La Chat, born Chastity Darnestine Daniels on March 21, 1978, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a pioneering figure in Southern hip-hop, renowned for her raw lyricism and contributions to the Memphis rap scene. She began her musical journey in third grade, transforming a poem about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into her first rap. By seventh grade, her talent was evident when her principal read her rap “Peace in the Middle East” over the school intercom, inspiring her to pursue a career in music.
La Chat’s professional breakthrough came in the mid-1990s when she joined the Hypnotize Minds label, founded by DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia. She made notable appearances on tracks like “Body Full of Bullet Holes” and Three 6 Mafia’s debut album Mystic Stylez. Her feature on Project Pat’s 2000 hit “Chickenhead” brought her national recognition, showcasing her distinctive voice and commanding presence.
In 2001, La Chat released her debut album Murder She Spoke, which peaked at number 3 on the U.S. Independent Albums chart and number 16 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Despite parting ways with Hypnotize Minds, she continued to release music independently, including albums like Dramatize (2004), Bad Influence (2006), and Da Hood Home Girl (2008). Her collaborative EP Witch with fellow Memphis rapper Gangsta Boo in 2014 was praised for its gritty production and strong female perspectives.
La Chat’s influence extends beyond her discography; she’s recognized for breaking barriers as a female artist in a male-dominated genre. Her unapologetic style and commitment to authentic storytelling have solidified her status as a legend in Southern hip-hop. She remains active in the music scene, engaging with fans through social media and continuing to perform and release new material.
