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ASPIRATION as?pi?ra?tion /?æsp?'re???n/ [as-puh-rey-shuhn] –noun
1. strong desire, longing, or aim; ambition.
It is what truly drives an individual to be successful, a reason to wake up in the morning, the determining factor between an average life and undeniable success.
From an early age, Philip (Big Philly aka Phillysophical) had a desire to be the best. Whether it was academics, athletics or more personal endeavours, there was something inside that would not allow him to settle for second rate.
Growing up an only child, he kept to himself and was deemed "quiet", but as he grew older he found that he needed to be more vocal to get his point(s) across. From his early years in grade school, he began gaining recognition for his writing and creative expression of ideas, which only motivated him to write more. Coupled with his love of music (Specifically Hip Hop), the transition to lyricist/writer came naturally and with little to no personal objections. At the age of 13, he wrote his first rhyme and soon found himself constantly ignoring in-class lessons while penning lyrics in his notepad. Motivated by his peers, he continued writing and exchanging rhymes with fellow writers from his school, hoping to develop his skills to rival those of the rappers he looked up to.
During his last few years in High School, he became insistant on reading lyrics from CD inserts, online message boards and anywhere else he could find them. By reading the lyrics of his favourite rappers, he began recognizing the importance of structure and gained a new appreciation for wordplay. "Studying" lyrics from such MCs as Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Wu Tang Clan, Notorious B.I.G. he often struggled to live up to (what where at the time) unrealistic expectations of himself. Nonetheless, he continued to work hard to hone his skills and improve on all aspects of his writing and rapping. He would record verses at home studios, on the computer with various music programs and even over the phone for pager greetings.
In 2003, he was fortunate enough to land 2 spots on his best friend's (and Sole Purpose DJ, Royale) now cult classic mix CD, "Dugout 2". "Two 10s" (w/ Bozack Morris of Black Rap) was a collaborative effort that received an overall good respsonse and officially introduced Phillysophical to the world. However, it was the critically acclaimed "Stripes Plus Phil" dubplate that really made listeners take notice of this hungry and determined MC.
Enter: 2004. Gaining inspiration from already established business moguls Sean "Diddy" Combs and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Philip knew that in order to gain adequate exposure and attention from potential fans, he would have to brand himself. Early that year, he started his company, Sole Purpose, which at the time was primarily used to build/brand his music related endeavours. Realizing that the modern business world has allowed MCs to do more than Rap, he also started a clothing division of Sole Purpose.
The next 2 years saw Philly gain a lot of good exposure for Sole Purpose, with music and clothing. His underground buzz track "Boom Bap" & the "Write Rhyme" dubplate both received spins from 105.5fm and 89.5fm respectively, two of Toronto's biggest College radio stations. Also, 2006 saw the official release of the Sole Purpose clothing line, the "Skyline" t-shirt was released and received immediate praise from local customers in Toronto to NY and LA.
With no intentions to settle for anything less than the top, Big Philly continues to write and design his clothing with the same intensity and hunger as when he started years before.
Gaining experience and knowledge with every project, rhyme and design, Philly knows there is no limit to what he can accomplish and is working hard to leave his imprint on the world.
RADIO APPEARANCES
- Project Bounce 89.5FM
- Backroad Radio 105.5FM
- Sound Junction 105.5FM
DISCOGRAPHY
Title: Fourth Chamber: The Basement
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Intro By: Phillysophical
Release Date: 2001
Title: The Get Right
Mixed By: DJ Royale & DXL
Cover Art: Phillysophical
Release Date: 2003
Title: Dugout 2
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Track(s): "Two 10s" (Bozack Morris feat. Phillysophical) & "Stripes Plus Phil" dubplate
Release Date: 2003
Title: "Bedrock" Mix CD
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Hosted By: Phillysophical
Release Date: 2004
Title: Dugout 3: The 3Peat
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Track(s): "Philly Declares War" Phillysophical
Release Date: 2004
Title: Crash The Party Pt. 1
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Label: Sole Purpose
Release Date: 2006
Title: Crash The Party Pt. 2
Mixed By: DJ Royale
Label: Sole Purpose
Release Date: 2006
Title: "416 Classicks"
Mixed By: DJ Shortcut
Track: "Philly dubplate"
Release Date: 2007
RESIDENCY
2006 - Present
"SPANKDELICIOUS SATURDAYS"
(Royale, SweetnLo, BacknForth & Big Philly)
Down One Lounge
49 Front St. E
Toronto, ON
www.myspace.com/spankdelicious