Supaman (born Christian Parrish Takes The Gun)
Native-American, Crow Nation (Apsáalooke)
Hip-Hop Artist + Pow Wow Dancer
Instagram: @billyills
Soundcloud: supaman
Hailing from the Native-American Crow Nation, Supaman was born in Seattle, Washington to humble beginnings. During his childhood, he entered foster care as a result of parents who struggled with alcoholism. These years would prove difficult, and made him easily influenced by the parts of hip-hop that he now denounces, such as stealing, selling drugs and infidelity. This would all come to an end through the positives of hip-hop that came after he embraced his religious side – allowing him to make the decision to leave his Seattle-based label and return to the reservation, with a goal of empowering his community.
Supaman began his hip-hop journey when he heard the Native American rapper ‘Litefoot’ on the radio in the late ‘90s. Supaman was so inspired, that he went to buy his first turntable in 1997. And after countless hours of practicing and mastering his craft, he sent a demo to Litefoot, which was well received and led the two to begin touring together 1999! 20 years later, Supaman has released five solo albums: Honest God (2007), Crow Hop (2008), Deadly Penz (2009), gorilla (2013) and Illuminatives (2016). His career highlights include winning a Native American Music Award in 2005 (for Outstanding Hip-Hop Album) under the Native American hip-hop group he founded – ‘Rezawrecktion’, receiving the Aboriginal Peoples Music Choice Award, and being named MTV Artist of the Week in March (2014).
Although Supaman’s life has been filled with highs and low, it has undeniably made him who he is today – resilient and determined to merge his love of hip-hop and spirituality. You can find him performing around the world and touring schools with the hope of educating people about Native American history and culture through music.
Interesting fact: Supaman’s song, titled ‘Why,’ was inspired by Jadakiss’ 2004 song of the same title. Both artists question their hardships in life – Jadakiss pulls from the ghetto, while Supaman pulls from the reservation. Watch ‘Why,’ featuring world champion jingle dancer Acosia Red Elk.
Sources: Explore Big Sky and MIC