Columbus Cypher: 4 Rising Ohio Artists Break Down Music, Mental Health, and What It Takes to Make It

Columbus, Ohio is bubbling with creative energy, and at the center of it are four rising artists determined to make their voices heard. In this in-depth roundtable, Only1Check, IVO24K, ProphetX, and Big Chowdaa offer an honest and revealing look at what it means to be an underground artist today. Representing different corners of the Midwest music movement, each artist shares stories of struggle, growth, and relentless drive.

From the jump, it’s clear that these four aren’t just artists—they’re builders. Each of them speaks passionately about wanting to put Ohio on the map, not by copying the sounds of other regions but by carving out a unique identity for their city. For them, it’s not about chasing a formula—it’s about creating something real.

Creating From Real Life

Each artist has their own reason for turning to music, but one theme unites them all: expression. ProphetX opens up about channeling pain through storytelling, revealing how music has become an outlet for processing hurt and connecting with others who feel the same. Chowdaa echoes this sentiment, emphasizing his desire to help listeners get up and live, even when they’re at their lowest. For IVO24K, confidence is key—his lyrics are rooted in an untouchable mindset that lets him feel free. Check, meanwhile, balances versatility with purpose, aiming to make music that hits across moods, styles, and moments.

The Value of Visuals

When it comes to music videos, the group shares a unified vision: visuals are more than promotion—they’re an extension of the art. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Missy Elliott or creating aesthetics that match their emotional tone, they see music videos as essential for delivering a full experience. For these artists, a strong visual makes the music resonate even more deeply.

Staying Independent, Staying Intentional

Despite their shared ambitions, each artist is taking a slightly different path. Some are focused strictly on music for now, while others plan to branch out into vlogs, podcasts, and merch. What unites them is their belief in organic growth. They talk about the pressure of social media, the challenges of marketing without a team, and the fine line between being consistent and being performative.

Still, they all recognize that exposure matters. IVO24K puts it best: "Once you get that spark, you gotta know when to ignite it."

Putting Ohio on the Map

There’s no question about it: this group wants to rep Ohio on a global scale. Whether it's ProphetX envisioning a future where Ohio becomes a music epicenter or Check speaking on the need for more collaboration and unity, they all believe in the potential of their home state. Trippy Redd might have helped pave the way, but these artists are determined to keep pushing.

And they're not just in it for themselves. As Check says, "I don't want to be the only one at the party from Ohio. I want the people who lived it with me there too."