Emerging rap veteran Chris Conde talks new music, shows, and body positivity
Chris Conde, the rap veteran on the rise to stardom, chats with us about new song collaborations, upcoming shows, and handling online hate as a chubby queer icon. Check it out below!
Chris Conde is no stranger to being half naked on stage and spitting some of the most queer-centric fire rap bars you’ve ever heard.
Whether it involves infusing his real world experiences as a queer sexual deviant on his latest tracks or discussing hard topics surrounding addiction and recovery on his previous albums, Chris takes the core ethos of hip-hop to heart by rapping about what’s real to him.
Authenticity radiates like a shining aura around his music. His lyricism acts as a window into his life that he’s fully opened with no qualms and nothing to hide, exposing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
His impeccable flows, unforgettable cadences, and clever word play are merely pieces of his arsenal, but his vocal delivery is the driving force slamming the mallet.
His hard work ethic is evident and continues to shape his career. With about 20 years in the game as a musician, he’s earned his flowers brick by brick.
His success as a star is inevitable, and his accomplishments thus far as a musician speaks to that.
We’ve previously covered him quite a few times, so if you don’t know him by now, you can check out our previous interviews by clicking here, or you can get your first introduction on this page.
It was my privilege and honor to interview him about his upcoming collaborations with Yvie Oddly and Big Dipper, his live performances approaching soon, and managing online hate as an openly queer and chubby rapper. Check it out below!
Bryce Quartz: Hey there, Chris! Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. You’re quite a busy entertainer! How have you been doing lately?
Chris Conde: I’m doing okay, but I tore my meniscus in both my knees over pride season in June, so I’ve been healing from that slowly. It’s been annoying and had me a little down, but I feel like I’m doing a lot better and am luckily still able to perform. Just gotta be more careful!
Bryce: I’m so sorry that happened, that really sucks, but I’m so glad you’re doing better! We need you on stage, so take it slow and heal up.
Let’s jump into the good stuff now. For those that don’t know you yet, can you share a little bit about who you are, how long you’ve been making music, and what people can expect listening to you for the first time?
Chris: My name is Chris Conde, and I make subversive queer rap music, often tackling themes such as fellatio and intercourse.
Bryce: Yes, yes, yes. A gentleman’s answer.
Chris: I’ve been rapping for like 20 years, and I’ve been doing it professionally as a touring rapper and putting out records for more than 10 years.
Bryce: I think 20 years is quite an impressive career, and you’ve had a lot of highlights in that time too.
I want to give you your flowers, because everyone should know that your lyricism and flow is insanely good. I’ve told you this on and off camera many times, but as a rapper myself, you truly inspire me and I truly look up to you.
Chris: Thank you.
Bryce: I think you’re one of the best out there in the queer rap scene, on some Top 3, Kendrick Lamar type shit.
Chris: (laughs) Thank you. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Bryce: Of course! I was wondering if you could share with us what your songwriting process looks like as well as what an average studio session for you is like once you’re done writing a track?
Chris: So a lot of the time, I’ll get a beat, and then I’ll just get in my car, listen to it, and I’ll kind of hear the cadences, the flow, and just sort of freestyle over it with words and a bit of gibberish to feel it out.
With that, I can kind of build something around whatever flow feels natural. so then I’ll go home, sit on my computer, hit replay on the instrumental, and start typing out my lyrics.
A verse usually takes me anywhere between an hour to an afternoon, but lately, I’ve been writing pretty quickly.
Then, I hit the studio and work through it on a mic with my engineer who happens to be a straight dude that’s also a rapper. He’s been my engineer since I moved to NYC, his name is ECID, and he’s a legendary underground rapper from Minnesota who’s also been putting out records for about 20 years.
It’s hilarious recording with him. When I was recording “C.O.M.B.” [Cum On My Beard], he will just laugh at me and with me very respectfully. But it’s hip-hop, and this is my truth, so he just gets it, you know?
Bryce: I totally get it, it sounds like my engineer! Very professionally asking you “how does cum sound here?”
Chris: Exactly! He’ll go “what are you saying here?” in a way that’s helpful, because he knows hip hop. It’s really helpful to have another rapper recording me and bounce word play, flows, and cadences back and forth to make sure everything sounds tight.
I mean, you know this, but some in my audience might not, but I’m a very technical rapper. So sometimes, I’ll just put too many words in a verse or a bar, and I’ll be tripping over that shit when I record.
I think the trick to chopping, AKA, rapping fast, is you have to make sure the syllables are coming out from a different part of your mouth.
For instance, you can’t do a word that ends with a “P” into a word that starts with a “B” back-to-back comfortably.
You could, but it won’t be easy to spit. You have to kind of go back and forth and pay attention to where the sounds are coming out of your mouth. If they’re coming from the same place too much, it’s gonna trip you up. So when I’m writing lyrics, I’m not really thinking of that necessarily.
Bryce: Yeah, sometimes it’s just that one syllable you gotta take out or figure out a different word, and that changes everything and makes it easier to come out of your mouth.
Chris: Yep.
Bryce: I think that’s one of the most fun parts about rapping. You write it in your head, you might say it out loud a few times, but when you get in the studio, you start performing it, and it can be a little different. That’s some good behind-the-scenes information to share with everyone who may not know already.
I want to talk a little bit about your career thus far and some of the highlights. Many may already know you from when you went mega-viral back in 2024 on Twitter when a video of you performing one of your songs got passed around the conservative crowd.
Honestly, I thought you were gonna end up on Fox News with the way conservatives were attacking you, which kind of would have been sick if I’m being honest!
You received a lot of hate and criticism from that though, so can you tell us about that experience looking back?
Chris: Yeah, I’ve actually been on Fox before.
Bryce: Oh shit, wait- tell me about that!
Chris: It was actually in Austin, Texas, and it was, like, it was on a local Fox channel, which is very different than Fox News, you know?
I got to perform one of my songs acoustically while walking down the street in Austin.
Bryce: Hell yeah, that’s awesome!
Chris: As for the video back in 2024 receiving lots of hate… I’ve been getting hate comments since the get-go, but this was different. It was super wild to see this video of me performing my track called Good Boys Say Yes Sir at a Pride festival in Austria when I was on tour in Europe getting passed around like that.
I’m rapping in my leather jockstrap, my harness, and, like, my normal get-up, and I think I just represented everything that conservatives feel is wrong with America. I’m fat, I’m naked, and I’m rapping about being gay, so that’s just super offensive to them I guess.
At first, it didn’t really bother me, because I was just like, any press is good press, right?
It was hard to see it all to be honest, and I don’t think our brains are supposed to really process that amount of information, especially hate.
When someone’s commenting on your body negatively, especially in droves like that, it’s a lot, but at the same time, I was getting so much love.
Even Azalea Banks reposted my stuff and Joe Rogan was talking about me on his podcast. Looking back, I was like “why is it the problematic faves talking about me?”
Bryce: Wow, that’s wild!
Chris: I didn’t see it as controversial, but I guess I am controversial to conservatives.
At first it was really exciting, and then I got death threats, and it was just like, “okay, man…”
I think I ended up handling it all quite well though, but I did put a lot of pressure on myself to grind and hustle and strike while the iron was hot. I think it paid off too.
I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself famous either though, like, at all, but I’m so grateful to be somewhat known. ZEE MACHINE and Bentley Robles make posts about being a “queer, niche, micro-celebrity” sometimes and I’m just like, I feel like that.
I feel like I’m known to bears at least, and that particular summer of 2024, I could walk into any bear event and a lot of people knew who I was. That was really fun and super cool.
Today, I’m just super grateful to be getting booked and paid as an artist.
Bryce: Do you have any advice for handling hateful comments online?
Chris: I think the best thing to do is not to respond. Just don’t respond to anything hateful online at all, because it makes you look like you have time to respond, you know?
It makes you look too busy for it all, and you don’t want people to think you even have time for them.
I also honestly don’t have the time to respond anyways, and even if I do, what’s it gonna do for me? Nothing productive, really.
people are always gonna be upset that I’m fat, queer, and putting myself out there.
Bryce: You’re exactly right, and I need to follow your advice more too. You’ve told me this before and I’ve gotten better at handling it this year so far, but it’s hard sometimes cause I kind of like rage baiting people back! [laughs]
At the end of the day, though, it does show that when you don’t respond, you’re just not giving them what they want. I have to stop myself from feeding the beast sometimes.
Alright, let me move on to the next question. Outside of that viral moment, I wanted to know if you could list some of your favorite highlights in your music career thus far?
Chris: I think opening for Big Freedia, touring Europe, headlining Folsom East, and performing with Christeene. are some of my all time favorite moments over the years.
Bryce: Hell yes. Those are some pretty amazing highlights, like, holy shit. You should definitely be proud of those moments.
So I know you got connected to Yvie Oddly through that viral moment on Twitter, and you told me y’all have been working on a new EP together. You’re both amazing artists, and also, she really is truly one of the kindest people around. She’s extremely creative just like you, making y’all a perfect match.
I was wondering if you could share any details or sneak peeks about what we can expect from the sexy Freaky Deaky duo?
Chris: Yeah, so as a duo, we’re called Freaky Deaky. The name kind of came out of a lyric from the first song we ever did, which was No Longer Human from my last record, Eros and Exodus.
My lyric goes:
Yeah me and Yvie, we freaky-deaky
We creep for peepees on your block, cause we be sucking cocks
Till they get leaky, uh-huh
So when we were coming up with a name for the group, I was like, “let’s call us Freaky Deaky!”
And she loved it. From then on, it’s felt like it was meant to be.
As far as the EP, I had this idea to rap over hard techno. I really haven’t heard a lot of rappers rapping over 150 BPM hard techno, but I figured we could totally do it.
So we have about 5-6 songs that we’re finishing up, and our first single is in the process of being ready to release with a music video, hopefully by the end of the year.
Bryce: That’s so exciting, and I’d like to mention, you’ve shared a snippet or two on social media already, and it’s pretty good!
Chris: Thank you. Yeah, we’re excited, man. Yvie is such a sick rapper, and I think she’s just one of the most amazing artists I’ve ever met.
I was a huge fan of hers even before I met her, so I was really amazed to see her reach out to me and want to collaborate. She’s also my neighbor in Bushwick, so that makes working together really easy too.
To be honest, my boyfriend broke up with me shortly after that super-duper viral moment in 2024. It was really lonely getting a lot of attention on my career without having my person by my side, and Yvie was a really good friend in that moment because I could talk to her and she could understand where I was coming from with having a lot of attention on your career in a moment.
Our friendship is multifaceted, you know? Friends, lovers… fuck buddies, neighbors… Fierce Scrabble competitors now.
Bryce: That’s hot, I’ve seen the videos! I think she’s just seriously so kind and so nice, and I think that y’all are a great duo together, truly. I’m really excited for your EP together and everyone else should be too.
I want to mention that Yvie isn’t the only artist that you’ve been working with lately, because you’re a busy bear!
You told me you’re working on a song with Big Dipper, which everyone knows Dipper in the bear community, so can you tell us about how you got connected with him, and what we can expect from the song with you two?
Chris: Yes. The song is called Fat Boys Fuck Good. So Dipper reached out to me a couple years ago after I put out C.O.M.B. and congratulated me on the music video. He was one of the first gay rappers on who’s well known to reach out to me ever and I was so grateful for that.
So we’ve been in touch ever since, and sometimes when I’d put out a video on social media, Instagram’s AI summaries would say “New Big Dipper music video.”
I’d screenshot it and send it to him, and we both find it hilarious!
Eventually, I told him that we should actually work on a track together sometime, and he got back to me pretty quickly with “the perfect track” to have me on. So he sent me the track, and it’s literally called Fat Boys Fuck Good, and I was like… This was made for me. Like…
I don’t know who else it would be for, you know?
Bryce: And you do fuck good, so…
Chris: You know, listen, pink nails emoji. [laughs]
So I wrote it my verse for the track that afternoon after he sent it, and it’s super fun and silly. It’s very me and it’s very Dipper. He self-describes his own music as party rap, and I’ve been making a lot of the same thing lately too. Queer party rap.
So I don’t know when it’s coming out, but I’m gonna be out in LA next month, and I think we’re gonna shoot a visual for it. Hopefully it comes out sooner than later, so be on the lookout.
Bryce: Are there any other artists you’re working with that you can share with us here? I want the details. I want the scoop. Give me the scoop!
Chris: Well, I’m currently working on a metal project that’s very atmospheric black metal and somewhat symphonic. I’ve loved metal my entire life, I grew up with it.
I found this drummer on Instagram posting videos of him playing drums, so I messaged him and commissioned him to write some stuff for me.
He’s sent me about five tracks and I just finished the second one. I’ve been writing them very quickly, so I’m gonna go into the studio to finish them all soon.
It’s just, like, an opportunity to let myself be the dramatic and metal witch in the woods kind of person, you know?
The rap thing is doing its thing. There’s so much momentum and so many opportunities, and I’m so grateful. But I’m really excited to work on art that’s not being monetized right now.
Bryce: I love it and I’m excited to hear it. I want to hear it when it comes out. I’ll be looking out for it!
I think that your stage presence is immaculate. I’ve seen you perform several times, and I’m literally blown away every single time. Like, your breath control is unmatchable. Every single time I’ve seen you perform, my mouth opens wide in lots of different ways and feelings.
For those that haven’t seen you perform live, can you share with us what one might expect to see if they go to see one of your shows?
Chris: I grew up in punk rock and metal, so I have that kind of bravado. I’m in your face, I’m off the stage, I’m in the crowd, and it’s confrontational. But it’s also an invitational vibe at my shows because it’s like I’m inviting everyone into this moment.
So I want to say it’s very interactive. I want you to be a part of the experience with me.
Live shows are like an act of bloodletting, like, we’re all in this ritual together when you could be anywhere and instead, you chose to be there with me in that moment, so I’m gonna give you all of me.
I think it’s visceral, I think it’s heavy, and I think that people leave changed from seeing my live shows.
Bryce: Yes, I agree, and I can attest that too. You have so many different topics you’ve covered over the years in your music lyrically that you’re able to project all of these different emotions into one set, and I think that is so beautiful.
Speaking of performing live, you got a lot of shows coming up that I’m excited to talk about. You’re headlining OC Pride, you’re playing Urban Bear Street Fair, and you have an upcoming European tour planned.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the upcoming shows you have, and what it’s like touring in Europe?
Chris: I’m playing Orange County Pride with Charo and Mama Duke. I’m just super excited, man. I love LA. I love the LA area. I always have a good time out there.
My brother lives out there, so I’ve got family, I’ve got friends like Tom Goss and ZEE MACHINE, so there’s a lot for me there. I know it very well and I’m stoked to perform out there.
I’m playing Urban Bear Street Fair, which will be the second time me doing that. I love it, it’s like a cross-section where the bears of the city all converge into the street. It’s always a good time.
Also, I love an afternoon event. Like, listen, promoters who might be reading this, I will do your 2AM slot. I will do your 1AM two-song slot. But give me 30 minutes on a 4 o’clock in the afternoon event… Honey, that’s the where I’m most energized. That’s where I want to be. Give me poolside pool party moments, for real!
Bryce: Yes, yes, yes, I feel that [laughs]
Chris: I don’t want to be getting home at like, 5 AM. There’s nothing for me. I like to have sex in the morning. I like to be in bed and full of pizza by around midnight. You know?
Bryce: That’s the vibe.
Chris: I’ll be in Europe sometime in early wintertime. The dates are to be announced, so stay tuned!
Bryce: Beyond the music, you’re also an active leader in the kink, fetish, leather, and nightlife community here in New York City. You co-produce a members-only queer kink and play party named Vanguard NYC with the amazing Leatherman Chipper. How’d you meet Chipper, and where did the idea come from to create this party together?
Chris: Me and Chipper know each other from sober circles, and so finding another sober kinkster was really cool. We just connected instantly and now he’s one of my besties.
We had this idea for a long time, and so eventually we executed it after talking through our shared ideals of inclusivity at play parties.
We don’t think that letting whatever body you’re in should keep you from experiencing the pleasure that you deserve, you know?
We want people from all demographics and all body types to be able to drop into a really awesome scene, and this party allows people to do that and facilitates opportunities for that.
Bryce: Is it underneath that supermarket in Brooklyn?
Chris: Yes, it is. [laughs]
Bryce: I knew it was, I just wanted to throw that in there. I love that place! If you know, you know.
OK, we’re going to do a quick fire round. These are my favorite questions to ask everybody.
Favorite foods or restaurants?
Chris: I love Korean food. It’s the best food in the world. My favorite restaurant in general is Yellow Rose in the East Village, and they opened up a cantina version of it in Bushwick. Best Mexican restaurant in New York City, hands down.
Bryce: Favorite travel destinations?
Chris: Germany, Berlin specifically. San Francisco/ the Bay Area. I love to visit there.
Bryce: Favorite lyric you’ve ever written off the top of your head?
Chris: It’s at the end of my song Notorious F.A.G.
What’s it like to suck? what’s it like to lose to a dude who likes to fuck other dudes right up in the butt? Don’t try no stuff cuz I hang with a gang of pups who like it rough. ruff.
Bryce: Fire. That’s a great lyric! favorite musicians or songs currently?
Chris: God, I love Chelsea Wolf. I’ve been listening to her a lot lately. Chelsea Wolf, Emma Ruth Rundle, Nine Inch Nails, and Aphex Twin. They’re always my go-tos.
Bryce: Iconic. Okay, last question. Favorite hobbies or pastimes outside of music?
Chris: Masturbating. [laughs]
Bryce: Relatable [laughs]
Last question. Is there anything you’d like to leave our readers with today?
Chris: Yeah, I mean, I just appreciate all the support over the years. I’m super grateful to be a working artist and to be a part of the community and to also be celebrated in the bear community. I’m just really grateful and honored to be a member and to feel like I can just be myself and be celebrated here.
Be sure to give Chris a follow on social media to keep up with what he’s doing next, and don’t forget to show him some love on all platforms!
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