Chevy Woods Interview: Rising Pittsburgh Rapper and Taylor Gang Star
By Mitch West
From Pittsburgh Streets to Hip-Hop Beats: Chevy Woods' Journey
If you're a fan of hip-hop music, you've likely heard of Wiz Khalifa, the Pittsburgh-based rapper famous for hits like "Black and Yellow" and "See You Again." But have you discovered his protégé, Chevy Woods? This rising Pittsburgh rapper is making waves in the hip-hop scene with his smooth flow, catchy beats, and introspective lyrics. With a discography boasting mixtapes and albums like "Gangland" (2015), "The 48 Hunnid Project" (2015), and "81" (2018), Chevy Woods is carving out his place in the hip-hop world through electrifying stage performances, studio work, and even ventures into esports. We sat down with Chevy Woods before his performance at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Friday night as part of the Good Trip Tour, featuring Smoke DZA, Berner, Joey Bada$$, and Wiz Khalifa. In our exclusive interview, we covered his musical journey, his connection with Wiz Khalifa, his approach to performing, and his exciting foray into esports.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1981, Chevy Woods, whose real name is Kevin Woods, began rapping as a child but didn’t pursue it seriously until his early 20s. Growing up, music was a constant presence, with influences like Snoop Dogg, Nas, and Master P shaping his taste. However, his early focus was on sports, not music.
"Sports was my thing," Woods said. "I didn’t care about music like that. I listened to Snoop Dogg, Nas, Master P, but I wasn’t thinking about being a rapper. Coming out of high school, I was an All-American athlete. That’s where my head was."
Woods earned an athletic scholarship to play basketball at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. It was during his college years that he rekindled his love for music, thanks to a roommate from Brooklyn who introduced him to the art of crafting bars.
"I used to rap at cookouts and do battle rap around the city," Woods recalled. "My homies knew I could rap and started pairing me up with other local rappers. That’s where it all started."
Despite his early passion for music, Woods took a detour after college, spending nearly eight years in the streets, where music took a backseat. "I was blind to caring about music then," he admitted. "I was just focused on surviving."
Teaming Up With Wiz Khalifa and Taylor Gang
Chevy Woods’ career trajectory changed when he crossed paths with Wiz Khalifa, a then-emerging rapper from Pittsburgh. The connection was serendipitous, facilitated by mutual acquaintances and a shared studio space.
"My little cousins went to school with Wiz, but I hadn’t met him," Woods explained. "When we finally linked up in the studio, we clicked instantly. The engineers introduced us, and one of my homies had already vouched for me. We recorded a song called ‘Me,’ and from there, we just kept building."
In 2008, Woods signed with Taylor Gang, the record label founded by Wiz Khalifa. The label boasts a roster of heavy-hitters, including Curren$y, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Berner, and others. Since joining, Woods has released several mixtapes and EPs, including "The Corner’s Correspondent," "The Cookout," and "Gangland." He’s also collaborated with Wiz Khalifa on tracks like "Taylor Gang," "No Sleep," and "On My Level," showcasing his laid-back style and melodic flow.
Chevy Woods’ Music and Style
Known for his smooth delivery and relatable lyrics, Chevy Woods has built a loyal fanbase in the hip-hop community. His music often reflects his Pittsburgh roots, blending introspective themes with catchy hooks. His work with Taylor Gang has solidified his reputation as a versatile artist who can hold his own alongside industry giants.
"Performing is where I feel alive," Woods said during our interview. "Being on stage, connecting with the crowd—that’s what drives me. I want fans to feel the energy and relate to the stories I’m telling."
Venturing Into Esports With Taylor Gang Gaming
Beyond music, Chevy Woods and Taylor Gang are tapping into the booming world of esports. By the end of 2019, the esports industry generated over $1 billion in revenue, with projections estimating $34.8 billion by 2026. Recognizing this opportunity, Taylor Gang launched Taylor Gang Gaming (TGG), a branch dedicated to hosting events, tournaments, and competing in popular games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Madden.
As an avid gamer, Woods saw esports as a natural extension of his interests. "I’ve always been into gaming," he said. "When we started TGG, I got with people who were deep in the scene—Discord calls, video tutorials, the whole deal. They’re excited I’m into it, and they’re helping me level up."
TGG aims to bridge the gap between music and gaming, creating opportunities for fans and gamers alike. "It’s perfect for college campuses or anywhere people are already gaming," Woods added. "Whether it’s a PC or a controller, everyone’s playing something."
What’s Next for Chevy Woods
Fresh off the Good Trip Tour, which concluded at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, Chevy Woods is showing no signs of slowing down. Fans can catch him next at Madison River Bridge in Three Forks, Montana, on Aug. 18. In the meantime, Woods is focused on creating new music, expanding Taylor Gang Gaming, and continuing to connect with his audience.
To stay updated on Chevy Woods’ latest releases, tour dates, and gaming ventures, follow him and Taylor Gang on their official platforms:
Chevy Woods: Website, X, Spotify
Taylor Gang: Website, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Taylor Gang Gaming: X, Discord
