Most of the world has been in lockdown for over a month now due to the COVID-19 crisis. A moment frozen in time, when people are faced with solitude, grief or anxiety and see their daily lives shift for the better or the worse. In this time of extreme uncertainty, we can also take the time to reflect, create and enjoy the passing of these strange elastic days. We thought it would be interesting to ask musicians around the globe how their creative process has changed during the quarantine and if it has been an inspiring or rather daunting experience… with a quick snapshot of themselves in lockdown. Today, we welcome French rapper Cheu-B who, while he is still relatively new on the scene, is attracting a growing fanbase with his fresh take on a hardcore style. Equally inspired by newer American trap music and French artists from the 90s, Cheu-B is ready to represent the new generation of rhyme killers.

How has your daily life changed since lockdown began?

It has changed a little bit in that I’m not going out, not seeing my friends and taking more precautions. I’m focusing more on family and loved ones. I adapted my daily life a bit so I can continue working despite everything, but otherwise it hasn’t changed too much. I changed my routine so I can deal with what’s going on.

Have you had to rethink the way you create?

I’ve always had the same creative process: finding inspiration in my daily life, getting inspired at the studio, from my surroundings, all the images around me and every aspect of my life. My creative process is the same, and everything that’s happening now gives me even more to say.

Did you realize anything in particular during this time?

Well I just started freelancing at the beginning of the year. So after re-analyzing things over the past three to four months, I’ve now had time to settle down and I’m rather proud of what I’ve accomplished. So I think it was the right decision, at least for me.

Are you worried?

Yes, yes, yes, it’s serious, it’s real. There wouldn’t be so many people quarantined and dead around the world if it weren’t.

Do you feel more inspired or paralyzed by the lockdown?

A little of both, it’s inspiring but it’s true that there are some inspirations you can’t have, just like you can’t do everything in life. It’s a process. You have to take things as they come – if you can – and find some inspiration until we’re on the other side of this and you can get your inspiration back to 100%.

Have you started or returned to any activities that you do not normally have time to do?

I always try to firm up my schedule, which is actually really hard for me, but I try to do it as often as possible so that I can do everything I need to. I’m a person who likes exercise, soccer, going out with my friends, going on vacation, partying, working, hanging in the studio, doing shows. I try to make sure I can do everything I like, so whatever happens, quarantine or not, I try to find time to have fun.

What do you think you’ll take away from this shutdown?

I think we’ll remember that the whole world was quarantined. It’s really shocking. I don’t know how people are taking it or thinking about it, but it’s very, very serious.

How do you see life after this crisis?

Frankly, I think life will get back to normal, though maybe little by little. It’s going to take some time for people to get back to their pre-virus lives. There will be a lot of conditions that will have to be met in order to prevent a further spread of the virus, etc. Otherwise, humans have recovered from several disasters, and I think we’ll recover from this one, too.

Listen / See / Discover