Chad Marshall, known professionally as Rowdy Rebel, is an American rapper from Brooklyn who is signed to GS9 and Epic Records. He is a member of the Brooklyn-based GS9 crew alongside fellow rapper, Bobby Shmurda. Rowdy Rebel appeared in Shmurda's video for "Hot Nigga" and has been featured on an official remix of the song alongside Fabolous, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, and Yo Gotti.
Early life
Marshall grew up in a neighborhood known as "the 90s" in Brooklyn's East Flatbush area. People in his neighborhood referred to him as "rowdy" as a child, which is the genesis for his stage name. Many members of GS9 originated in the same East Flatbush locale. He is of Jamaican and Bajan descent.
Career
Marshall achieved fame in 2014 with the rise of his GS9 cohort, Bobby Shmurda. He was signed to Epic Records in July 2014 just two weeks after Shmurda signed his deal with Epic. Marshall was featured on a remix of Shmurda's hit single "Hot Nigga" with big-name acts like Fabolous, Jadakiss, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, and Yo Gotti. Marshall also released several singles, including "Computers" which was featured on GS9's Shmoney Shmurda . In October 2014, he released a single entitled "Beam Jawn" which did not include any features from the GS9 crew or other artists. In June 2020, he released the single "Make It Rain" with the late rapper Pop Smoke, marking his first music release in three years. The track debuted at number 51 on the BillboardHot 100, marking Marshall's first charting single.
Legal issues
On December 17, 2014, Marshall was arrested by the NYPD for conspiracy, attempted murder, attempted assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon. Bobby Shmurda and 13 others associated with GS9 were also arrested for various charges including drug dealing. Marshall plead not guilty to all charges. He pleaded guilty in exchange for a deal that sentenced him to 6–7 years in prison. Due to time served awaiting his trial, Marshall was given almost two years credit for time served. Rebel has a parole hearing scheduled for August 2020 and his conditional release date is scheduled to be December 15, 2020.
Artistry
Much of Marshall's music contains references to the block where he grew up. Rowdy has noted that he and other GS9 members talk about friends from the neighborhood "to keep their names alive."
