305 on the Rise: Carol City Rapper Champolaa Is Bringing ‘New Energy’ to South Florida Hip-Hop

The South Florida artist opens up about his musical journey, the importance of hard work and authenticity, and his plans to carve out his own sound.

South Florida rapper Champolaa is putting his city on the map, one song at a time.

The Carroll City artist is among the inaugural class of 305 on the Rise, a Hy-Lo News initiative spotlighting emerging singers and rappers making their mark across South Florida. During an appearance on The Culture Report with Dericka Jaye, Champolaa discussed his introduction to music, the experiences that shaped his sound, and why he believes hard work and authenticity are essential to his growth as an artist.

Known for moving between different sounds and styles, Champolaa is focused on building a career that reflects the full range of his creativity without being confined to one lane.

Finding Freedom Through Music

Although Champolaa’s interest in music developed early, he said he began to understand its deeper significance during his sophomore year of high school.

At the time, he was navigating one of the lowest points in his life. Music became a way for him to find a sense of freedom and step away from the challenges he was experiencing.

“I would say I really deeply fell in love with music on a level where I could understand it as a concept for real is probably when I was in high school, probably like 10th grade or something like that,” Champolaa said.

His interest in music extended beyond listening. As a student, he regularly tapped out beats on classroom desks and imagined himself producing music. He eventually visited Sam Ash, where he hoped to learn how to make beats, but discovered that performing came naturally to him, too.

After rapping in front of others for the first time, he realized he had a talent worth developing.

Champolaa continued exploring that talent while attending Miramar High School, where he enrolled in an International Baccalaureate program and challenged himself academically. However, he eventually recognized that his ambitions extended beyond the classroom.

He began spending more time journaling, reflecting on his goals, and developing his skills as an artist.

Looking back, Champolaa said he had written down aspirations for his music career long before he began seeing them come to fruition. Eventually, returning to Carroll City helped him reconnect with himself and embrace a deeper sense of authenticity.

The Meaning Behind His Work Ethic

Listeners familiar with Champolaa’s music may notice recurring themes of discipline, ambition, perseverance, and personal growth.

According to the rapper, those values come in part from his father, whom he described as a respected coach who has helped develop young Black men in the community.

Watching his father prioritize discipline, consistency, and doing the work necessary to succeed helped shape Champolaa’s own approach to life and music.

That influence is reflected in his personal slogan: “WIN,” which stands for “Work Is Necessary.”

“If you want to win, work is necessary,” he said.

For Champolaa, that philosophy extends beyond making music. It is about remaining committed to his goals, trusting the process, and continuing to put in work even when the results do not come immediately.

That perseverance was especially meaningful when he won the Voices of Miami Gardens competition, an opportunity that brought together artists from the community to showcase their talents.

Champolaa described the win as a moment of revitalization after experiencing the disappointment that can come with pursuing a competitive industry.

“Just for them to be able to call my name in that moment for that type of title of the city, you know, that was so humbling for me,” he said. “I felt like all my work had paid off.”

Inspired by Artists Who Challenge the Rules

Champolaa draws inspiration from artists who push creative boundaries rather than follow established expectations.

He pointed to Young Thug as a major influence, particularly because of the rapper’s willingness to experiment with his voice, sound, and approach to hip-hop.

He also named Lil Wayne and Michael Jackson as artists who inspire him, noting their ability to reach significant heights in their respective careers.

For Champolaa, those influences are less about replicating another artist’s style and more about understanding the creativity and mindset required to stand out.

That perspective carries into his own music, which moves between melodic records, lyrical performances, relationship-driven songs, and tracks designed for the club.

When asked which song best represents who he is as an artist, Champolaa pointed to “Careful,” a track from his Free Samples project.

He said the song captures how he approaches relationships and interactions with the world around him.

He also highlighted “Old Days” as a more personal record that allows him to slow things down and tell a story.

Still, Champolaa does not want listeners to expect just one side of his artistry.

“One thing you can say about me for sure is I know how to make a song,” he said.

He explained that he enjoys experimenting with different sounds and understanding how to bring a record together, whether the goal is to tell a personal story or create something listeners can enjoy at a party.

That versatility is central to how he sees himself as an artist.

Building With Carroll City

While many emerging artists look toward major national names for their dream collaborations, Champolaa said he is equally interested in the talent developing within his own community.

He expressed appreciation for the artists and creatives building their careers in Carroll City, emphasizing the importance of supporting and collaborating with people who are already making moves locally.

One artist he shouted out was fellow South Florida rapper Bushy B, revealing that the two have music in the works.

Champolaa also used his appearance to encourage the other artists in the 305 on the Rise inaugural class to connect and create together.

He sees the group as an opportunity for emerging talent to build relationships, combine their audiences, and create opportunities that may not have existed otherwise.

For Champolaa, the initiative is about more than individual recognition. It is also about strengthening the creative community around him.

Champolaa Prepares to Introduce a ‘New Energy’

The rapper’s next chapter will include an upcoming project titled New Energy, which he described as a statement about his identity and the direction he wants to take his music.

Champolaa said the project will allow him to embrace a sound that feels uniquely his own, even if it challenges listeners who are accustomed to his previous releases.

He wants to demonstrate that he does not have to sound like other artists or conform to outside expectations to make an impact.

“I wanted to take my time out and give the people a sound that I can stamp and say, nobody has made this sound before,” he said. “This sound is unique for me. This sound is a statement.”

The project also reflects a broader message about embracing individuality and moving forward without feeling the need to apologize for being different.

Champolaa described the direction as “unapologetic success,” a mindset he believes will be fundamental to his next era as an artist.

While he did not announce a release date during the interview, he encouraged listeners to stay tuned for more details.

Delivering Bars Without a Beat

Champolaa closed out his appearance on The Culture Report with an acapella freestyle, putting his lyrical ability and wordplay on display without a beat.

The performance brought his conversation about ambition and perseverance full circle, offering viewers another look at the talent behind his music.

He also praised Hy-Lo News for investing in local artists and providing a platform for emerging talent to reach new audiences.

For Champolaa, that kind of community support can make a difference in helping artists move forward.

Outside of music, he is also an entrepreneur behind Smoothology 305, a juice business offering drinks made with an emphasis on ingredients and hydration. The venture reflects another side of his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to serving his community.

As he continues developing his sound and preparing for New Energy, Champolaa is focused on remaining true to himself while encouraging others to recognize the value of the talent growing in their own backyard.

“Y’all tune in with me, tap in with me, take this ride with me,” he told viewers. “Allow me to show you what it is that I’m about.”

With his place in the inaugural 305 on the Rise class, Champolaa is getting another opportunity to introduce his music, his mindset, and his vision to a wider audience.

Champolaa is a member of Hy-Lo News’ inaugural 305 On The Rise Class of 2026, highlighting emerging artists connected to South Florida. Follow him Instagram at @1xchamp and on TikTok at @champolaa.