CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Rocco Kayiatos, the man behind the San Franciscobased hip-hop sensation Katastrophe, has described himself as just a dude who makes music. But oh, how words dont suffice: Katastrophes manic beats and wicked lyrics are anything but commonplace, and his particular journey to manhood would humble even the bravest of superheroes. The 28-year-old rapper began the transition from female to male in 2002 and has been releasing his unique brand of emo-hop albums ever since. His debut, Lets Fuck, Then Talk About My Problems, was an underground smash, endearing him to legions of rabid fans nationwide and beyond. The undeniably sexy MC with the Barry White-deep growl is set to release his third full-length album in May. Gunning to bring his music to larger and larger audiences, Katastrophe is taking hip-hop to the next level: post-gender.
Out: How does your new album, The Worst Amazing, differ from earlier work?
Katastrophe: My first CD was all about my transition. The second was about dealing with the media attention from the first album, and having people picking at my identity when Id already picked it all apart myself. This new one is predominantly about getting sober.
Is your gender status the first thing people ask about?
Yeah. I feel exhausted from having to be an educator when I just want to be an artist. In some ways its my duty, but it gets tiring when all people want to focus on is how far youve gone with surgery and hormones and what youre planning to do with your body next year.
What happened with VH1s The (White) Rapper Show?
They invited me to be on the show, but when I asked whether it would be OK if I didnt out myself as trans, they said it wasnt an option. It wouldve exposed me to 20 million viewers, but I didnt want to play myself like that. I thought I wanted big fame at any cost, but when it was gift wrapped and put in front of my face -- at a cost -- I realized I didnt want it.
Whats up next?
Ill be touring a lot with the new album. And I also just got a grant to do a multimedia show called Homemade Superhero, which is about drawing parallels between the trans experience and that of a superhero. Im excited about it.
Send a letter to the editor about this article.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
38 Male Celebs Who Did Full Frontal Scenes
November 17 2023 5:18 PM
These are all the celebrities Who came out as LGBTQ+ in 2023
December 31 2023 12:19 PM
29 LGBTQ+ celebs you can follow on OnlyFans
April 18 2024 1:00 PM
26 actors who showed bare ass in movies & TV shows
February 28 2024 1:50 PM
16 times male celebrities had to say they weren't gay
April 17 2024 11:57 AM
21 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows & where to watch them
April 03 2024 4:01 PM
15 Unforgettable Gay Kissing Scenes From TV & Movies
February 14 2024 10:20 AM
14 queens who quit or retired from drag after 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
April 04 2024 12:56 PM
40 steamy celebrity Calvin Klein ads we'll always be thirsty for
January 04 2024 10:54 AM
The 15 Best LGBTQ+ Movies of 2023
December 04 2023 10:32 AM
Watch Now: Advocate Channel
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.
Latest Stories
'Ugliest House' host Retta is here to help make make America less drab & more fab
April 22 2024 5:19 PM
Nonbinary actor Emma Corrin makes their MCU debut in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' trailer
April 22 2024 5:04 PM
This is how many followers 'Drag Race' season 16 queens gained on IG
April 22 2024 4:35 PM
Surprise delivery! Designer Simon Jacquemus & hubby are officially daddies
April 22 2024 2:35 PM
These are the queens RUMORED to be competing on 'All Stars 9'
April 22 2024 1:10 PM
April 22, 2024
April 22 2024 12:01 PM
Indulge in luxury and sensuality with The Pride Store’s Taurus gift guide
April 22 2024 11:46 AM
Stop taking pictures of gay men hooking up in bars & shaming them online
April 22 2024 11:39 AM
Why loneliness is the biggest approaching threat to our community
April 22 2024 10:42 AM