Cash Kidd – Detroit’s Hard-Spitting Lyricist Making Waves
Introduction to Cash Kidd – The Next Voice of Detroit Rap’s Legacy
Hailing from Detroit, one of hip hop’s most revered cities, Cash Kidd stays dedicated to the raw lyricism which earned his hometown global respect. Through stark street narratives and verbal dexterity recalling legends like Proof and Royce da 5’9”, the gruff-voiced spitter upholds Motor City traditions for a new generation.
While the national spotlight eluded Cash Kidd’s independent grind for years, his prolific catalog of mixtapes long made him a fixture of the Michigan scene. As co-signs gradually came courtesy of esteemed D-Town alumni like Big Sean and Danny Brown, his gritty authenticity finally spread more widely. Unconcerned with chasing trends, Cash Kidd keeps his sights firmly set on repping his city creatively by any means necessary.
Early Life and Origins in Detroit
Born and bred on Detroit’s East Side, Justin R. Matthews grew up immersed in the distinctive sounds which shaped his eventual moniker. The young hustler looked towards rappers expressing his community’s struggle – artists like The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Jeezy, and hometown heroes Blade Icewood, Slum Village, and Big Proof.
Drawn towards expressing the hardship and pain around him through music, Cash Kidd began taking rap seriously in his teen years. Early collaborations with longtime friend and producer Helluva cemented his trajectory toward manifesting their shared musical vision.
By 2013, Cash Kidd’s gritty tales of addiction, violence, loyalty and loss amidst Detroit chaos captured the ears of local fans through early mixtapes Startin From Scratch and Money Greene Season. His authenticity quickly set him apart when performed across packed hometown venues. Though years passed locally beloved, the dynamic lyricism presented turn after turn would soon resonate louder.
Cash Kidd’s Recording Contracts and Label Deal
Unlike competitors chasing fame via viral means alone, Cash Kidd paid his dues developing artistic substance honed from firsthand experiences. So when prominent Detroit veterans began taking notice of his talents, the co-signs proved well deserved rather than Industry bandwagons.
En route to today’s independent stride, Cash Kidd earlier signed successive record deals with two prominent artist-run labels:
- Big Sean’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint under Def Jam Recordings
- Danny Brown’s Bruiser Brigade
Though neither contract ultimately advanced Cash Kid towards his creative vision, the connections made expanded his fanbase and resources. No longer confined locally, today the battle-tested spitter enjoys full control over his musical direction.
Style and Influences
Through vivid narratives, Cash Kidd channels Detroit’s soul – the struggle, the hustle, the pain – deploying varied vocal registers from whisper to bellow with equal precision. Quick rhythmic pockets give way to punctuated pauses stressing key details. Verses often culminate in effortless double-time switches spotlighting internal rhymes.
Lyrical themes revolve around loyalty amongst thieves, addiction’s demons, police harassment, relationship turmoil and getting by any way possible. Yet Cash Kidd’s intricate writing avoids tired cliches around familiar topics. Carefully penned lines land impactfully thanks to a commanding rhythmic presence keeping them honest.
So whether rapping over production from his longtime partner Helluva or collaborating with outside hitmakers, Detroit’s heritage remains engrained within Cash Kidd’s DNA.
Notable Collaborations Over the Years
While Cash Kidd prefers keeping his industry circle tight, he has connected with a select cast of lyricists along the way:
Helluva – his go-to beatmaker since their come-up days
Big Sean – platinum selling Detroit star who signed Cash to G.O.O.D. Music
Danny Brown – legendary local MC who brought Cash into Bruiser Brigade fold
Boldy James – prolific independent rapper also repping Detroit’s underground
Through working with successors and forebears alike, Cash Kidd strengthens awareness of Motor City hip hop’s broad legacy.
Cash Kidd’s Discography and Catalog Overview
Consistently prolific since 2013, Cash Kidd boasts an extensive catalog of mixtapes and prominent guest spots. Standout projects include:
Startin From Scratch (2013) – Debut mixtape, Midwest underground classic
Just Anutha Summer (2014) – First collaboration project with producer Helluva
The County Hound 3 (2020) – Latest and arguably strongest album thus far
In addition, Cash Kidd has performed notable features alongside esteemed acts like G-Eazy, Curren$y, CyHi The Prynce, Dizzy Wright and fellow Detroiter Dej Loaf.
Well-received recent singles “On My Soul”, “No Limit” and “Lower Level” display an artist fully settled into his powers, writing evocatively around familiar subject matter pulled from the streets that raised him.
Cash Kidd On Stage – Tours and Notable Performances
On stage, Cash Kidd performs with a reserve that contradicts the aggression within his music. His catalog provides energy enough without reliance on hype gestures or shout outs. Through chillingly stoic presence, his narratives land heavier.
Since 2019, Cash Kidd has toured alongside like-minded MCs Boldy James, Jay Royale, The Cool Kids and The Alchemist. He’s also opened for West Coast stalwarts Mozzy and Dom Kennedy across respective headline stints.
In Detroit, Cash Kidd regulation appears at venues like Saint Andrew’s Hall and the Majestic Theatre alongside regular collaborators like Bruiser Brigade captain Danny Brown and his original mentor Helluva. Expect that local momentum to spread nationally soon enough.
Inside the Private Life of Cash Kidd
Protective of his past and present, Cash Kidd opts to avoid overexposure regarding private affairs. Yet certain biographical details prove freely available:
Age – Approaching 30 years old as of 2023
Origins – Born Justin Matthews on Detroit’s East Side
Family – Cash Kidd is a father of five children
Romantic relationships remain understandably private matters to the introspective lyricist. However, his duties as a parent come across clearly within themes touching on breaking negative cycles.
Cash Kidd’s Estimated Net Worth
Lacking definitive financial documentation publicly, determining Cash Kidd’s net worth proves difficult. However, based on habitual regional touring, steady mixtape sales, and growing streaming figures, his annual income likely falls somewhere in the low six figures and rising.
Unlike viral flash-in-pan stars, Cash Kidd’s loyal fanbase and connections offer sustainability moving forward. Especially as national features increase exposure to unfamiliar crowds, his diligent work promises further compensation.
For reference, comparable Detroit independent artists like Boldy James and Payroll Giovanni now earn estimated mid six figure salaries annually from their catalogs and constant road work. Expect Cash Kidd to find himself in that tier someday soon.
Where to Follow Cash Kidd on Socials
To keep up with the latest moves, music, and merch from Cash Kidd, follow him on these official profiles:
Instagram – 73k followers
Twitter – 18k followers
Facebook – 14k followers
YouTube channel – 83k subscribers
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Kidd
Q: What does Cash Kidd’s song “On My Soul” mean?
On My Soul describes promises to look out for his mother and fully apply himself towards success after years dealing drugs. Heartfelt lyrical moments like this connect beyond typical rap boasts.
Q: Who are Cash Kidd’s biggest musical inspirations?
Alongside Detroit legends, Cash Kidd cites southern artists like Gucci Mane, T.I., and Young Jeezy as influences regarding entrepreneurial spirit and vivid street tales.
Q: Where was Cash Kidd before he got famous?
Grinding for over a decade locally in Detroit, establishing his name through dozens of underground mixtapes repping East Side neighborhoods heavily. National fame only recently followed.
Q: Does Cash Kidd make drill music?
No – while his lyrics address violence, drug addiction, and urban struggle, Cash Kidd makes traditionally-styled Midwest hip hop far removed from drill music’s sound.
Q: What does Cash Kidd’s arm tattoo say?
The cursive arm script reads “East Side til I Die,” repping his hometown Detroit roots for life.
The Future Looks Bright for Cash Kidd’s Rap Legacy
After years developing raw skill and relatability through an independent hustler’s vision, Cash Kidd now deserves mention beside Detroit rap pillars like Eminem, Big Sean, Danny Brown, and Payroll Giovanni. By pouring genuine experiences into urgent rhyme patterns, his impact continues resonating louder globally with each new project.
Yet according to the understated author himself, Cash Kidd’s journey still trails a long path ahead – perhaps leading the next generation in Detroit hip hop’s storied lineage.