courtesy of Che.

Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview‘s weekly destination for playlists curated by our friends, enemies, and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured playlists from Jackzebra, Mechatok, and Rico Nasty. This week’s installment comes from 18-year-old rapper and producer Che. During COVID lockdown, this young Bass Killer began experimenting with music production from his bedroom, going on to release singles on Soundcloud. After several of his tracks went viral on TikTok, he entered a prolific phase of creativity, dropping his mixtape Closed Captions in 2023, his debut studio album Sayso Says the following year, and his most recent album, Rest in Bass, earlier this month. The Atlanta native’s erratically autotuned rage rap remains present in this most recent release—only this time, it’s heavy on the bass. Before it dropped, Che took a quick break from making music to make us a playlist and answer our Sound Advice Questionnaire, where he revealed his style icons and music taste red flags.–OLAMIDE OYENUSI

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What song on this playlist do you wish you wrote? “Fashion Killa” by A$AP Rocky.

Dream collab, dead or alive? Amy Winehouse.

Where do you find new music? When I hear a song I like outside, I Shazam it.

Name your favorite artist no one knows about: ILOVEMAKONNEN.

Name three things you want in your dream studio: A mannequin, fish tank, and a bed.

What was your first concert? A Waka Flocka show. I was ten years old, I saw it with my mom.

What was your craziest encounter with a fan? I’ve signed a fan’s arm before, and he got it tatted. That was cool.

Who are your style icons? Marilyn Manson and Ville Valo.

What’s a music taste red flag? It’s no red flags in music, it’s all subjective.

What are you DoorDashing to the studio? Cookies & sprite.

Three words to describe your new album: Punk. Raw. Bass.

How do you stay inspired? Waking up everyday.

Who do you trust most with the aux? My producer, CXO.

The world is ending, what are you wearing? A tuxedo. Fresh to death.

Where’s the afters? I don’t eat dessert.

What’s the best Crystal Castles song? “Dolls,” “Doe Deer,” and “Pap Smear.”

All-time clothing grail? Louis Vuitton, Jasper, Kanye West, Patchwork.