In the Spring of 2018, Nicki Minaj announced on Queen Radio that she signed a producer by the name of Jeremy Reid also known as J. Reid Chevi. After dropping two songs titled “Chun Li” and “Barbie Tingz” the lead single from Minaj’s fourth studio album, Queen invaded the airwaves. After only 24 hours of streaming, “Chun Li” debuted at no. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100. It later went on to certify Platinum and peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard charts. The Queen of Rap praised the producer, giving him an “American Intro” fit for the future American Muscle of Hip Hop.
“Shout out to J. Reid the Producer, who I signed… Shout out to Brinx who introduced me to him because me, I’m about vibes. Talent is some of it but vibe is the other. And so I flew him in to meet with me, I just loved his vibe, his spirit, his gratefulness, his humility, I love that and he was just ready to work. And I was like ‘YES! Let’s go!'”
Reid has definitely been on go with “Money Callin” his phone and a list of notable artists talking greazy on his tracklist such as Zonnique, Pap Chanel, Bloody Jay, F.L.Y. and Bahja Rodriguez. He also has his A&R hat on when it comes to his artist, Jamar Langley. Not only did he drop an album titled American Muscle 2 but he released it under his own record label, Chevi Muzik Universe.
The Feature Presentation’s Amber Lé managed to catch up with him during the quarantine to talk about his new ventures in depth. Reid dug into his childhood to explain why he chose the names he did for both.
My inspiration for this album comes from being in the south and growing up and around American Muscle cars. I named my company Chevi Muzik for the love of Chevrolet, NASCAR, and music. ‘American Muscle 2‘ is a play on words to signify that I want to become the “American Muscle” of the music industry.
The hitmaker is waiting to see which track is the most popular amongst the listeners to determine what he wants to push. Although Chevi isn’t quite sure what single he’s going to drop first, he emphasized “What I Like” featuring Zonnique, F.L.Y and Easton is doing numbers. He also mentioned that his favorite banger off the project is “Money Callin” featuring the Snippet Queen, Pap Chanel and he’s proud to say “She’s up next, mark my word!”
Reid has been composing beats since he was in the 9th grade and graduated from Stephenson High School in 2005. Shortly after, he left Alabama A&M University to pursue his music career and perfect his craft. In the year 2009, he launched Chevi Muzik Universe, stating that his motivation started as a kid, he always had dreams of running his own business and embracing his devotion to music.
“I created this label to not just be the producer behind the music scene, but to also be a home for artists, producers and writers to become who they want to be.”
Reid has been perfecting his craft for the past 13 years and still going strong as his roster of top notch artists continues to grow. His credibility speaks for itself working with unforgettable talents such as Lloyd, Webbie, Rick Ross, Jack Harlow, City Girls, Salma Slims, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne and the list goes on. The highlight of his success reached a different level after signing with Nicki Minaj.
“Working and signing with her was one of my best experiences as a producer. She was very straightforward, serious but easy to work with. The opportunity she gave me, I will always appreciate and be thankful for.”
Needless to say, he’s “Up Dere” as one of the best beat bangers making noise worldwide. How many Hip Hop producers can say that? Ending things on a positive note, Lé asked J. Reid what advice he has for those aspiring to leave their imprint in the music game. He made it a point that consistency is key and to join the industry only if it was for the love and the passion.
“I would advise artists and producers to make sure their intentions for doing music isn’t just to become famous, but to enjoy the process and make music for the love of the art.”
Be sure to check out some behind the scenes with J. Reid Chevi as he walks you through the making of “Ganja Burn” and “Chun Li” below.
