Rising R&B star Chxrry22 is keeping the momentum going after her emotional collab with The Weeknd, dropping the high-energy single “Just Like Me” as a bold teaser for what’s next. Bold isn’t an exaggeration when it comes to the talented singer. She describes herself as “unhinged” – insisting that technically yes, cereal is a soup,but she will admit that sleeping with socks on is “pretty criminal.”
With her signature mix of boldness and humor, Chxrry22 brings that same energy to her music and everything she touches. PLAYBOY caught up with her to talk about the creative process, life on tour, and why low-waist jeans will always reign supreme. Spoiler alert: she’s ready to deliver the best music of her life—and she’s bringing her fans along for the ride.
PLAYBOY: What’s more important in a song: lyrics or melody?
Chxrry22: Melody, always. It’s the reason why music is so universal and touches people no matter what language they speak.
PLAYBOY: In a 2022 interview, you mentioned that a collaboration with The Weeknd was “in the works for sure” and now we get to see how striking you were in the “Cry for Me” collab. What was the creative process like for this?
Chxrry22: It all feels like such a blur. It was one of the most challenging, but rewarding experiences – I’ve never had to cry on camera. I made them play Billie Eilish on loop to get me in character, so shout out to Billie. Your music really makes a bitch wanna cry.
PLAYBOY: In the past, you emphasized honesty in your songwriting. How has your music evolved, and what can fans expect now after the release of “Just Like Me”?
Chxrry22: I think the message of my music will always be similar because it’s always coming from my perspective, but sonically, the tempo of my upcoming project is a lot faster and it feels a lot more fun. It was really important for me to challenge myself and experiment and try different sounds. I really fell in love with vocal samples and playing around those. In terms of writing, I’ve just got more stories to tell!
PLAYBOY: What has the reception of “Just Like Me” been like? Has anyone or anything surprised you?
Chxrry22: It’s been insane. My life has been threatened, but in all fairness I have been teasing this song for months now. I just hope they like the song when it comes out. My fans are super supportive, so I know their harassment is all love. They don’t play.
PLAYBOY: Where is your favorite place to interact with your community? Are you hiding in the YouTube comment section, or do you prefer live meet and greets while touring?
Chxrry22: I love interacting with my fans online where I can be my honest, unhinged self. But I really do love performing and seeing them react to my music, it puts everything in perspective. But my favorite is seeing them in public spaces, and them coming up to me and being crazy. If a fan comes up to me in the club – we are taking a shot together for sure.
PLAYBOY: As someone who has toured extensively, what are the first things you pack?
Chxrry22: My medicine bag – because I’m always getting sick on the road. And my eczema cream. And lipgloss always.
PLAYBOY: You’ve described performing in large crowds as an “insane” experience that you enjoy, and you’ve also teased that for this next album, people had better be ready to dance. How do you keep up so much energy to keep that higher energy experience going?
Chxrry22: I think I just want you to enjoy as much of my life as possible, so I try to prioritize fun and making the most out of every situation, because it is a lot of hard work and unglamorous shit. Luckily, I work with the people I really love, so they make it easy for me to have a good time.
PLAYBOY: We want to talk about your fashion, because every post, every outfit, every moment – you are the moment. Do you work with stylists, is it all you, where does your fashion come from?
Chxrry22: Honestly, my fashion sense comes from my mom. Growing up, she forced me to thrift with her. At the time I hated it, but it’s forced me to create my own style, especially through different phases of my life. But it’s a full time job. If you see me on my phone, I’m either on TikTok or online shopping. Shopping and clothes are my favorite hobbies.
PLAYBOY: This is just for the girls – what’s better, high waist or low waist?
Chxrry22: Low waist, always and forever.
PLAYBOY: We hate to ask right after a big release, but we’re going to anyway! What’s next? What should fans be on the lookout for?
Chxrry22: The best fucking song and album you’ve ever heard in your entire life!
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You can stream “Just Like Me” now, and follow along with Chxrry22 on her Instagram to see if she’s telling the truth about this being the best album you’ve ever heard.