Behind the BARS- Chase vents fire after FREEDOM.

Powerful and principled. A man of many battles behind…but more VICTORIES ahead. A “firecracker” personality, and a wordsmith skillset to match. This is the story of Anonymous Chase. His presence in the room is giving “thoroughbred storyteller”…and I’m honored to catch the scoop.

Dia Akil “Anonymous Chase” Williams, knows all too well what it means to be a “rose from the concrete”. “I did some time in federal prison.”, shares the north St. Louis native. “In 2013, my mother surprised me on a visit. The surprise was that…her cancer came back.”, he adds. “That was a vulnerable spot to be in. When I got back to the compound…I went straight to the studio and started venting.”

Williams says his “venting on record” was therapeutic. “One day, one of my Muslim brothers was in the studio making beats, so I started writing. When I rapped it, he said he had chills going down his arm.” At that point, Chase knew he found his gift. “My brothers rapped when we were growing up, but at the time that wasn’t something that I was into. I was in the streets”, he says. “So that’s where it started. In prison, those are the worst critics. They’re gonna tell you if it’s hot or it’s not.” That scrutinized criticism gave Chase the solid validation he needed. In 2016, he was released from prison, with a newfound passion for freedom and his craft.

The rapper credits his musical inspirations to rap legends such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Scarface, Lil Wayne, Mozzy, and B.G. “I’m an 80’s baby.”, he smiles. However, the award for his biggest inspiration goes to none other…than his father. “My father was my biggest inspiration. Then I also have to give it to my uncles and cousins. All of them are solidified men. Rest in peace to my uncle Black.”, say Chase. “My mom is from Chicago, and my dad is from Little Rock. I got a lot of real gangsta, stand up men that I look up to, but I ain’t never wanted to be like nobody but Bruce Williams, that’s my father.”

Anonymous Chase describes his style as “principled”. “I go by a street code of ethics. Nobody can box me in. You can never catch me bending over touching my toes for fame. Not selling out.”, he confirms. “You can describe me as a “domesticated trap n***a. I’m that voice for the streets.” In June 2022, Anonymous Chase released his first single, “Get Back” featuring Big Akh on streaming platforms. He also released a mic drop performance, “A Letter to the Lou” on YouTube in August 2022. His latest single, “Can’t Sleep” was released in January 2024.

Currently, Chase is rapidly growing an organic and solid fanbase, performing locally, and releasing new music. “My father taught me to never put your full plans out into the world, but I will say that 5 years from now, we’ll be talking, and you’ll see where we at. You’re my first interview and I’ll never forget this.” On that note, I’m excited to see where this phenomenal artist will land…hopefully close enough to reach.

“Whoever you are, let that be who you are TRUE to.” -Anonymous Chase

IG: @anonymouschase_