Boston-based rapper Chase Murphy made his debut appearance on the Highstreet podcast with the energy of someone who’s been building a legacy brick by brick. Opening the episode with a fiery live performance, Murphy quickly made it clear he’s not just another aspiring emcee—he’s a self-made machine.
Murphy, who hails from Brooklyn but has made serious noise in the Boston music scene, spoke candidly about building his career without traditional industry support. From managing his own bookings to engineering his own vocals and organizing events at venues like The Middle East and Brighton Music Hall, Chase wears every hat with pride. “These days, you don’t need a manager or booking agent if you know how to move online,” he explained. “I’d rather stay independent until it’s absolutely necessary to bring in help.”
Murphy’s creative process reflects the same level of control. Having started out on GarageBand at just 11 years old, he’s now honed a meticulous recording style that includes comping vocals down to the syllable. He works closely with Frio, a producer from Iceland whom he discovered via Spotify’s algorithm—proof, he says, that global collaboration is easier than ever in the streaming era.
“I’ll spend hours on one verse,” Murphy revealed. “Not because I’m slow, but because I want to create something timeless. I’m not just throwing music out there.”
The conversation turned deeply personal when Murphy shared how losing his mother at eight years old shaped his early drive. “At first, I just wanted to prove everyone wrong,” he said. “But later, through psychedelics and reflection, I realized it’s about proving the people who believe in you right.”
He recounted one transformative psychedelic trip—likely with mushrooms—that sparked a complete mindset shift. Initially dismissive of the music his friend chose to play during the experience, Murphy said he came back from the trip with renewed appreciation and clarity. “I remember thinking I was going to listen to Michael Jackson’s ‘PYT,’ but I ended up crying listening to the same album I once hated. It reminded me I was taking everything for granted.”
That perspective stuck with him. “It made me love the grind. Even just waking up and going to a studio session felt like a gift.”
Despite his success in live shows and consistent output, Murphy admitted that being a “one-man show” has its limits. He acknowledged the need to evolve his approach to digital marketing and social media. “In 2025, it’s not enough to just make good music or sell out a room—you have to know how to build a digital brand too,” he said.
Still, his focus remains on curating meaningful experiences. His recent single “Shaison” leans into a poppier sound, while his Golden Boy merch line underscores his entrepreneurial edge.
The episode closed with a lighthearted but competitive new segment called Highly Skilled—a casual skills challenge featuring basketball shots, cornhole, and pool. Chase, being the inaugural guest, now holds the unofficial leaderboard record, setting the standard for future podcast guests.
