305 On The Rise: CASHE Brings Lyrical Depth, Faith and Independent Ambition to the Class of 2026

Miami artist CASHE has spent much of his music career proving that there’s more than one way to represent Miami’s hip-hop scene.

Born in Santa Barbara, California, and raised in Liberty City and other parts of Miami-Dade County, the rapper has developed a sound influenced by different regions, generations and genres. Now, as part of Hy-Lo News’ inaugural 305 On The Rise Class of 2026, he’s continuing to build on a career rooted in originality, persistence and staying true to himself.

During a recent conversation with Hy-Lo News Senior Reporter Justin B. Smith on The Culture Report, Cashe opened up about his musical beginnings, his experiences in the industry, the inspiration behind his latest single “Someday” and his plans for the future.

Music was a constant presence in CASHE’s childhood. His father maintained an extensive record collection, exposing him to hip-hop, R&B and jazz artists including LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim and 2 Live Crew. He also grew up listening to Miami artists such as Trick Daddy, JT Money, Ball Greezy, Brisco and Billy Blue.

However, his musical influences extended beyond South Florida. Caribbean music and East Coast hip-hop also played a significant role in shaping his sound, particularly artists like Jay-Z and Nas, whose lyricism inspired him to develop his own writing abilities.

CASHE initially approached writing as a way to express himself rather than as a career path. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where fellow service members began encouraging him to take his freestyling and rapping more seriously.

Eventually, he decided to pursue music professionally, and he hasn’t looked back.

Staying true to his sound

Although Miami’s hip-hop scene helped shape his musical identity, CASHE said his lyrical approach wasn’t always embraced locally.

Early in his career, he recalled receiving criticism for being too lyrical and drawing inspiration from East Coast rappers rather than conforming to expectations of what Miami music should sound like.

Instead of changing his approach, he remained committed to his artistry.

“I just always just stuck to my guns as an artist and who I was and how I wanted to display my talent,” CASHE told Hy-Lo News.

That commitment is also reflected in the meaning behind his name. CASHE represents “Chasing and Striving Harder Every Day,” an acronym he created to reflect his personal philosophy and encourage others to pursue their goals.

For him, the name represents the daily work required to turn a vision into reality, regardless of how ambitious or far away that dream may seem.

From ‘Ring the Alarm’ to performing on international stages

CASHE’s career has already taken him beyond South Florida.

He previously signed with Terracon Records, founded by soca artist Kevin Lyttle and his wife, Jackie Lyttle. Through the label, he secured a joint venture deal with Sony Music, marking his first major industry opportunity.

His first release under the deal was “Ring the Alarm,” a collaboration with Lyttle that gained traction internationally.

The record opened doors for CASHE to tour alongside Lyttle, performing throughout the United States and overseas, including a leg of the tour in the United Kingdom.

He also performed at Radio City Music Hall during a sold-out show with an audience of approximately 16,000 people.

Another career milestone came in 2019 when he attended the BET Awards in Los Angeles. After growing up watching award shows and imagining himself walking the red carpet, CASHE finally experienced it firsthand.

He recalled standing alongside several recognizable entertainers before the carpet opened for media interviews, describing the experience as surreal.

While those opportunities represented major accomplishments, his career also experienced a shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. As his record deal approached its end and the entertainment industry slowed down, CASHE made the decision not to renew.

Instead, he chose to bet on himself and focus on building his own business.

He launched Black Mogul Enterprises, eventually returning to everyday responsibilities while continuing to develop his music career independently.

CASHE described that transition as one of the most challenging periods of his journey, particularly after experiencing the momentum of touring and performing on major stages. However, he said the experience taught him humility and helped develop his character.

He believes those lessons have prepared him to handle future opportunities differently.

The story behind ‘Someday’

One of CASHE’s latest singles, “Someday,” offers listeners a glimpse into the mindset behind his music.

Produced by his cousin Castro Beats and recorded by longtime engineer Miami Beatwave, the song explores the uncertainty that can come with pursuing a dream while holding on to the belief that it will eventually become reality.

For CASHE, “Someday” is more than a record about ambition. It is also a reflection of his relationship with God and the faith that has sustained him throughout his journey.

He explained that the song came during a season when he was questioning whether the vision he had for his life would eventually come to fruition.

CASHE described those slower periods as opportunities for preparation, believing that even when progress isn’t immediately visible, there is still work happening behind the scenes.

The song will also serve as part of a larger story told through his upcoming album, God Don’t Make Mistakes, which he describes as a reflection of his personal journey and relationship with his faith.

Giving Miami hip-hop its flowers

Beyond his own career, CASHE wants to challenge the way audiences outside South Florida perceive Miami’s music scene.

He said listeners are sometimes surprised to learn that Miami has artists with strong lyrical abilities, particularly when they hear his music and discover where he’s from.

CASHE believes the region has plenty of talented rappers who deserve greater recognition, including Ghost Rider, Jay Hitup, T-Row, Sippy Red, Mike Smith, Mike Bell, TakeOver and Taffia.

He also pointed to the lack of industry attention as one of the challenges facing emerging Miami artists, saying major record labels don’t often come to the region to discover new talent.

In his view, South Florida artists and industry professionals must continue creating opportunities to showcase the talent already here.

CASHE hopes to contribute to that visibility while eventually collaborating with more of the artists he admires.

His own musical catalog reflects the versatility he wants listeners to recognize. When asked which song he would recommend to someone discovering his music for the first time, he pointed to “Lord Rain On Me,” describing it as a record that could turn a first-time listener into a fan.

Other releases include “Someday,” “Somebody,” “Westside” and “Millions in the Safe” featuring rapper Mims.

What’s next for CASHE?

CASHE is preparing for another major chapter in his career.

His upcoming album, God Don’t Make Mistakes, is expected to arrive during the first or second quarter of 2027. He also recently relaunched his Black Mogul Collection clothing brand, which offers apparel for men and women through BlackMogulWorldwide.com.

Additionally, he is preparing to release his first official sneaker, a project he said has been in development for approximately two years and has now entered production.

On the management side, CASHE recently signed with Entourage Talent Agency and Sports Management. He also revealed during the interview that he had secured a partnership with Fashion Nova, with plans to release content featuring the brand’s men’s collection.

For an artist who says he has spent much of his career fighting to be recognized, being included in Hy-Lo News’ inaugural 305 On The Rise class carries particular significance.

CASHE said he has often felt overlooked because of his different sound and the subjects he chooses to address in his music. Rather than allowing that to discourage him, he believes those experiences strengthened his consistency and resilience.

Recognition in 2026, he said, is a meaningful addition to his journey, especially as he continues building momentum heading into 2027.

His advice to other creatives pursuing their own goals is simple: invest in yourself, believe in what you’re doing, keep God first and remain committed to the work.

“Whatever you want to do, chase your dreams, invest in yourself, believe in yourself, keep God first,” CASHE said.

As he continues expanding his music, fashion and business ventures, CASHE is focused less on the scoreboard and more on what it takes to keep moving forward.

CASHE is a member of Hy-Lo News’ inaugural 305 On The Rise Class of 2026, highlighting emerging artists connected to South Florida. Find him on Instagram and YouTube at @IAmCashe and on TikTok at @IAmCasheOfficial.