Chas "Lioness Borne" Cheatham
Hip-Hop Educator/Coach
She is responsible for providing comprehensive Hip-hop education infused with the Rhyme Calisthenics Framework. She plays a pivotal role in teaching students about the history, culture, and artistic elements of hip-hop music and its broader cultural significance.
Bio
Lioness Borne, known as The First Lady of Rhyme Cal, is a dynamic force in the world of hip-hop, poetry, and cultural education. Inducted into the Pittsburgh 50 Years of Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, she is a three-time nominee for the Pittsburgh Hip-Hop Awards. As the creator and host of the longest-running live open mic series, "Release Live Open Mic" with Hambone Jenkins, she has become a vital figure in Pittsburgh’s artistic community.A burn poet and fierce emcee, Lioness Borne is not only known for her commanding stage presence but also for her work as a cultural educator, creator, and collaborator. She is the co-founder of Big Juicy Records and SolSis, both of which serve as platforms for elevating voices in music, art, and culture. Over the years, Lioness has shared the stage with legendary figures like Ursula Rucker, Amiri Baraka, and The Last Poets, while collaborating with countless talented artists, producers, and cultural curators.Currently, Lioness is in a period of personal transformation, healing, and recovery, while simultaneously embarking on new creative endeavors. She is developing an innovative invention, working on her memoir titled "The Handbook on Becoming", and pursuing her PhD in Cultural Anthropology—all of which reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and self-expression.