Meet SCHUY | Artist: Rapper/Songwriter/Creative Visionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with SCHUY and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SCHUY, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Whew, this is a pretty loaded question! I really think I pursued the Artist pathway because it was already pursuing me. Younger SCHUY was hardly good at any Math or Science, but definitely was a whiz at Writing and History/Social Studies. But where she effortlessly excelled was Theatre and Music. I remember always getting so excited for those electives in school because it meant that I didn’t have to follow any real structure, rules, theories, etc…I could just create my own! I think that initially planted the Artist path in my roots. I eventually started venturing into the world of Dance since that form of non-verbal expression was one of the main things that aided me in dealing with my early traumas. It’s crazy to me that I had such a solid grip on communicating my thoughts and emotions through art, unknowingly, at such a young age.

From a kid and well into my teenage years, I was heavily involved in all sorts of girl groups, cheerleading and step teams, dance crews, open mic events, fashion shows, music videos, etc. It all just seemed like little hobbies to me at first. Of course I had family members who supported me in every endeavor, but little did they know, with each show, shoot, or competition, my love for these art forms grew stronger…and constantly watching media that showed me little Black girls could actually grow up and soar into superstardom through Theatre, Film, Music, Dance, Spoken Word, and Fashion–all the things I was interested in–my vision expanded with greater ambitions. I vividly recall telling one of my aunts after being asked the golden question of all time: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I simply stated (halfway knowing exactly what I meant,) yet with the most conviction: “A Renaissance woman.”

Ever since then, the rest has been history! I moved from my sweet Texas to the “Black Hollywood” Atlanta, Georgia at 17 years old. Set off on a new journey to make that statement a reality. Aimed (and achieved) my Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts at The Illustrious Clark Atlanta University, where I ultimately learned that if you want something, it’s always in your reach. But to get it, you’ve gotta Find A Way Or Make One. A true testament and affirmation to my career as an Artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an emerging female rapper in the industry, I pride myself on being my most authentic self, allowing every part of me to mesh and bleed through every song and visual. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable in my artistry and I’m immensely committed to growth, knowing that there’s always something new to learn that will help elevate my craft. I’m not afraid to make mistakes and make something beautiful (or ugly) out of them. Real artistry knows no bounds.

I often find myself researching a lot of the greats in entertainment and art, staying true to my interests in History and Culture. Knowledge is power, so that kind of research helps me sharpen my pen as well as broadens my perspective, thus prepping me with the tools to create music that is bold, thought-provoking, whimsical, avant-garde even. I feel that the deeper I understand and challenge myself in the atmosphere I thrive in, the better I’m able to shift and elevate.

What naturally sets me apart from my peers is my passion for world building. Not too many musicians or lyricists of this generation are creating moments let alone giving us different eras to dive into with them. I look to musical icons such as Josephine Baker, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Missy Elliott, Outkast, and Kanye West for their ability to take their fans on unique journeys with them musically and aesthetically. Talk about being out of the box!! Other artists of today that are doing the same thing that widely inspire me are Rico Nasty, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, Teezo Touchdown, Doechii, and Smino. Their approach to music by incorporating their real life experiences while painting new pictures/stories to connect deeper to themselves and their fans is unmatched! What we all have in common is being raw in each element we choose to step into. Whatever character or story we’re creating, the dedication is clear.

My most proudest moment in my music career so far (I have a Top 5, for sure!) has been the development and execution of my latest single, “Breathless.” This particular song was birthed out of a sweet romantic experience turned sour – a tale of toxic love that we all know of or have been through ourselves. Initially when I heard the beat (produced by my close friend turned producer, DeMauge) I was going absolutely crazy!!!! I hadn’t heard an eclectic hip hop sound like that in a while. He even admitted that he didn’t imagine any rapping on the beat, but the lyrics started bouncing around my brain immediately. I even challenged myself to sing on the record because that’s what was coming out of my heart. I was vulnerable and allowed the song to take shape as organically as possible. My home girl Morgan Mimosa and I laid it down (recorded it) at her home studio, and OMJiggs out of Virginia mixed and mastered it. It was a long and patient process with bringing it to its highest quality, but with thorough collaboration, we got the job done.

Howver, the work wasn’t quite complete. I felt so good about the work we put in and the emotions I was able to convey in the music, I had to follow it up with a music video. And not just any music video, I had to create a short film! Michael Jackson once spoke on the difference between the two and why he creates short films for his music. That insight really stuck on me! And with my prior experience of developing short films through my media degree program at CAU, I wrote the “Breathless” short film script and treatment, curated the mood boards, casted my co-stars and crew, scouted and booked locations, directed and produced this project in a course of 4-5 months. Creating this 6-minute masterpiece was akin to climbing Mount Everest to me. So many obstacles rose during this process. Things that would’ve typically make one throw the towel in. We had some scheduling conflicts, transportation setbacks, film equipment issues, financial problems–the whole nine! But I am so so so grateful to myself and everyone involved looking back because even through all of that, we handled each situation with such a deep patience, understanding, grace, and intentionality that it undoubtedly shines through the final results. To place the cherry on top of this, I also managed to bring the community back together to host a magnificent physical film screening at Kuali Gallery in Atlanta. Shout out to my entire team for having my back through thick and thin!

To see and hold the fruits of your labor is truly humbling and gratifying. It’s also a reminder that if you can do it once, you can do it again…with more precision!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this! I have a Libra Sub and Virgo Rising sign, so it’s my pleasure to create a specially curated itinerary full of good eats and vibes!

Monday – You just landed and instantly craving a classic ATL meal: a 10 piece hot with lemon pepper sprinkles with fries and a peach drink from Atlanta Dream Wings off Campbellton Rd! Once you’re settled into your hotel or Airbnb, you want to pop out and be social. You’d head on over to the @poetryonpeter event, a magical open mic experience with a live band located in the heart of the city. Have a little drink and enjoy some raw poetry and music from local talent. Afterwards, you’re all zenned out and need some rest to take on the next day.

Tuesday – You wake up a little later, but realize in ATL, it’s Brunch time ALL day, EVERY day! I have a few suggestions if you want a variety: Cafe Intermezzo (gotta leave with one of their signature desserts!), Rosie’s Cafe, Fin & Feathers, Atlanta Breakfast Club, or BQE. You might want to walk off the forthcoming “itis” after eating at either of those spots, so I’d lead you to The Sweet Auburn Historic District for some tourist activity. You could visit the neighborhood and home of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the APEX museum for a life-changing experience. The Sweet Auburn Municipal Market is also a great place to commune and patronize local/small Black businesses. One of my favorite bookstores, For Keeps Books, is located in this district, and they might be hosting some cultural events for you to indulge in!

Wednesday – We can start off Wednesday with some wellness. Head over to The Historic West End for a yoga session at Southwest Atlanta Yoga studio led by Toure Akela at 12pm! Once you’re done with class, feel free to explore this area as well! For my vegan/veggie lovers/plant based foodies, you have some amazing food options for lunch: Tassili’s Raw Reality, (home of the best kale wraps in the world,) Soul Vegetarian, Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar, Slutty Vegan, YG Urban Cafe. For those who still want a filling meal, Dat Fire Jerk Chicken is nearby too. From here, you could go rest…OR keep it going by visiting the iconic Centennial Olympic Park. Get on the SkyView ferris wheel to get a beautiful bird’s eye view of the city. (Go on Groupon for tix!) If you’re still not done, head over to Peters Street Station around 8/9pm to enjoy another open mic/live band jam session as well as marvel at the art gallery they have hidden in the back.

Thursday – You decide you want to get some shopping in. Okay, cool! You could go either two ways (or both!) with Ponce City Market and Little 5 Points. At PCM, you’ll find a variation of commercial shops and local vendors/businesses plus a plethora of restaurants (my fave is Ton Ton ramen bar!) What’s also a cool addition to PCM is their Rooftop. It’s setup like a boardwalk full of arcade/carnival games including a mini golf course for all to enjoy up until a certain point where the bar opens and it gets a little boozy for the adults. It’s a real fun time. Now, with L5P, you’ll get more of a down-to-earth vibe as the strip is flooded with a collection of crystal shops, unique boutiques/shops, several restaurants (Hit up Thai5 if Thai cuisine is your thing) Plus, there’s the Aisle 5 music venue so you might be able to catch a good show while you’re out and about.

Friday – If you’re anything like me and love seafood, Beetlecat has an oyster bar happy hour and might I add, a lobster roll to die for! For the art and music lovers, you’d enjoy the sights and tunes blaring through the High Museum of Art at their Frequency Friday event that happens every First Friday of the month. The weekends in ATL are jam-packed, no matter the season so you might just find some more shenanigans to get into, especially on Fridays!

Saturday – You’re probably still recovering and want to have a more subtle and soothing Saturday. I suggest enjoying a pick-me-up like a coffee or tea from 404 Coffee or Be Coffee Tea & Wine Cafe both located in The Historic West End. Nature lovers would have an amazing day spending time at the local Black-woman owned plant shop, Nourish Botanica. Grab yourself some new plant babies or just enjoy some serene green window shopping! Not to mention, the shop’s backyard patio is open when weather permits. They have a mocktail bar and live music at different times/events in the month.

Sunday – There’s nothing like another hearty and buzzing Brunch on Sunday in the city. The very first breakfast place I visited and thoroughly enjoyed is Le Petit Marche. Everything on their menu is delicious and I’m always met with outstanding customer service with a smile. Afterwards, if you’re feeling like you’re ready for the big leagues and want to go shopping for your final day, pop out to Lenox Mall and scratch that shopaholic itch of yours! It’s usually crowded, and back in my day, you’d catch some of your fave celebrities out dropping bags on top of bags!

Sheesh…that was pretty extensive, I know! But just like New York City, it’s rare that this city and the people in it get any sleep with all there is available to do and see here. Have a blast making memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shine bright lights on God, first and foremost. For allowing me the vessel to do this creative work with and sharing the love, grace, and mercy that I sometimes struggle with giving myself. For giving me these visions and the resources to carry each idea into fruition.

I shed both light (and tears of gratitude) for my late father, known as “SHOT”, for simply being. In the amount of years God lent him to us, he taught me so much about embracing diversity, taking care of business AND community, sovereignty, and so much more. He showed me the results of hard work and dedication. He showered my entire family with unconditional love, all while breaking the mold and being himself. We miss you and I dedicate my work to him, indubitably.

I show so much love to my Nana, PawPaw, Auntie, Kat, and Ebony for keeping me grounded and uplifted before and after my Dad passed away. To have a strong familial support system through times of turmoil and triumph is paramount. Without their love and presence, I for real wouldn’t know where I’d be.

I want to shoutout my siblings and cousins who literally know EVERYTHING about me and continue to put up with my shenanigans because they’re just as crazy as me! LOL! We done been in the mud together, and we gonna fly high above the clouds together, all the same! Y’all know our mission and what we’re doing to accomplish it, so for that I’m forever grateful.

More love and gratitude to every teacher, professor, and mentor that has seen things in me that I couldn’t see in myself before. For pushing me past my limits with the most care and intention. For considering me for some of the biggest and life-changing opportunities that a girl could imagine. Special shoutout to Michael Miles, Derrius Harmon, Kenneth “KB” Busby, ShirJuanda “Bounce” Woodson, Christopher Daniel, Lyrik London, and Amadi Jae.

Lastly, but certainly NOT LEAST!!!! I thank the city, culture, creatives, and community of Atlanta for inspiring and showing me there are zero limits to what I am capable of doing, being, seeing. I came here from Fort Worth, Texas with no expectation but to start fresh and do whatever felt right to me and ATL has met me with nothing but more friends, family, connection, opportunity, perspective, and experiences that have shifted my entire trajectory for over 8 years and counting!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuy2fly/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/schuy2fly?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@schuy2fly

Image Credits
Aint$hytFree Curtis Bryant DeMauge Williams Kristi-Ann Lungren-Walker