Chicho Cortez

Chicho Cortez is a French producer and beatmaker from the Lyon music scene, whose work is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture and the art of sampling. Closely associated with the Mutant Ninja Records ecosystem, he has developed a style strongly influenced by boom-bap and 1990s hip-hop, where hard-hitting drums, carefully crafted samples and vintage textures come together to create a sound that is raw, warm and evocative.

Throughout his career, Chicho Cortez has collaborated with artists and producers including Tcheep, Bonetrips, Liqid and Arom. He has contributed to several projects connected to Mutant Ninja Records, including Liqid contre le reste du monde and the compilation Amal, for which he produced the track Zaatari. He also collaborated with Scratch Bandits Crew and Bonetrips on Aiwa, featured on the album Tangram Series.

His work also extends to production music and composition for visual media. In 2021, he contributed to the composition of Célavie, performed by Sainte Fortune with Arom, Bonetrips and Liqid for the album Rap : à la française. In 2023, he reunited with Tcheep and Bonetrips for Lofi Hip Hop, an album produced by PARIGO. Across thirteen compositions blending mellow beats, jazz influences, guitars, keyboards and atmospheric textures, the trio explores a more contemplative side of instrumental hip-hop, created both for listening and to accompany visual storytelling.

Combining the legacy of boom-bap, sample culture and sonic exploration, Chicho Cortez has developed an approach to beatmaking in which groove and texture take centre stage. His work across artistic productions, collaborations and music for visual media reflects a consistent desire to push instrumental hip-hop forward while remaining deeply connected to its roots.