Like many current 20-somethings, Chase Allen grew up listening to 90s hip-hop sounds of Tupac, Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan. Growing up in the City of Brotherly Love, Allen watched his big brother and cousin record in their homemade rap booth in the closet of their home. Watching them, he realized that he too wanted to be an artist. He started rhyming at 12 years old and has been following his dream ever since.

A newcomer to hip-hop, Allen recently dropped his D.A.R.K. The eight track EP has gotten recognition in the Philadelphia area from Philly’s Power 99 and Philly 107.9 radio stations. It’s also on rotation on Shade45 radio. His fans love it too. On his i Tunes music page, one one of his fans commented: “If you love real hip hop download NOW!! “One Man Cult” is real rap… Literally! #Phillystandup”

His album is available for download on iTunes by clicking here

It’s also available for Android download by clicking here.

Although Philadelphia’s rap style is often characterized as raw and gritty, his delivery is a bit different. The D.A.R.K. album pays homage to the City of Brotherly Love, while also giving his fans a glimpse of the old school flow. Allen, is looking to re-introduce a generation to the purity of hip-hop and considers himself one of the leaders of the new school. “You can’t lead without following first,” Allen told The Source.

With the release of his latest project, D.A.R.K., Chase Allen hits us with a visual for the lead single “One Man’s Cult.”

Check It Out:

To date, Allen has performed at the Philadelphia Film and Music Festival, Philadelphia’s annual Welcome America 4th of July Celebration that featured The Roots, AC3 Hip Hop Festival. In his young career he’s been on tour with J. Cole, Yo Gotti, French Montana, DJ Drama, DMX, and Ace Hood. He’s looking to inspire others to follow their dreams. “I love the ability to express myself and seeing the impact I have on others,” he said.

Chase Allen caught up with The Source and filled us in on his inspiration and his future:

The Source: What gives you the most joy in rapping?

Chase Allen: The ability to express myself and seeing the impact I have on others.

The Source: Who in hip hop inspires you?

Chase Allen: The Mount Rushmore of hip-hop in my personal opinion that inspires me are: Jay-Z, Tupac, Kanye West and Outkast. They are game changers!

The Source: What new projects do you have brewing?

Chase Allen: I have a lot of things in the works. I’m currently working on videos for songs off my D.A.R.K EP that I just released on i Tunes. I have D.A.R.K Pt 2 coming out this year. I also plan to drop a 5 song production EP on iTunes this year, as well.

The Source: What makes you different?

Chase Allen: I don’t know. I think I’ll leave that up to the consumer and my supporters to decide. I’m a man of God and I believe in living meek and lowly. I’d prefer other people to boast and brag about me.

The Source: How do you think your peers view you?

Chase Allen: I would Hope that they looked at me as competition.

Make Sure to check out Chase Allen’s SoundCloud Music Page here:

Make sure to follow him on Twitter @IamChaseAllen