After recently making headlines, rapper CHIKA—aka Jane Chika Oranika—has found herself at the center of the internet‘s attention. In an effort to help acknowledge her career moves and her bigger-picture accomplishments, we’ve decided to compile a list of a few things to know about this 25-year-old Alabama native.
Here are 7 things you need to know about CHIKA.
She went viral before her music career launched
CHIKA’s first taste of stardom came back in 2016. Shortly after Donald Trump was named president, CHIKA made a Vine in which she applied heavy amounts of pale concealer to her face and joked that she was attempting to blend in with white people for safety.
Aside from humorous antics, CHIKA also garnered significant internet attention for her 2017 Pride-themed remix to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.” The following year, she also uploaded a freestyle over Kanye West‘s “Jesus Walks” beat, in which she drags him for filth following his public support of Trump.
A letter to Kanye Omari West. Over his own beat. 🤮 pic.twitter.com/5xdxKJ7d4l
— SNEAKY CHIKA 🌪 (@oranicuhh) April 26, 2018
She freestyled alongside Erykah Badu at the 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards
With CHIKA being known as a viral sensation at this point, she was then offered the chance of a lifetime: performing a cypher at the 2018 BET Hip Hop Awards. Notably, one of the other performers was the iconic Erykah Badu.
CHIKA was recognized as an up-and-coming star by this point, and she continued to grow her career afterward.
She released her first commercial single in 2019
She's a poet
Aside from her passion for music, CHIKA has also proven herself to be quite the poet. She independently published a poetry EP titled Full Bloom back in 2017, and she wrote original poetry for Calvin Klein’s S/S 2019 campaign.
CHIKA proves that she’s a true wordsmith through these artistic passions, and fans can track down some of her poems online.
She's a 2020 XXL Freshman
XXL named CHIKA as a member of its 2020 Freshman Class, and earning this coveted title really helped propel her to greater recognition.
While memorably carrying a sleepy pooch in her arms, CHIKA performed her cypher alongside NLE Choppa, Rod Wave, and Lil Tjay.
She's transparent about her mental health struggles
CHIKA shocked many when she opened up about her suicidal ideation on social media over the weekend.
“I went to the top of the Intercontinental but could not jump. Not because I don’t want to, but because the metal stairs were scary,” she wrote in part on Instagram.
“No more typing. I’m going to finish my drink and find a way that works. Thanks for the ride. I hated it,” she continued.
She proceeded to share an update that she was doing alright the next day. Additionally, earlier today, she sounded off on Twitter and blasted people who accused her of making her post for attention.
and to the fucking idiots who think everything is for attention, tell that to the fucking hospital bills i have to pay now. tell that to the puncture wounds in my arms. tell that to the meds in my system. you guys are so wrapped up in clout, you think wanting to die is marketing.
— SNEAKY CHIKA 🌪 (@oranicuhh) March 28, 2022
She's spoken out about feeling underappreciated before
While CHIKA’s recent upload captured many people’s attentions, it notably isn’t the first time she has spoken out about the mental toll of the industry.
Last April, she posted that she was exploring the idea of retiring from music due to the “hoard of psychotic fans rejoicing in the decline of [her] mental health.”
Notably, she hasn’t unveiled solo work since this point.
— SNEAKY CHIKA 🌪 (@oranicuhh) April 11, 2021
Let’s shower this rising star with love and she continues on her personal and professional journeys.