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Draft:Cha DaPlug

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Charssey Akeem Quaintance Sr. (born August 29, 1996), known professionally as Cha DaPlug, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and community advocate from Jacksonville, Florida. He is recognized for his evocative lyrics and storytelling, which draw heavily from his experiences growing up in neighborhoods affected by crime and social challenges. Set for release on February 7, 2025, his debut project, Ya Hear Me?!, is anticipated to showcase his unique voice and perspective within the hip-hop genre.

Early Life and Background

Charssey Quaintance was born to Crystal Quaintance in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up on the south side of the city, primarily around the Beachwood and Justina neighborhoods. His early life was marked by hardship; his father, a reputed figure in local drug circles, served a nine-year federal prison sentence and was killed just months after his release, a traumatic event that Charssey witnessed firsthand. Tragedy struck again when his oldest brother, Charles III, was killed only 19 days after being released from prison for a retaliatory act connected to their father’s death.

Despite these challenges, Quaintance showed early promise in sports, attending Englewood High School where he excelled as a multi-position player in football and participated in wrestling. His high school career saw him amass over 4,200 all-purpose yards, 211 tackles, and 30 touchdowns across three seasons. However, due to disciplinary issues, he was ultimately expelled before graduation.

At 17, Quaintance enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he quickly established himself as a leader among his peers, earning awards such as Most Outstanding Peer Leadership and Platoon Leader of the Cycle. Following his military service, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in logistics at Polk State College and is currently studying law, seeking to leverage his life experiences in a legal career.

Music Career

Quaintance began writing music at the age of nine and was performing by 14. His music, released under the name Cha DaPlug, blends personal narrative with social commentary, reflecting the struggles and resilience shaped by his environment. Early singles such as Remy Life, 80s Dope, Loyalty, and Zone 3 have gained attention for their raw authenticity, drawing from his life and the challenges he faced growing up in Jacksonville. With his debut project, Ya Hear Me?!, Cha DaPlug aims to establish a compelling presence in hip-hop by addressing issues of violence, loss, and perseverance.

Community Involvement

In addition to his music, Quaintance is active in mentoring at-risk youth. Through his involvement with the KING Foundation, a state-recognized nonprofit, he provides guidance to teenagers at risk of gang involvement. Quaintance draws from his own experiences with gang violence, family loss, and the challenges of urban life, aiming to steer young people toward safer, more productive paths. His advocacy work reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others who face similar struggles.

Personal Life

Charssey Quaintance’s life and career have been profoundly shaped by his family’s experiences and his own personal challenges. In addition to the early losses of his father and brother, Quaintance has faced other personal and legal difficulties. Nevertheless, he has channeled these experiences into both his music and his community work, using his platform to highlight issues of social injustice and to offer hope to those facing similar hardships. Today, Quaintance lives in Jacksonville and continues to focus on his career in music and community advocacy.