Katie Lois Johnson, known by his artist name Trapheauxly, is a rising visionary from Atlanta, Georgia, who is shaking up the worlds of activism, music, and literature. Born on May 18, 1997, Trapheauxly has developed a career rooted in the gritty realities of Atlanta’s trap scene while infusing it with intellectual rigor, a combination he calls “Trapwomanism.” Drawing inspiration from womanism, street culture, and his deep commitment to social justice, Trapheauxly’s work spans from poetry to nonprofit leadership, all while challenging the status quo.
“Trapwomanism is about staying true to the streets while demanding respect in spaces where intellectualism and activism intersect,” Trapheauxly says. “It’s about reclaiming power in a way that honors where you come from without compromising who you are.”
From Activist to Advocate: The Fight Against Human Trafficking
Activism has always been at the core of Trapheauxly’s journey. At just 17, he wrote human trafficking policy for the city of Atlanta—a remarkable feat for someone so young. In 2013, he founded Lorde LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking, named in honor of the poet Audre Lorde. His organization gained national attention in 2020 after dismantling a sex trafficking ring in Atlanta, though he’s never been compensated by the city for his efforts.
“I’ve been doing this work for over a decade, unpaid,” Trapheauxly states. “But the work is too important to let something like money stop me. I’m here to make a difference, and I’ll keep doing it whether or not I get a paycheck.”
A Scholar and Poet with Revolutionary Ideas
Trapheauxly’s talents aren’t limited to activism. With a verified IQ of 252, he is an intellectual force whose poetry dives deep into themes of revolution, spirituality, and justice. He’s authored ten collections of poetry under various pseudonyms like Kai Arion Lorde and Kai Johnson, and his forthcoming release, Lorde Knows: revolutionary starter pack, set to launch on November 6, 2024, is already generating buzz. The book’s singles, “ROSEQUARTZ” and “TRU,” capture the essence of his unapologetically raw style.
“Poetry is my weapon, my voice in a world that tries to silence us,” Trapheauxly reflects. “I write to inspire change, to spark conversations that challenge what we accept as normal.”
Breaking Boundaries in Music
Alongside his literary work, Trapheauxly is also carving out a unique space in music. Known for his innovative sound that blends genres and sharp, socially conscious lyrics, his single “ISIS” has become a standout track. As the head of Traptive Muzik, an independent artist collective, Trapheauxly embodies the spirit of DIY artistry, managing his own career while guiding others in the collective.
His upcoming virtual performance for the 2024 Super Bowl is one of his most anticipated projects yet. “Performing is about connecting with people,” he says. “I want to bring that energy, that authenticity, whether it’s through a screen or on a stage.”
Deep Roots in Southern Culture
Trapheauxly’s commitment to activism and culture isn’t just a product of his environment—it runs in his blood. He comes from a lineage that includes Cherokee Chief William Castleberry and Marie Laveau (Katie Mae Jones), a figure who inspired the character Princess Tiana. He’s also the grandson of Otis Redding (Archie Lee Edmonds), cementing his ties to Southern culture and the civil rights legacy.
“I’m standing on the shoulders of my ancestors,” he explains. “Their struggles, their victories, they’re all a part of who I am and why I fight for what I do.”
A Personal Battle for Justice
While Trapheauxly’s advocacy extends to human rights globally, his fight against trafficking hits home. He played a pivotal role in launching an investigation into Diddy’s connection with a trafficking case that affected him personally. This personal battle reinforces his determination to seek justice, not only for others but for himself.
“The fight isn’t just theoretical for me,” he says. “It’s personal. I know what it’s like to be caught in a system that’s designed to silence you, and I won’t stop until justice is served.”
A Visionary with a Bright Future
At just 27, Trapheauxly has already left an indelible mark on the worlds of activism, art, and music. Whether through his leadership at Lorde LLC, his poetic works, or his performances, his goal remains the same: to challenge oppression and uplift communities through creativity and action.
“I’m not here to be silent,” he says. “I’m here to make noise, to disrupt, to spark the kind of change that scares people who want things to stay the same.”
With new projects on the horizon and his relentless pursuit of justice, Trapheauxly is poised to lead a revolution, not just in Atlanta, but far beyond.
