DJ's NEWS

Big Philly aka Phillysophical

Published by MVExpose on January 17, 2009

Words by Michele Wong, Toronto Writer

This past weekend, I was feeding my need for my form of heroine: facebook and blogs, when I came across a Toronto-based blog, The Rap Project where it discussed a CNN program called NOW, hosted by Paula Zahn. NOW aired a special “investigation” on February 21st, debating whether hip-hop was an art or a poison. Two days later, Zahn intensified my anger by accusing hip-hop for fuelling gay-bashing. Watching the clips and reading the transcripts, I was outraged. I felt like I was watching an amateur documentary that was only presenting one side of a story. But this is CNN here, not Michael Moore. This was a direct form of discrimination against a lifestyle and culture, and like any other, it can equally affect the lives of millions in every region, of every class and of every background worldwide, negatively or positively. I do not even know where to begin with my rebuttal or if I should even bother.

Why is hip-hop always targeted? How come the white, upper-class American mainstream media never target the Lindsay Lohan’s of today for raping their young daughters of their innocence or the encouraged suicides from the emo-culture or the Rock N Roll scene of the 1980s (or ever) where they had bands like Mötley Crüe and Black Sabbath (god bless their cheesy music) who probably fucked more groupies and encouraged more drugs-use than any rap star? They my as well just target youth culture as a whole and ban the adolescent experience. I witness optimism in the hip-hop culture everyday. This optimism is what society needs to showcase and focus on and not the gangbusting bling-bling image we see on MTV.

I really don’t know what else to say except thank god I’m Canadian and thank god for CBC.

MVexposé: Big Philly aka Phillysophical

SOLE PURPOSE. When I first heard of the company, I couldn’t get over how clever the name was. Founded in 2004, by Big Philly also known as Phillysophical, Sole Purpose provides many services including apparel, music, graphic design, and artist management.

“I started Sole Purpose as a way to get my ideas out to the world. Whether it was lyrics, thoughts, imagery or just some good ol’ swag. I felt like (and still feel) what I have to offer is better than the average and that people would embrace or at least respect my point of view and beliefs. As a company, my goal is just to produce professional product without sacrificing integrity or style. I hope to attract people on the strength of quality product, not hype, limited quantities or trends”

In 2006, Big Philly helped released DJ Royale’s first two mixtapes ‘Crash the Party’ and ‘Crash the Party II.’ Soon following, he released a new line of Sole Purpose tees, entitled ‘Skyline.’

“I chose the Toronto skyline as my first shirt because I feel like it represents myself and the brand quite accurately. To me, the city I live in is more than just a place to rest my head; it’s where I was born and where I hope to raise a family one day. The skyline is recognized worldwide and I feel it’s classy, timeless and very versatile.”

When Phil is not busy with Sole Purpose, he writes editorials and reviews for various sources. You can also catch him every weekend emceeing SPANKdelicious Saturdays at the Down One Lounge (49 Front St, Toronto) with DJ BacknForth, SweetnLo and Royale spinning soulful house, hip-hop and r&b.

Big Philly has big plans for 2007, with a new line of tees set to be released. So stay updated on http://www.myspace.com/solepurpose.