Cashing In

Chachi continues to blaze new paths for Capeverdean rappers with new album in sight

Fresh off his triumph at BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday hip-hop competition,
Charles Carvalho, affectionately known as Chachi, is now gearing up to release his debut album. Armed with his conscience lyrics and innovative beats, Chachi sees this much anticipated album as another milestone in his musical career as well as an avenue for other accomplishments. Slated for release this fall, this record, which will be recorded live at Sonalyst Studios in Connecticut and will feature a documentary DVD, will include producers such as J. Depina, Vertygo, Paul Lowe, Mista L, Dan Edinburg, Izzy Productions, Z. Jennings, Merc Beats, Djim Job, El Ji and DJ Therion.

“The new album is 10 years in the making. It will be a collection of songs, poems, thoughts and ideas. It is more than just an album. It is the reward of years of hard work and dedication. It will be as symbolic as a diploma when a child finishes school. Once this is done I can pursue my musical masters’ degree and start extending my arms to the rest of the world,” reveals Chachi, who defines his style as “underground roots based tropical hip hop" from Cabo Verde's 11th island... Rhode Island.”

Chachi has been creating waves since the success of his 2007 song “Cape Verdean in America” part of the mix tape The Green CD. The song candidly projects the struggles many Capeverdeans endure while living in the United States. He tirelessly continues to share his culture with the world while maintaining a connection with his roots. Chachi recently won BET’s 106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday hip-hop competition. A proud moment for him as well as the many Capeverdeans who watched as Chachi represented Cape Verde on national television. “It felt empowering for me to be on television and proudly representing for my Capeverdean people. It was my pleasure to show off the flag on my shirt. We are a proud people and I wanted to go on television and give some props to those who came before me and give some hope for those to come after me.”

His triumph landed Chachi a spot in the Wild Out Wednesday’ All Star Competition, which will take place on August 26th, 2008. “It was definitely an amazing experience. The fact that my whole community got behind me and voted for me was great. But even greater was the fact that my parents, my grandfather, my daughter and all of my friends and family had the opportunity to watch me do what I do live on national television. I always tell them that ‘I do it like I do it for TV,’ and now they believe me,” he assures. “As an artist Chachi is very versatile. He always has a message in his music and is able to have fans of all different ages and nationalities. He also makes sure he represents his culture in anything he does,” says Deejan Therion.

There is certainly much to be expected as the Rhode Island-based rapper picks up momentum. This summer he hopes to bring his positive vibe and enthusiasm to Baia das Gatas Festival in São Vicente, Cape Verde. “I hope to bring my energy and positivity to the islands and show some of the youth what Hip-Hop is supposed to sound like. No guns, no drugs, no thug life, no gimmicks. Just 100% pure Hip-Hop born and raised in the United States but the bloods of Capeverdean soldiers run through my veins forever. When I come back, I plan on taking the smiles, the laughs, the hugs, the food, the smell, the songs, the love and the pain and turn them into a new collection of songs inspired by the islands and written by the new and improved Chachi. The Capeverdean in America,” says Chachi, who recently toured Canada.

He speaks so profoundly of a land that his only knowledge has been through what his parents have told him. Though, his love for a Cape Verde is so profound and his yearning to finally set foot in the land is immeasurable. This is where he hopes his next tour will take him; his very first trip to a home he has an immense connection and appreciation for. “I am really looking forward to touching down on the land that birthed my father and mother. I feel that this trip will be a defining moment in my life. I want to experience all of the islands but I feel a strong connection to the island of São Vicente. I have been hearing stories about São Vicente since I was a little boy and they all have been good stories… really good stories.”

With his musical career in full swing, there is more to be heard from Chachi. While he is looking forward to touring and establishing himself as a touring musician, Chachi has his insights into the business side of the music industry. “I want to sell a lot of music and merchandise online and on the road. I am also working on a book of poems. I want to dabble in the realm of spoken word. I am a fan of the expression. It’s both theatrical and energetic. I think it would be a good look for me to perform a piece on DEF poetry jam, who knows. I am an independent artist so it is my job to create work with my works of art. I guess since I don’t have anyone telling me what to do, I just do what comes naturally. I move with the times and I am aware that time is a gift. As long as God gives me a day to wake, I will have more music to make” he says.

By: Lucy Coutinho

Everyone Loves a Bad Girl

The latest fixture to the discotheque positioned at a glance by the bar: a tall, caramel toned, sensual beauty. Eager to be introduced, you are acquainted through your favorite mixologist. In moment, without banter she is intertwined with your palate. While edgy, there is a comfortable satisfaction with the tryst.

As the object of every man’s desire your allure confounds the most experienced suitor, ladies celebrate your inner bad girl by indulging this sophisticated, mature cocktail. Managing bartender “Jin” has the perfect ingredient to compliment this stance. A staple for us here at Shy Magazine, “Bad Girl” takes you on a tropical journey infused with coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and grenadine sinker served into a sexy champagne flute making it easy to dance and rock the night away.“It’s a nice clean drink with layers of complexity and exudes sensuality,” says a club patron.

“I made a common ingredient that can be made at any club or bar. It’s a really refreshing drink but with alcohol-subtle and really sweet,” says Won “Jin” Chong. “I like tropical things and that is why I made the drink.” With a bartending career that spans over 11-years, he has cultivated his profession based on passion and commitment. “Everyone that comes up to me, I try to do something different for you,” he assures.

Along with managing Layla Lounge since its opening one year ago, Jin splits his time bartending at LOVE lent has frequently been tapped by several establishment s such as Club Mandu Restaurant where he developed their drink menu. “I get to see different scenery, see different people from all over the world. It’s great, good times!”

A native of Chicago, Jin relocated to the Washington area where he became enamored with its night life. At the tender age of eighteen he was enticed by the DC bar scene where he honed his skills. Jin as the rising star began to move around to different cities such as Miami, LA, and NYC. “I love the ritzy lifestyle-it’s the entertainment business and we are here to entertain,” he says.

Though he has resided in many locals, he has always returned to the DMV where he has chosen to settle with his family. Having the best of both worlds, he is allotted a family oriented environment while being able to thrive in a nocturnal scene. “It’s been a great rollercoaster ride, I have been blessed in this city-the people are great here. It’s such a diverse place, very industry friendly,” says Jin.

The tropical beverage reinvented for the grown and sexy; "Bad Girl" is a custom blended beverage created specifically for Shy Magazine. Its sensual presentation appeals directly to the "SHY crew’s" sense of decadence. Let’s all get together, discard our inhibitions and give them something to talk about…!

By Lucy Coutinho

Policy Restaurant and Lounge

Yellow lights spill from the entrance onto 14th St. NW, just blocks from the U St. Corridor.

Since it’s opening in March 2009, Policy’s unique walls adorned in graffiti, and elegant chandeliers create the perfect blend of an urban scene intertwined with sophistication.

As a multi-faceted venue, eclectic hipsters come here to dine, wine, and party the night away. This trendy new spot has since lured the curiosity of patrons that aren’t afraid to flirt with experimentation. “Policy is a great place to pop in if you are out and about on Tuesdays. They’ve got a great DJ and beautiful people,” says a local club goer.

The inviting and sexy entrance allures the crowd to an assorted menu selection that includes mouth-watering roasted lamb sliders, roasted all natural chicken, and hanger steak. These decadents are all prepared by Executive Chef, Brian Murphy, who brings his global influences to the heart of Washington, DC. For those who are bold enough, take a trip on the wild side with their cocktail signature drinks: “truthini” (a green tea and lemon grass martini), “libertini” (mango capirinha), and “lovetini” (chocolate vodka and cinnamon lollipop). If that’s not enough to fuel the inquisitive mind, there’s much more to be discovered beyond the ground level. Upstairs, you’ll find upbeat tempos and an à la mode crowd guarantying an inviting and memorable stay.


Mitch Mathis and Dt Nation has been the mastermind behind Tuesday night at Policy with a promotional repertoire that travels as far back to 2006 and passion since age seventeen. The vibrant, yet sublimed ambiance, mirrors the crowd that Mitch mostly caters to, which is multiplicity. “I want to bridge the gap with an urban crowd and international flare,” he says. “We are located in a diverse place, so we want to make sure that we keep Tuesday nights just as diverse.” Mitch is also known for organizing other well-established parties throughout DC, which includes Shadow Room on Thursdays and The Park on Fridays, bringing the glitz and glamour into the nightlife.

Policy blends cultures of all corners of the world. Beyond the entrance, assorted sounds and decked out walls greet everyone that comes through the door, opening up a new world for a romantic dinner, drinks with friends, and pulsating fun!

By: Lucy Coutinho