Biography

At a time when most of hip hop music consists of misogynistic lyrics, tales of glorified violence and tales of gangster life, it’s refreshing to hear an artist whose album relies on technical and creative merit rather than shock value. Now, Toronto based MC, producer and DJ (yes, he is all three!), Anonymous Twist is set to release his debut album The Crucible this Fall. Featuring guest appearances by Planet Asia, Sean Price, and Oh No, The Crucible is an astonishing debut worthy of a thorough listen.

Rapping with deliberate eloquence over the beats he bangs out on his own MPC 60, his funky-bassline-witty-poker-inspired Do Right debut single ‘Royal Flush’ has been appearing on charts & playlists from London to Brooklyn, and back home.

And, while many rappers resort to brag about how much narcotic weight they sell, the drug game helped finance Twists’ foray into the rap game. 'Twist happens to be a licensed full-time pharmacist.

Owen Chaim, aka Anonymous Twist, a name inspired by a helical sculpture outside of the University of Toronto's Medical Science building, has had a long History in Toronto’s hip hop scene. Raised in Scarborough, Owen has spent the better part of 31 years honing his skills as a DJ, MC, and Producer and perfecting his old school sound.

Owen began as a DJ, under the name Apollo, in 1989, mimicking the scratches and tricks of DJ's Cash Money, Jazzy Jeff and Scratch until he was able to develop his own routines. A gifted DJ, Apollo took 2nd place in his first DJ competition, Toronto's 1991 Metro Mix-Off, and in 1993 his Masta Ace "Go Where I Send Thee" turntable routine was featured on the wildly popular RapCity (MUCHMUSIC). Around the same time he started DJing Owen also began making his own beats on a Radio Shack keyboard sampler and writing rhymes to them. Eventually these beats, rhymes and scratches became recordings on a Fostex 4-track. Soon after, Owen left the DJ Apollo moniker behind and resurfaced as the triple threat DJ/MC/Producer Anonymous Twist (AT).

AT’s sound has continued to evolve since his early years, his beats are now polished, stuttering and percussive, pieced together nicely with fine attention to production detail, and his clear, baritone voice commands respect with its easy flow. He raps with deliberate eloquence over the beats he bangs out on his MPC 60. Taking a quick break from rapping, he might add cuts and phrases before launching into his next verse.

His incredible talent, original style and distinctly Canadian sound has caught the attention of the media. In 2005, Anonymous Twist was featured in a station ID for MuchVibe that showcased his DJ and MC skills simultaneously. Later that summer, AT was invited to perform at Style in Progress and The 416 Graffiti Expo held in Toronto. In both events, Twist left audiences in awe as he rapped over his own beats that he backspinned, scratched and juggled.

Already appearing on playlists from Croatia and London to Brooklyn and Houston, Anonymous Twist's debut solo 12” single, Royal Flush b/w Dollars, is receiving rave reviews and significant airplay worldwide.