If you haven’t heard of Dead Hendrix yet, you’re about to get schooled on one of the most exciting artists coming out of Ottawa’s music scene. This guy’s not your typical rapper or punk rocker – he’s a whole new breed, blending genres like a mad scientist and spitting lyrics that’ll make your head spin.
Picture this: It’s 2020, and while the world’s going crazy, this kid from Centretown drops his first track, “Hold Up.” Nobody saw it coming, but Dead Hendrix (real name Gavin Kratt) was about to shake things up in the capital city and beyond.
Dead Hendrix isn’t your average Joe. This Canadian-American dual citizen has faced significant challenges, growing up in shelters and on the streets, moving between cities like Montreal, Quebec, and even Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. But now Ottawa is where he calls home, and the city is all the better for it.
You might be wondering, “Why is he called Dead Hendrix?” Well, turns out his buddies thought he had this rockstar vibe that reminded them of the legend himself, Jimi Hendrix. Gavin ran with it, paying homage to his idol and crafting an identity that’s all his own.
Now, let’s talk about his sound. Dead Hendrix is like a musical Frankenstein’s monster, stitching together the raw energy of punk with the gritty realness of rap. It’s a combo that shouldn’t work on paper, but holy cow, does it ever. His tracks are a rollercoaster of emotions, diving deep into the dark stuff – drug abuse, heartbreak, insecurities, you name it. This ain’t no sugarcoated pop; it’s real life set to a beat that’ll make your bones rattle.
What sets Dead Hendrix apart is how he approaches his craft. Sometimes he’ll get obsessed with a beat, cranking it up in his ride and just cruising around until the perfect lyrics hit him. Other times, he’ll walk into the studio with nothing but his talent and let the magic happen on the spot. It’s raw, it’s unpredictable, and it’s brilliant.
His influences are a wild mix. Growing up in the early 2000s, he was all about those punk rock frontmen from bands like All American Rejects and The Offspring. Then he discovered rappers like Kevin Gates and Machine Gun Kelly. Imagine throwing all that into a blender, and you get an idea of where Dead Hendrix is coming from.
In just a couple of years, this dude has made some serious noise. His 2022 EP “DEAD SUMMER” with Levi Zadoff got people talking, and then he dropped “Mustang” in 2023, featuring Yungcudii, which blew past 100K streams on Spotify alone]. That’s not even mentioning tracks like “Miss U,” which racked up 11,000 views. For a new artist, that’s quite an impressive achievement.
But it’s not just about the numbers for Dead Hendrix. This guy’s got a fanbase that’s ride or die, calling themselves TWD. When he hits the stage and hears fans singing his lyrics back at him, that’s what really gets him going. It’s not about getting rich or famous; it’s about connecting with people through his music.
What’s crazy is how quickly he’s blown up. In just two years, over a hundred media outlets have covered him. That’s not luck, folks – that’s raw talent and a sound that’s impossible to ignore. He’s carving out his own niche in the industry, and people are taking notice.
Dead Hendrix isn’t just making waves in Ottawa, either. He’s been featured on tracks with artists from Toronto, like on Allcapyow‘s 2023 album “Ottawa x Toronto” where he shared the spotlight with 3MFrench. This guy’s reach is expanding, and he’s repping his city hard while doing it.
Looking at his discography, you can see how he’s evolved. From “Hold Up” and “Medusa” in 2020 to tracks like “Toxic” and “DTH” in more recent years, each release feels like a step up. He’s not resting on his laurels; he’s pushing himself, experimenting, and growing as an artist.
If his trajectory so far is anything to go by, we’re in for one hell of a ride. He’s already talked about wanting to keep collaborating with artists he respects, expanding his live performances to new cities, and growing his fanbase. With his unique blend of punk and rap and his no-holds-barred approach to lyrics, he’s positioned to be a voice for a generation that’s tired of the same old thing.
So here’s the deal: if you’re into music that doesn’t play by the rules, that hits you in the gut, and makes you feel something real, you need to check out Dead Hendrix. This isn’t some polished, corporate production. This is the sound of Ottawa’s streets, of struggle, of resilience, and of a young artist pouring his soul into every track.
Whether he’s dropping truth bombs about his past or crafting anthems for outcasts, Dead Hendrix is the real deal. So crank up the volume, let the beats hit you, and get ready to join the TWD fam. This is just the beginning, and Dead Hendrix is here to stay.
Connect with DEAD HENDRIX: https://www.deadhendrix.com