LA-based but New York-raised DJ and producer Cachee Livingston, aka Kitty Ca$h, is no stranger to the music scene. Over the past decade, she’s made a name for herself as a sought-after DJ, spinning tracks for heavy hitters like Rihanna, Migos, Solange, A$AP Rocky, and many more.
However, this multi-talented artist is now leaping into the world of production, and it’s a move that’s been a long time coming.
Kitty Ca$h’s evolution from DJ to producer seems like the natural next step in her illustrious career. While she’s been in high demand behind the turntables, she has also made her mark with her mixtape series, “Love The Free,” which spans three volumes. These mixtapes boast an impressive lineup of collaborators, from chart-toppers like SZA and Doja Cat to critically acclaimed artists like Kelela and Little Simz.
After completing high school, Kitty headed upstate to attend community college but eventually found her way back to the bustling streets of New York City, where she enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It was in the city that she crossed paths with singer and rapper Kilo Kish, forging a close friendship. Almost instantly, she found herself behind the decks at Kish’s shows, and her career took off from there. She began opening for the likes of Skrillex and embarked on tours across Europe, all while juggling public relations work for the fashion brand G-Star.
However, since 2015, Kitty has wholeheartedly dedicated herself to her production work, collaborating with artists like Kelela and Willow Smith.
Despite her impressive résumé and countless electrifying performances, Kitty understands that emulating her idols, such as Little Louie Vega, DJ Premier, and DJ Jazzy Jeff, involves creating timeless records. Her first official foray into production came in 2021 with “Just Fine,” a collaboration with Kiana Ledé.
Today, Kitty is back with a bang, dropping her latest single, “Can’t Shut Us Down,” featuring PawPaw Rod. This is a funk-infused track that oozes groove and soul. With high-pitched yet metallic vocals alongside contrasting rap lyrics, the song exudes a distinctive blend of styles that showcases Kitty’s unique production talents. The track is a testament to her ability to bridge the gap between the DJ booth and the recording studio, proving that she’s not just a one-trick pony.
This marks her second release as a producer and gives us a tantalizing taste of what her upcoming debut EP, scheduled for 2024, has in store. This EP will be the first of two that she has in the pipeline for next year.
Kitty’s journey from the turntables to the producer’s chair is undoubtedly worth watching. With her knack for assembling outstanding collaborations and an uncanny ability to craft timeless records, it’s safe to say that her upcoming EP and future releases are set to make a significant impact on the music world.
Photo by Cam Hicks