Abbotsford rap artist Felonius Chino and friends aim to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease with a concert on Friday, Aug. 25.
Doors open at 9 p.m. at The Phoenix Ballroom, 33780 King Rd.
The concert is part of Seth Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity and blends the musical talents of Abbotsford’s underground hip hop and electronic scene.
It is open to those 19 and older. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Felonius Chino released his first album, Abby ’96, last year. The 19-year-old realized his talent when he would rap battle with his friends and at local parties.
“I was always inspired by rap music. Eventually, I created my first rap song in the back of my car with a cheap microphone and free software,” he said.
“My friends and their friends were impressed and I (have) kept that momentum going ever since.”
He said that after he purchased his first studio mic, he would create songs in the back of his car to avoid his family from seeing him because he was afraid of being disgraced.
New York rapper Joey Badass’s independent success inspired Chino to create and market his own music as he learned how to mix and master tracks, take high-quality photos, publish his music, create a fan base and collaborate on clothing.
Chino said his songs are loaded with rhymes about inspiration and past life. He said his narratives are “gripping and soothing” for teens with an ear for experimental hip hop and a mission to pursue their dreams.
“My main vision is to inspire kids, teen and young adults to take a dream of theirs and pursue it without holding back. If I can do it, they can do it,” he said.
Chino released his secretive talent to family and friends in November 2015 over Twitter. His music can be heard on Soundcloud and Facebook.
WARNING: Coarse language in audio clip