Hailing from New Rochelle, New York in Lower Westchester County, Cayenne is a dynamic rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer whose talent has been evident since day one. Raised in a deeply musical family, his artistry was shaped by the influence of a jazz pianist grandfather, classical pianist grandmother, producer father, and celebrity vocal coach uncle, Craig Derry. Combined with the power of gospel music from the church, Cayenne developed a sound rooted in soul, melody, rhythm, and authenticity. With commanding vocals, evolving creativity, and undeniable presence, Cayenne delivers more than music, the creates an experience powered by purpose and passion.
V-Henny: Growing up in New Rochelle, how did your hometown influence your creativity?
Cayenne: Growing up in New Rochelle, it was a unique experience creatively. The city already had a musical legacy with groups like Brand Nubian and artists like Grand Puba, so there was always that energy in the air. On top of that, my own family was deeply rooted in music, which made creativity feel natural, not forced.
Being in school, a lot of my peers rapped too, so it became part of everyday life. We’d have ciphers all the time—on the bridge at our high school, in night school, wherever we could gather. That environment sharpened my skills early and pushed me to find my own voice. It wasn’t just about making music—it was about proving yourself, expressing yourself, and being part of a culture that was alive around me every day.
V-Henny: Coming from such a musical family, how did those influences shape your sound?
Cayenne: Coming from a musical family had a huge impact on my sound. I was surrounded by singers, writers, and musicians who really understood music on a deeper level. My great-grandfather was a jazz pianist, so jazz has always been a part of my foundation.
I also have family ties to hip-hop history—my uncle was a member of The Sugarhill Gang and had a gold record with “Here I Am,” so that influence was there too.
On top of that, I grew up in church, which added another layer—emotion, soul, and discipline. Being around all of that made me appreciate what I call “real music,” meaning live instrumentation, strong arrangements, and music that actually feels something.
So when I create, I naturally blend those jazz roots, gospel influence, and hip-hop legacy into my sound. It’s not just about making a song—it’s about creating something real that connects and lasts.
V-Henny: What lessons did you learn from your jazz pianist grandfather and classical pianist grandmother?
Cayenne: From my great-grandfather, who was a jazz pianist, I learned how to take things we’ve already heard and make them my own. He really showed me how to hear music differently—how to approach cadences in a unique way and how to sit in the pocket differently. That influence taught me creativity isn’t always about starting from scratch, but about reinventing and expressing it through your own perspective.
From my grandmother, who was a classical pianist—my father’s mother—I learned the technical side early on. She introduced me to reading music, understanding piano scales, and actually playing certain pieces. That gave me structure and discipline in music.
And with my father being a producer, especially during that time when he was deeply involved in it, I also picked up how to make beats and how to play by ear. So I was getting both worlds—the feel and freedom from jazz, the structure from classical, and the hands-on creation from production, all shaping how I approach music today.
V-Henny: How did having a producer father and vocal coach uncle impact your career path?
Cayenne: Having a producer father had a major impact on my career. He rapped and produced himself, so he really understood what I was doing and fully supported it. More than that, he was my best critic—and still is. He knew what sounded like a hit, and he would challenge me on how I approached records—what I said, how I said it, and what perspective I came from.
It meant a lot having someone who shared that same passion, especially someone as close as my dad. He even managed me for a period of time, so he was able to guide me not just creatively, but professionally. Because of his own experiences in the industry—like having production stolen—he made sure to teach me about paperwork, copyrights, and protecting my work, so I wouldn’t end up on the wrong side of the business.
My uncle, who’s a vocal coach and also experienced in the industry, played a big role as well. Through his workshop, I was able to connect with other serious artists and grow in a different way. That environment helped sharpen my vocal ability and stage presence, but it also opened real doors.
That’s actually where I met Eddo, which led to me touring Europe and even living out there for a period of time. So between my father and my uncle, I was getting both the creative foundation and the industry knowledge—both of which helped take my career to the next level.
V-Henny: How important was gospel music and church culture in developing your voice and artistry?
Cayenne: Gospel music and growing up in the church—especially in the Baptist denomination—played a huge role in developing my voice and artistry. It really trains your ear in a different way. You’re constantly surrounded by harmonies, hearing multiple parts at once—soprano, alto, tenor—so it naturally sharpens how you hear and understand music.
Most of the time, it’s live instrumentation too, so you learn how different sounds come together in real time. That teaches you how to move within the music, how to find your space, and how to adapt whether you’re on stage or in different environments.
And the energy in those churches is powerful—it’s loud, it’s expressive, it’s real. That environment teaches you how to command a stage and truly own whatever platform you’re on when you perform.
So for me, church wasn’t just spiritual—it was musical training, performance training, and ear training all in one. It shaped how I hear, how I sing, and how I connect with people through music.
V-Henny: How would you describe Cayenne’s sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
Cayenne: If I had to describe Cayenne’s sound, I’d say it’s fresh, new, but still nostalgic. I like to call it “the new old”—because it’s a new school vibe with an old school feel.
It’s the kind of music that really gives you something to feel—something that can touch you, shift your mood, and take you somewhere. Sonically, it’s melodic, smooth, and charismatic, but also fun and full of joy.
At the core, it’s about balance—bringing that timeless energy into a modern space and creating music that connects across generations.
V-Henny: What does the phrase “Noluck-God Given” mean to you personally?
Cayenne: For me, “Noluck–God Given” is about staying grounded in where my gift truly comes from. Growing up in church, I was always taught—and I still believe—that every gift I have comes from God. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be able to do music at this level. It’s something that was given to me.
So when I say “Noluck,” I mean exactly that—there was no luck involved in me getting to where I am or becoming as good as I’ve become. It’s all God-given.
That mindset keeps me humble. It reminds me that no matter how far I go—whether it’s big records, major awards, or even Grammys—it still won’t be luck. It’ll be God. And because of that, I always want to make sure I give Him the credit and the reverence He deserves.
At its core, it’s a reminder to stay rooted, stay grateful, and never lose sight of the source of it all.
V-Henny: As a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, which role feels most natural to you?
Cayenne: Honestly, all of those roles feel natural to me. Whatever hat I need to wear in the moment—whether it’s producing, writing, singing, or rapping—it all flows. It is God-given, so I’m able to step into each role confidently and do what needs to be done.
If I need to rap, it’s there. If I need to sing, it’s there. Producing comes naturally too. But if I had to choose one that feels the most natural, I’d say writing.
Writing is really the foundation for everything else. Before a song becomes anything—before the production, before the performance—it starts with the writing. That’s where it all begins for me, and that’s where I feel the most at home.
V-Henny: How do you continue evolving while staying authentic to yourself?
Cayenne: Music is always changing—it’s always growing—so as an artist in the industry, I understand that I have to grow with it. I make sure I stay tapped into what’s current, whether that’s doing freestyles over new sounds or finding ways to connect with what’s happening now.
At the same time, I never compromise my integrity or my soul. I stay true to my message and the topics I stand on. I’m not promoting negativity just to fit in—I’m adapting to the sound, not losing myself in it.
That balance is what keeps me evolving while still being authentic. It allows me to stay connected to the younger generation while still being true to who I am.
At the end of the day, I approach it as a student of the game—never feeling like I know it all, always open to learning, growing, and elevating with the music.
V-Henny: What can fans expect next from Cayenne in music and performance?
Cayenne: Fans can expect a lot more from me—more visuals, more singles dropping, and a lot more performances on the way. I’ve also got some fashion pieces coming soon, so I’m expanding creatively beyond just the music.
I’m looking to be part of the Art of Music showcase on June 9th, and I’ll also be performing at a Juneteenth event in Philly. So there’s definitely going to be more opportunities for people to see me live and really experience what I do.
Overall, it’s just more of me across the board. More presence, more consistency, and more connection, so people can really put a face to the name and understand the artist behind the music.
Cayenne stands out as an artist whose talent is built on legacy, discipline, and divine purpose. Embracing the belief that his gifts are GODGVN, he continues to grow as a creator who brings substance, energy, and soul to every performance and release. His journey reflects dedication rather than chance, proving that real artistry comes from within. As he continues to evolve and elevate, Cayenne is positioning himself as one of New Rochelle’s most exciting rising stars in music today.