Posted by Rap Olympus Media recently sat down with Chicago artist Psya, an emcee whose pen is as sharp as his perspective. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his creative evolution, the making of his latest banger “Only Fans” with producer Uncle JoNH III, and the bold mindset behind his upcoming project “My Mixtape > Your Album.” With a raw, introspective approach and a commitment to legacy over trends, Psya proves he’s not just another name in the mix, but the one crafting the narrative.
Chicago raised, sharp with the pen — when did you know music was more than just a hobby for you?
Man, growing up on the South Side, music was therapy before I even knew what therapy meant. I was writing poems in middle school, and I realized how powerful words could be. But, it wasn’t until I started getting calls from people I didn’t even know, quoting my lines back to me, that I realized — yeah, I might be on to something.
You and producer Uncle JoNH III just dropped a heater with “Only Fans” — walk us through how that collab came together.
That’s my fam. JoNH sent me a pack of beats that felt cinematic, like they had a whole movie behind ’em. “Only Fans” wasn’t originally written for me. I wrote the record originally for Ye. But, I ultimately decided to keep it for myself. As soon as I heard the track, the words came instantly, and I knew I had a hit.
A lot of fans still spin Project R.O.N.O.S. — what does that project represent to you, looking back five years later?
R.O.N.O.S. — Real Ones Never Outta Season — was my manifesto. I was hungry, unfiltered, proving something. Not to mention, with all that was going on in the world at that time, I couldn’t stay silent. I recorded the entire project in 2 1/2 hours. That tape was me with a chip on my shoulder, and now, I’m more calculated with my words.
Your next tape’s title is bold: My Mixtape > Your Album. What’s the message behind that?
It’s a reminder. I’m dropping mixtape-level joints that sound better than some folks’ studio albums. The bars, the production, the sequencing — it’s disrespectful in the best way. It’s me saying, “You might want to go back to the drawing board after this.” I engineered the entire project with Uncle JoNH III and myself handling all the production.
Your writing style is a balance of grit and introspection. How do you approach storytelling in your music?
Everything I write comes from experience or the energy I’ve felt. I don’t glamorize — I translate. Whether it’s a loss, a late-night hustle, or something my homie went through, I treat every track like a journal entry. That’s why people relate — I’m telling our stories.
Chicago’s rap scene is constantly evolving. What makes Psya stand out in a crowded room?
I’m not chasing trends. I’m crafting a legacy. I’m creating music that’ll still slap five years from now. I don’t just drop songs — I drop seasons. Every project has a reason, a soundscape, a message. Ain’t no microwaves over here — we cook slow, we serve hot.
“Only Fans” is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Tap in and add it to your favorite hip-hop playlist today! For more music-related news and all future releases, follow Psya by clicking the links below.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Rap Olympus Media 