Raised on the Yakima Nation Reservation in Washington, CHOSIN grew up surrounded by challenges that most people never have to face. He describes Yakima as a rough place, where alcohol, drugs, and violence were part of everyday life. After spending time in foster care, he had to navigate life with a father known in the streets and a mother who did everything she could to raise him the right way despite difficult circumstances.
One of the biggest influences in his life was his older brother, Danny. Growing up, CHOSIN wanted to be just like him. If Danny excelled in school, so did he. If Danny played sports, he followed. But when Danny struggled with drugs, CHOSIN followed that path too. At just 15 years old, after dealing with heartbreak, he turned to drugs. What started small quickly became addiction, leading him down a road filled with arrests and more than 20 mugshots.
That path eventually led to prison. Facing second-degree murder allegations, CHOSIN accepted an Alford plea while maintaining his innocence and was ultimately convicted of second-degree manslaughter. He served three years behind bars, an experience that changed his life forever.
Instead of letting prison define him, he used it to rebuild himself. He calls it the place where he truly found himself. Behind those walls, he discovered a new purpose.
Music had always been around. He started freestyling with his best friend when he was just 10 years old, a friend he now honors in memory. But it wasn’t until he was incarcerated that he seriously began writing songs. One of the first records he created, an unreleased track called “Go Away,” received overwhelming support from the people around him. Every time he shared his music, he asked for honest feedback. Nobody told him to quit. Instead, more than 100 people encouraged him to keep chasing his dream.
Growing up, CHOSIN found inspiration in J. Cole, admiring his storytelling and dedication to the craft. As he got older, Juice WRLD became his biggest influence, showing him that honesty and vulnerability could connect with listeners around the world. Those lessons helped shape CHOSIN’s own approach to music.
His sound isn’t built around trends. Every song carries meaning because every lyric comes from something he’s lived or witnessed firsthand. He refuses to rap about experiences that aren’t real, making authenticity the foundation of his music.
Even with limited resources, he refused to stop creating. Every song currently available was recorded on an iPhone 13 using BandLab and a pair of iPhone headphones, usually late at night in his bedroom while the world was asleep. Now, he’s taking the next step by building his own in-house studio, proving that determination matters more than expensive equipment.
Outside of music, CHOSIN’s upbringing was rooted on the Yakima Nation Reservation. He spent countless days with friends at Adam’s View Park, Apas Goudy Park, Lions Park in Wapato, and the surrounding neighborhood projects. Those places became part of the memories and experiences that continue to influence his writing today.
His latest release, “Done Doda,” appears on his recently released EP, which dropped on July 21. He’s also preparing a collaboration with fellow Native artist 3aly, giving fans even more to look forward to.
As he continues building his career, CHOSIN remains grounded in the people who stood beside him. He gives special thanks to his brother Danny for giving him a place to stay after prison and helping him get back on his feet. He also shouts out Greez Team, saying, “Remember the name.” Love also goes out to his mother, his sisters, and his brother V5ndetta, who will soon be coming home.
