The Chi has just wrapped season 4 and received a renewal for Season 5. The series that highlights the joys and challenges of South Side Chicago, averaged 4.2 million weekly viewers and is on pace to become the most-streaming Showtime series ever.
With a massive audience, the Lena Waithe-created and executive-produced series provide a platform for new artists to place both their talent and music on display. One of the said talents is Amiir Perry, a resident of Chicago and rising star Chicago who tapped in with The Chi‘s brass and was able to provide two original singles to the storyline.
The Equity Music signee has received acknowledgment across his city as Artist of the Month for WGCI and more. His latest achievements brought him to episode and episode of The Chi, with his single “Villain,” and a second spot on episode 9 with his hit single “Gas.” The first single appeared in a single between characters Jenna and Jake, only for Jake to return with “Gas” bumping out his brother’s Trig’s G-Wagon.
What led you to music?
Amiir Perry: Music was one of the things where my mother was a clarinet player. She’s actually was a music teacher at my elementary school. I never wanted to do music but it was if I played ball I would have to do music. I started off playing piano, but she made me get into that and I just hated it. I then got in the drums, which I did in high school. I did the Chicago Children’s Symphony Orchestra, tried to do my worst, and got selected. When I was nine I recorded my first song, my pops managed a rap group and I recorded my first verse with them and have been in love with it then. My favorite group growing up was Bone Thugs n Harmony and around high school is when I started taking it seriously.
How do you feel about the Chicago music scene, is it competitive?
Amiir Perry: I don’t see it as competition. The way music is played now if it drops and two artists that you like to drop, the fan will listen. I want to see everybody eat. I’m not competing with nobody but myself.
What let you know Equity Music was for you?
Amiir Perry: The owner, Jonn, a lot of our visions were going the same right and he was a real solid person. Everything was genuine. It was truly off of music that brought us together.
“Gas” is introducing you to a lot of people. What has been your response to how well it’s doing?
Amiir Perry: I want more. I haven’t thought about it as successful because there is so much more we can do. I’m always asking what’s next. We got this one, but this isn’t the championship. That’s what I’m working for.
Our plan now is to be locked and ready to go. We have singles mapped out and that we plan on dropping. But you don’t know where any of this will take you and you have to adjust, but we have been working on a project and having it as perfect as possible. And then turn that into more performances, festivals, and build upon the stages and access that are available.
What did this Showtime moment feel like for you?
Amiir Perry: I kept playing it in my head about where it would be at, but really all of it came through with Equity and Jonn, who put the play together. I get the call and it was exciting. But with Jonn, it’s different because we got it and we went right back to work and keeping on what else can we do?
