“A Mannequin, a Fish Tank, and a Bed”: Atlanta Rapper Che Tells Us His Studio Must-Haves

Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly space for playlists put together by our friends, rivals, and lovers. In recent weeks, the series has featured contributions from Jackzebra, Mechatok, and Rico Nasty. This week’s spotlight is on 18-year-old rapper and producer Che.

During the COVID lockdown, Che started experimenting with production in his bedroom and began uploading tracks to SoundCloud. A few of those songs blew up on TikTok, leading to an intense creative streak. He released the mixtape Closed Captions in 2023, followed by his debut studio album Sayso Says the next year, and earlier this month, his newest project Rest in Bass.

The Atlanta native’s chaotic, autotune-heavy rage rap style is still front and center on the latest record, this time with an emphasis on deep, pounding bass. Before the album dropped, Che stepped away from the studio just long enough to put together a playlist for us and take on the Sound Advice Questionnaire, where he shared his style inspirations and the music red flags he just can’t overlook. —OLAMIDE OYENUSI

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What song on this playlist do you wish you wrote? “Fashion Killa” by A$AP Rocky.

Dream collab, dead or alive? Amy Winehouse.

Where do you find new music? When I hear a song I like outside, I Shazam it.

Name your favorite artist no one knows about: ILOVEMAKONNEN.

Name three things you want in your dream studio: A mannequin, fish tank, and a bed.

What was your first concert? A Waka Flocka show. I was ten years old, I saw it with my mom.

What was your craziest encounter with a fan? I’ve signed a fan’s arm before, and he got it tatted. That was cool.

Who are your style icons? Marilyn Manson and Ville Valo.

What’s a music taste red flag? It’s no red flags in music, it’s all subjective.

What are you DoorDashing to the studio? Cookies & sprite.

Three words to describe your new album: Punk. Raw. Bass.

How do you stay inspired? Waking up everyday.

Who do you trust most with the aux? My producer, CXO.

The world is ending, what are you wearing? A tuxedo. Fresh to death.

Where’s the afters? I don’t eat dessert.

What’s the best Crystal Castles song? “Dolls,” “Doe Deer,” and “Pap Smear.”

All-time clothing grail? Louis Vuitton, Jasper, Kanye West, Patchwork.