Pokafase is an anomaly. The self-styled, yet widely agreed upon, "Mayor of Phoenix" is the perfect combination of polar contradictions; he is marketable quality, handsome intelligence, arrogant humility, all while being manageably talented.
Pokafase was born in Louisville, Kentucky as Alafia Long. He moved to Phoenix at the age of 10, and eventually established himself as a staple in the southwest hip hop scene and a pillar in Arizona's urban community. He began his career as a "battle" emcee and gained respect throughout the country by besting some of the illest rappers the streets had to offer. In 1994, Pokafase and his best friend Corban Carson (a.k.a. Mic Wyld) formed the immensely popular duo known as Know Qwestion and quickly became the toast of the town. Many would argue that KQ, as they were often referred to, set the standard by which Arizona hip hop was measured. Aided by TMC Presents, one of the most successful event promotion companies in Arizona history, the duo was able to break records, break down barriers, and break open a brand new, risqué genre in an all too conservative region of the country.
Throughout their documented, six-year reign, Know Qwestion shared the stage with many hip hop legends, Notorious B.I.G., Naughty by Nature, The Roots, KRS ONE, Rakim, Wu Tang, The Fugees, LL Cool J, De La Soul, Sugar Hill Gang, Big Pun, Onyx, Outkast, and Common to name a few. KQ also released the album Eclipse, their most successful effort, which was regarded as a how-to-manual for budding rappers aspiring to prosper in an uncharted, infantile, music scene. Pokafase, as a result, is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of AZ hip hop, and easily one of the most important and influential people on the southwest music scene.
The turn of the century marked the end of the groups run, and signaled the emergence of a solo superstar poised to march onward toward much bigger and much better things. In June of 2001, after a rough year of restructuring and regrouping, soul-searching and decision-making, and soliciting and shopping; Pokafase was approached by a number of labels impressed by a home-studio demo he'd been circulating. With the assistance of Shawn Forbes (Shade 45) Lenny and Jesse Beer at HITS Magazine, and a young employee of theirs named Jeff Rabhan, Pokafase was subsequently signed to a "fairytale" record deal with upstart company Artist Direct Records. Interscope Records co-founder and heir to the Marshall-Field fortune, Ted Field signed Poke himself and looked at the young emcee as a trophy and valuable asset to the labels roster. While at Artist Direct, Pokafase cultivated relationships with super-producers such as Warren G and Scott Storch; and emcees alike, enlisting veterans like EST (3 Times Dope) and Big Proof (D12/Eminem) to assist him in his major label endeavors. Though surrounded by experience and backed by a billionaire, Poke could not escape the financial debacle that ultimately led to the labels demise.
No relief on the horizon, Pokafase took it upon himself to expound upon the name and reputation he had built on a foundation of longevity and notoriety in the southwest. He continued touring and booking spot dates, independently, with artist such as Phunk Junkies, GZA, and an up-and-coming 50cent. Exposure was a necessity, so he began more traveling and featuring. Making his presence felt from city to city at major events like the Smokeout Festival, Warped Tour, and any number of Las Vegas Magic Convention Parties, was something Pokafase took great pride in. He continued to diligently record and release music for his fan-base all with goal in mind: reach music industry superstardom at any and all cost.
In 2004, Pokafase's perseverance once again paid off in the form of a much-sought-after on-air position with KKFR Power 92.3 FM; the number one /urban/rhythmic station in the state of Arizona, and the number fifteen market in the country. In addition to conducting a successful, statewide, late-night broadcast, for four and a half years Pokafase lent his voice to the trail-blazing, underground, specialty show “Friday Night Flavas.” His presence on the radio helped to shed a much needed light on the local scene, and bolstered the respect and admiration he had already attained in his hometown of Phoenix. Pokafase's newfound position opened doors and allowed him to move as freely behind the scenes as he had previously in the foreground. During his tenure at the station, Poke enjoyed continued success as an artist as well. Power 92.3/98.3 played eight Pokafase records while he was employed, and countless others have seen either regular or mix-show rotation dating back to the late 90's. , As a result he found himself, time and time again, in the midst of opportunity; touring 10 cities with G-Unit, opening for Diddy during the 2008 Super Bowl festivities, and most recently, performing to a sold out Celebrity Theatre crowd just minutes before T.I. graced the stage All-Star Weekend 2009.
Pokafase is most at home on stage. His energy and live show is comparable to some of hip hop's greatest performers'. With hundreds of shows to his credit, his professionalism is noteworthy and his performance resume is, arguably, extensive enough to stand alone.
The list of artists he has shared the stage with, includes but is by no means limited to:
50 cent
Snoop Dogg
T.I.
Ludacris
Notorious B.I.G.
Redman and Method Man
Wu Tang
D12
Lil Flip
Chamillionaire
Raekwon
Ghostface
Outkast
Diddy
LL Cool J
Young Buck
Rich Boy
Game
Nas
Common
Phunk Junkees
Incubus
Insane Clown Posse
Kottonmouth Kings
Chronic Future
Immortal Technique
Paul Wall
Warren G
Livin Legends
Hieroglyphics
Naughty By Nature
Lil Wayne/ Cash Money
Despite his many accomplishments, his quest for the brass ring continues. Pokafase has amassed an impressive catalog to date, with a veritable who's who of an industry supporting cast. Dawn Richard of Danity Kane, Mase, Mario Winans, Royce 5'9", Carlos Broady, Shawty Redd, Next, Proof(R.I.P.), Scott Storch, EST, and Warren G are just a few of the stars who have lent their talents to Pokafase's efforts.
From the depths of the underground to the major label mountain top, Pokafase has carried Arizona to the forefront of the music industry, slowing only to stake his claim in mainstream radio. His, skill, versatility, and articulation matched only by his passion, ambition and unconditional love for hip hop.
