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Since hip hop’s birth in the 1970s, artists have strived to progress with the times while continuously struggling to remain true to the essence of the culture. In an era in which hip hop’s progression has undeniably impacted society in a way no one would have previously expected, people have grown weary of the redundant and superficial bling crap that passes for hip hop nowadays. There is an undeniable void in substance and knowledge that not many emcees have been able to fill, nor have they tried…Until now.
Hailing from Ontario, Katchphraze is a refreshing blend of knowledge, truth, and exceptional wit. Inspired by every genre of music imaginable and driven by a love for the culture, his distinctive style is laced with spitfire delivery and relentless wordplay. Never one to succumb to superficial materialism or the image-based industry, Katchphraze’s lyrical content varies from introspective reflections to story telling to ruthless and no-holds-barred battle raps.
Emceeing since the early ’90s, Katchphraze says that being respected by his high school peers back then, in a time before hip hop was “popularized” and established with commercial exposure, added fuel to his fire and further reaffirmed what he already knew — he had the skill. All he needed was the opportunity.
In the summer of 2001, Katchphraze recorded an EP entitled “Ones N Toos,” that was distributed to every DJ, promoter, and radio station he came across. It quickly got frequent radio play on stations such as Toronto’s Flow 93.5 and 89.5 CIUT, and Vancouver’s 96.1 Planet AAJ. Suddenly, people were coming out of the woodworks, eagerly asking where they could hear more. Hip hop heads worldwide were responsive, even sending fan mail thanking him for putting out what they felt “had been missing in hip hop for the last number of years.”
Later on in the year, Katchphraze relocated across the country to Vancouver Island, where he began building a solid underground fan base and began performing with the likes of fellow Canadian talent Sweatshop Union, Moka Only, and Swollen Members.
Currently, Katchphraze is working on Eye Can See Now, an LP to be released in Spring 2007. The title track, produced by Swollen Members’ Rob The Viking, is a thought-provoking eye-opener that sets the conceptual theme that is apparent throughout the album. The first single off the album is entitled, “East Hastings” in which Katchphraze flexes his story-telling skills and paints the picture of a young woman, and how she fell into the clutches of prostitution.
With his diverse subject matter and distinctive delivery, Katchphraze is hip hop’s much-needed breath of fresh air. “I write music with a purpose, and a message that people can relate to,” he explains. “I write about life in general and the things that happen in it every day to everyone no matter who you are. I am not a thug, nor am I aspiring to become one. I am me. I am not a carbon copy of what’s already out there. Instead, I am what isn’t…”
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