JUNK has never really had the luxury of doing things the easy way. Coming up through Vancouver’s underground scene, his foundation was built in cyphers, open mics, and battle circuits where there’s nowhere to hide and no shortcuts to respect. That environment shaped everything that followed. It gave him the kind of technical sharpness and resilience that carries through his music today, whether he’s in the booth or on stage.
Over time, that grind turned into something bigger. From representing Canada at international battle competitions to building out Household Records alongside his collaborators, JUNK has carved out a lane that sits firmly in the independent space while still reaching well beyond it. Touring with names like Method Man and Redman, performing across Europe, and consistently releasing projects that chart and travel have only added to that reputation. The work has always been there, and so has the pace.
That momentum continues with Horrible Pleasures, his latest release and the driving force behind his current cross-country run. The Horrible Pleasures Tour kicked off earlier this month and continues through cities like Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver, bringing that same energy to stages across the country.
JUNK (Photo: Carly Hughes Horvath)
What stands out about JUNK at this point in his career is his consistency, and how little has been compromised. His subject matter has evolved, the perspective has sharpened, but the core approach remains the same. It is still rooted in honesty, competitiveness, and a clear sense of self.
In this conversation with HipHopCanada West Coast rep Capital Wave, JUNK reflects on that journey. He speaks on the origins of his name, his transition from battle rap to recording artist, and the realities of building a career independently. He also opens up about touring, creative discipline, and what is still ahead as he continues to expand his sound and reach.
JUNK is releasing his seven-track Horrible Pleasures EP with producer I.R.Evan tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2026 via his own Household Records.
JUNK Interview
HipHopCanada: How did you come up with your alias?
JUNK: My original name was Junkie Juggler. I loved alliterations. However, it was given to me by the first two people I ever rapped with, Depth and Payne. I was a fiend of doing everything and I juggled all these addictions.
So they called me the Junkie Juggler. Then naturally it was JUNK for short. It always stuck. Although it has taken on a completely new meaning throughout the years. Now it has become an acronym for “Just Understand Nobody Knows.”
HipHopCanada: Coming from European roots, a German and Italian background, and then relocating to Canada at an early age, how do you think this has inspired you musically?
J: I think it has opened up my brain to exploring different ways of saying things and certain words I use and maybe even phrases in sentences. Speaking three languages fluently has definitely affected my ability to write in a positive way. Definitely always been thankful for that. It also opened me up to a bunch of different musical history and different parts of the world from different cultures.
HipHopCanada: Your no stranger to the battle scene, from YouTube battles in a park, to world finals in Paris, how has this molded you as an artist? And what do you think of the direction battle rap has taken today?
J: It’s given me a thick skin, which you need in the music industry. If you can take insults about your mother, family, how you look and anything else of that nature, you can pretty much take any of the bullshit in the industry. On top of that, it makes you technically strong and it gives you the credibility if you start winning. Which I fortunately did. Battle rap is on a next level right now. Some of them are absolutely insane. Solo is my fav right now. Shout out to everybody that is a menace out there crushing their opponents.
HipHopCanada: As an artist you have experienced both being signed to a label and the independent route. If you could give any advice to upcoming artists following the steps behind you what would that be?
J: The label I was signed to was independent as well. I’ve never been signed to a major. I’ve been offered various deals with various independent labels, but never a major. Being from Vancouver forced to me to be put into a position of learning how to do everything yourself and wearing many hats. Vancity is very DIY. You gotta be your own artist, booking agent, manager, publicist, marketer, promoter, sound tech, DJ, graphic designer. The positive side of that is it teaches you how all the positions need to be done correctly.
JUNK (Photo: Carly Hughes Horvath)
HipHopCanada: We have seen you evolve from battle rapper to recording artist from your first album, I Am No One (2016), to your latest release, Horrible Pleasures (2026). What is one thing you kept consistent throughout your projects?
J: Just being true to myself. 15 years ago, I was rapping about dumb shit that I wouldn’t rap about today like doing drugs and partying and being wild. I don’t do that anymore, however, it was true to who I was at that moment. Integrity and being truthful and being vulnerable have always been three key elements of my writing and artistry. Plus, the fact of just being competitive and wanting to take your head off. Bar up.
HipHopCanada: You have had many opportunities throughout the years to open and work directly with the some big names in the industry. What moments if not a few stick out the most?
J: Touring with Method Man and Redman across Canada was insane. And having Redman call me over after a show in Montreal at the Olympic Theatre, and tell me that my set was insane was one of the highlights of my career. I’m not one for gloating, but when one of the top five lyricists in hip-hop tells you this, it definitely means you’re on the right track. Getting some kind of acknowledgement from an OG legend like that is definitely reassurance that whatever I’m doing isn’t for nothing. Another one is Havoc of Mobb Deep telling me that I earned my place to be on their European tour last year in February in a hotel lobby in Helsinki Finland. That whole squad was giving me love the entire tour. I didn’t have a DJ because I couldn’t afford one to come to Europe with me so DJ LES, the legendary producer, decided to hop on stage and do cuts for me on the love. Special moments for sure. I could list many more, but those two are solid.
HipHopCanada: Right now, you are in the middle of touring Canada once again coast-to-coast in promotion for your new album, Horrible Pleasures. What have been some of your favourite stops so far? Also, you have Di$tinct alongside you as direct tour support. How has this tour been different from previous ones in the past?
J: My favourite stops so far have been Nelson, British Columbia, Victoria, Calgary, and Red Deer. But I got another 11 shows to do. So I can only go till then [Laughing]. This tour really isn’t any different than from my other tours. Independent rap life in Canada is very hard. Literally hills and mountains to climb. There are always hiccups every single night but it’s about how you adapt and get through the shit. There’s one thing to say though, once I hit the stage all of the problems go away and the people are happy. And that’s the place I want to be in. Shaking hands, making fans.
HipHopCanada: Apart from music, what’s another passion your into?
J: Reading books, travelling and laying on the couch and doing absolutely nothing and rotting. Scrolling TikTok like a bitch. My algo is cooked.
HipHopCanada: HOUSEHOLD has slowly become an underground fashion mark in Vancouver streetwear. How did this idea start? Where would you like to see this brand elevate to next?
J: The idea for HOUSEHOLD as a collective has been around since 2011. The ideology was just to be a crew of creatives working together and using each other’s resources and pushing each other. That philosophy has turned into a brand and now we’ve taken it serious and incorporated the business, the household brand. The philosophy is in behind the gear and the lifestyle. You can go to thehouseholdbrand.com and check out the collections. What I wanna see next is hanging in some key streetwear stores across the country. But we already working on that. So stay tuned.
HipHopCanada: Vancouver has had such an amazing growth in the hip-hop scene over the years. What places, studios or nights? Would you recommend to anyone new to the city looking to tap in with the culture.
J: Obviously Fortune Sound Club has been pivotal in the scene for many people. Including myself getting to open for so many incredible and famous acts. That place was a breeding ground for underground developing artists trying to find a platform. Shout out to the whole team there. They also host the Icon Hip-Hop Cyphers in the smaller room and in the bigger room now and they’re still single-handedly contributing to the culture of hip-hop and Vancouver. Speaking of Icon Hip-Hop, anywhere that they’re performing or doing an event is where y’all need to be. The real pulse of hip-hop in Vancouver in my opinion. If you haven’t heard of them, you will make sure you check them out. As for studios, I’ve been working with Jamie Kuse for almost 15 years now and I’m not changing it up. Shout out to Nova Studios. I’m a creature of habit. I don’t really change up much. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken.
HipHopCanada: Any new local artists or producers you recommend people need to know of?
J: Local artists to Vancouver I would say once again, check out the Icon Hip-Hop team. Incredible spitters, and fully dedicated hip-hop enthusiasts in that whole crew. For producers, I.R.Evan, who just so happens to be the producer that did the whole Horrible Pleasures album with me. Sitting in a studio with him is a chemistry I can’t really replicate anywhere else. The guy will make anything on the spot pretty much play any instrument and if he can’t play that instrument, he’ll find the perfect session players to come in and lace exactly what he needs. Meanwhile, I’m just writing my lyrics on the spot. Definitely an incredible artist on all fronts that you should check out. That’s my dawg.
HipHopCanada: Being on tour in multiple continents you have met a lot of different musicians throughout your career what is their take on our scene in Canada? Also whats the best way to approach new producers or artists you’re personally trying to work with?
J: Everywhere I go, the Canadian art brand is always solid. Everyone always asks me about artists back in Canada wherever I am and they’re actually quite informed on a lot of them. So we good in the hood. The best way for me personally to approach producers and artists that I wanna work with is have them come to my show and see me tear it down. Having the ability to tear down a live venue always leaves a good impression for anybody watching. So, get your bars and your stage presence up kids [Laughing].
HipHopCanada: We know you are a big soccer fanatic. With the World Cup approaching, and a few games coming to Vancouver, do you plan to attend / perform in the festivities?
J: I don’t have any tickets yet and I’m actually pissed about it. Let me use this platform to announce to the world that someone needs to give me some tickets, goddamnit. I definitely will check out some festivities here and there, but I’m also anti-FIFA, the most corrupt company in the entire planet next to the Vatican. So yes, I do resent giving my money to companies like that [Laughing]. And if Italy doesn’t qualify for this World Cup, I’m not watching anyways. That’s how petty I am. Italy needs to figure out how to develop their players and let the young ones actually play. I could talk about this for days. Forza Italia. Gattuso may be the right man for the job though.
HipHopCanada: What can we expect from JUNK in the near future?
J: Definitely more music and more touring. I actually am sitting on some incredible work that is completely different from anything that I’ve done in the past. And a few collaborative projects with some artists I’ve never worked with, but are very notable and heavily respected in the scene. But for now go get that new Horrible Pleasures album and merch at MyNameIsJUNK.com. And remember, it’s art over everything.
–
Interview conducted by Capital Wave for HipHopCanada
5 Ways to Support HipHopCanada:
- Submit Your Music
- Follow Canadian Fresh (HipHopCanada’s Spotify Playlist)
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on X (Twitter)
- Like us on Facebook
