Chictoven, born Jamal James, is a living testament to turning passion into purpose. From recording music on a karaoke machine as a kid to building his own label, producing his own beats, and even selling out an independent comedy film in South Carolina, Chictoven has never let setbacks slow him down. With relentless drive, creative vision, and a growing empire in both music and media, he’s proving that independence and dedication can move mountains. We sat down with Chictoven to get the story behind the man, the music, and the movement.
When did you first realize music was more than just a hobby for you, and what made you fully commit to it?
I remember recording my own music on a karaoke machine with a cassette tape when I was 9 or 10. That was fun, but around 14, when I linked up with Rich G & Mailman from SBC Southern Boys Cliq, I saw that I could actually create music that people wanted to hear. That’s when I knew this was more than a hobby—I had to be all in.
How did your early collaborations shape your style and work ethic?
Working with Rich G, Mailman, and Boo-Boo taught me how to grind. Boo-Boo had everything we needed—beats, a label called Street Credibility Committee—and I had to fit in. At first, they weren’t sure about me, but I proved I was cool, loyal, and on my own wave. Those early years taught me about teamwork, consistency, and proving yourself through action.
Where does the name Chictoven come from, and what does it represent for you?
Chictoven comes from mixing Zaytoven & my nickname Chico. I was producing my own beats, so I wanted a name that represented my sound and vision. It’s about independence, creativity, and controlling your own lane.
Who have been the biggest influences in your music journey?
Rich G, Mailman, Boo-Boo, Litboy Legendary, and Rizzyondabeat have all shaped my path. Every one of them pushed me to elevate, whether it was producing, recording, or building my label. They helped me see what’s possible when you put in the work.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your own label, BagLifeMusik?
Staying independent wasn’t easy. Resources were tight, and I had to figure out everything on my own—beats, distribution, promotion. But I used every setback as fuel. Branching off and doing my own thing taught me to trust my vision and grind harder than anyone else.
You’ve also branched into film—tell us about Pocket Watching and that experience.
Me and Big Pa, aka Charles Mills, shot our own comedy movie, Pocket Watching. We showed it at Spotlight Cinema on Jan. 5th, 2025, and sold out. It was the first independent movie to sell out its first showing in SC history. Being actors in our own film, seeing people sneak in to watch us—it was insane. That experience proved that when you put your all into a project, the people will show up.
How has your partnership with Justo impacted your music and content creation?
Justo and I are like Kobe & Shaq—he pushes me, I push him, and together we make moves. He made me jump back into music head first. We run a platform called Press Conference that’s helping a lot of people get their content done fast. We tag team everything and give a same-day turnaround—consistency is key.
How do you balance family life with such a busy career?
The last 2 ½ years I’ve made six baby boys, four dropping soon, and me and my soon-to-be wife are having quadruplets any day now. Family is everything. I stay out the way, take care of my family, and make sure every move I make is for them and for building a legacy.
What sets Chictoven apart from other independent artists in South Carolina?
I produce my own beats, run my own label, make movies, and handle content fast and professionally. I don’t wait on anybody. People gravitate toward us because we get things done the right way, every time. Independence isn’t just a label—it’s a lifestyle.
What can fans expect next from Chictoven?
More music, more visuals, more energy. BagLifeMusik isn’t slowing down. We’re dropping heavy tracks, showing real-life stories, and expanding our empire. Everything we touch, we elevate—so stay tuned.
Chictoven’s journey proves that talent, consistency, and a relentless work ethic can break any ceiling. From early beats on a cassette tape to building a label, producing hits, and creating historic film moments, he’s showing South Carolina—and the world—what it means to own your grind. Don’t miss out on this rising force—stream Chictoven’s music now and be part of the movement.