There aren’t many things Brampton and Hamilton have in common on surface level beyond the shared two last letters of their city names and similar population sizes, and there also isn’t too much in common between Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. on surface level either, aside from their aspirations in the music industry. But alas, we’ve brought these two cities and these two individuals together to speak on their own experiences growing up in their respective hometowns, their musical influences and pursuing their dreams.
Both Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. will be performing at Live At The Square at Yonge-Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Derin Falana and Yours Truly, T.Y. on Twitter: @DerinFalana & @YoursTrulyTY.
There’s a lot to learn from the 100 Miles Brand. They’ve been in the Toronto street wear scene for over 20 years and are still relevant today. The 100 Miles Brand proves to be more than just a t-shirt brand by having a clothing line that’s available for men and women. They are heavily influenced by hip-hop and urban culture, but stress the importance of shining a positive light on it. – Written by Samantha Singh / Interview by Cassandra John
What’s the story behind the name 100 Miles Brand?
It came to me 23 years ago when I was in my university lecture at Ryerson, and the professor said to us to look at your life and find something that inspires you. It just happened to be the TTC bus strike. I was in front of the 100 miles kilometre sign and I was like, “100 km, nah that doesn’t make sense…100 Miles!” From that everything came into place. I came with a concept where 100 miles symbolizes the world, the fact that we as people go through a lot of struggles, so we have 100 miles to go in everyday life.
What was it like creating a line in 1992? In this day and age there are so many resources available for people wanting to start a line, I could only imagine the resources or the lack of resources there was back then. Could you walk me through the process?
The process back then was the Yellow Pages and your feet! Basically being a minority, a lot of people didn’t take me seriously [and] being young were some of the obstacles that I faced. I had to be mature to get what I wanted without being so demanding. It took a lot of research, trial and error. No one was there to say, ‘Hey! Get more followers or hash tags!’ There was none of that. It was pretty much you believing in yourself, or having a small team of people that saw your vision and wanted to help in terms of getting it to the next step in the career or just the vision. It was a lot more difficult, a lot more footwork, people closing the door in your face. It’s not like now, where it’s a buyers market and everybody wants a piece of something.
Your brand has been worn by some of the most influential people in hip-hop, both alive and dead. Explain what that feeling was like.
I would say surreal, humbling, to say the least. From Tupac, to Biggie, to Wu-Tang Clan, living legends like EPMD, KRS1, A Tribe Called Quest, just to name a few. It’s been a blessing and an honor as a Toronto clothing brand and as a member of Toronto to have people globally recognized now to wear our clothing. To feel recognized in the sense that Toronto is a fashion capital, in my eyes at least, a place where people do respect the fashion job of our city.
The heights that you’ve take 100 Miles Brand to, most people can only dream about. What’s a takeaway that you can share with the Freshest Goods audience?
I would say believe in yourself. Always have faith in the powers above, and stay humble. Don’t let it get to your head, things can happen. As much as you feel that you’re in control, there are other energies and people that are also in control or assisting. You’ve got to believe all the time strongly in yourself, believe in what you’re doing. Do it for the love of it, don’t do it because of money or you want to get famous, do it from the heart.
How has the 100 Miles Brand managed to stand the test of time? What are some of your secrets?
Smiling, laughing, enjoying, just loving every minute of it. Loving the customers that are buying our merchandise or even rooting us on. It means a lot to myself and the rest of our company, getting the positive encouragement and even when we get criticized we prove that we’re taking it in a positive direction. Just building with our consumer base, now it’s global and just spreading the love that to me, that’s what it’s about. Trying to stay positive and staying creative and not leaning towards trends, but always trying to lean towards fashion.
Jai Natai Lotus isn’t necessarily new to the Montreal music scene (even snagging a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize in 2013), but the rapper-producer is still carving out his path; most recently taking on the MTL Jazz Festival in July. In 2014, he successfully release of his R&B/Soul-infused rap album Something You Feel and gained a lot of local and international attention for the project which focuses on dark synths and soulful samples. Needless to say, Jai Nitai Lotus has etched out his own unique soundscape, equipped with a vulnerable yet gritty approach that always finds its balance. – Erin Lowers
Jai Nitai Lotus will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Jai Nitai Lotus. @JaiNitaiLoTus
Being from MTL, can you describe the music scene around you?
Montreal is a highly creative city. There are great art and music festivals. There are lots of musicians, artists and a lot of talent here, but there’s no real hip hop “industry,” so its hard to survive with out leaving the city. At the same time, I feel the lack of industry creates an open atmosphere to be more innovative. In recent years, our beat community has really grown and stood out, bringing forth a lot of cats who are making a big buzz globally (like Kaytranada, Shash’U, KenLo). It feels like people are starting to pay attention, and they’ve only touched the surface.
What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
I’m currently living and raising my daughter in an area of Montreal known as NDG. It’s a diverse neighbourhood that I’ve felt connected to for a while. There are a lot families from different backgrounds and cultures raising their children here. It has a lot of parks, big trees, community organizations, small businesses and shops. But it’s still in the city, so you deal with the realities and struggles of city life. I generally appreciate how people live and interact with each other here.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
In NDG, there are specific music, art and film festivals that go on in the parks. I feel [that] it encourages people to get out and be more in touch with the people in their community. There is a specific youth center that mentors local youth with music, art, dance and sports, and then annually showcases their talents. You can see that the youth take pleasure in it, and it gives and them a positive way to express themselves and be heard. It’s very inspiring.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I believe in originality and authenticity. My art is truly a reflection of me. What you hear in my records and hear me speak of on stage are actually things I try to live by. I think people can relate to authentic expression, which is sadly not the norm in mainstream music. The style in which I produce, write and perform is distinctly my own…I try to open people up through creativity and inspire them.
Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?
Inspiring through hip hop music, art and culture is what I’m about. So taking part in a festival like this is very important to me. It’s refreshing to see a hip hop festival that focuses on community upliftment.
What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?
I was glued to Much Music growing up, recording videos on VHS and all that. There are too many to name, but “Ol’ Time Killin'” By Kardinal Offishal is a timeless Toronto (Canadian) anthem.
When I first met John River, he was an upbeat kid who wanted to change the world through music. I admired his optimism just as much as I did his innocence – a kid on a mission to be the first crab out of the Toronto bucket who didn’t pull anyone else down. After coming on to the scene in 2012 with his EP The Calm, John quickly took over media outlets like Hip-Hop Canada, while catching the ear of fellow indie artists like Los, ANTHM and Kembe X. The following year, John River made headlines once again by showing his perseverance in meeting the cast of the Dreamville label – long story short, John followed some cars trying to find J. Cole with no luck, waited in an airport for hours on end to no avail, sold some items in order to take a bus to New York overnight, found out where Ibrahim (president of Dreamville) lived through Ib’s cousin, went to his home and convinced him that he wasn’t a stalker, and then spit a verse. (You can read the entire story here!)
That same year, I had invited John to come down to the A3C Festival in Atlanta and take part in the showcase. Still not yet 21, he managed to find his way through the city, network like hell, and even have me wake up his sick publicist at the early hours of the morning to come down to the hotel lobby to meet someone – who that someone was, I forget. However, his dedication shined through.
Fast-forward to 2015, and John is still full of optimism and perseverance, but on a different level. A little older, a little wise, and a little jaded by the hip hop industry (it happens to the best of us), he’s found his footing – but not without a few bumps along the way. He told me about the struggles of simply getting his album together, the very public Twitter fingers PartyNextDoor shot at him, and the very unfortunate recent passing of fellow Mississauga artist Redway, to whom he paid tribute with “BLVD.”
Whether it’s talking about gun violence or paying tribute to those who are making it in his hometown of Mississauga, John is a voice to be known – so, naturally, we decided to sit down with the now 20-year old to see his view of life.
As a Manifesto Alum, Adria Kain continues to exceed our expectations with every new music release she puts out. Having recently delivered her album Island In My Mind, as well as a new EP titled Identity, the R&B/Soul singer takes listeners on a journey through her most personal trials and tribulations, creating not just a sonic experiences, but a personal one shared by all. Although often quiet, this song bird has a vocal range and passion that goes unmatched with it comes to the R&B/Soul scene in Toronto. – Erin Lowers
Adria Kain will be performing at Future Sounds at Daniels Spectrum on September 18. Follow Adria Kain on Twitter: @AdriaKainMusic
What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?
I currently live on the West Side of the city. Dufferin & St.Clair to be exact. A little North but still close enough that it doesn’t take me long to get downtown when I need to.
What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
I’ve spoken about this so many times to people. I love having a home that kind of feels like a get away from all of the hustle and madness that occurs in the city. Literally everything is on the St. Clair strip, also – like there are days when I don’t leave my major area because I can get everything I need to get done right there. There are so many different and delicious eating options, parks and places to just chill out and relax when the time comes. It’s great.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
I don’t think I’ve noticed any major impacts in my area when it comes to art. I will, however, point out that the majority of the artists I know and love, all live on the West side. There’s something about what’s in the air over here that makes me feel like creating is the absolute perfect thing to pursue.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I’m always switching things up. As artists, I strongly believe that we were meant to create differently. Every individual grows off of a source of inspiration, but as individual artists, we must find a great way to make it work for ourselves. Staying pure and expressing as much emotion as possible is another thing I do often that a lot of artists don’t. Connecting with your crowd in a way that allows them to feel like they’re apart of you, and that’s highly important to me.
Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?
Having the opportunity to come together with the other amazing talents that reside in this city is major! Our cities nickname is the “Screwface Capital.” I feel like it’s up to us, the voices that are heard the loudest, to make change to that, and Manifesto is a great way of doing so.
What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?
Canadian rap song? Would probably have to be Kardinal Offishall’s “Bacardi Slang.” This song was HUGE when I was younger and around the time that it was out I was living and getting to know a lot of what he speaks about in the song.
Montreal’s hip hop scene has vastly gone unnoticed in the grand scheme of Canadian music, often because of language barriers or simply it having very little to offer back to already-established rap communities – however, that’s all changed. In addition to having already worked with Kaytranada, Wasiu bounced over to ATL to work with Key! and Father, as well as Chicago’s Lil Herb and Vic Mensa, taking his sound to new heights. Noteable called “the hip hop voice of Montreal” by i-D Magazine, more recently, Wasiu took a moment to reflect on his own city through MTliens, of course a name derived from OutKast’s ATLiens. Filled with conceptual ideas and musical dynamism, the well-rounded 8-track EP serves as just a snippet this Montreal artist has to offer. – Erin Lowers
Wasiu will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Wasiu. @AfroWasiu
Being from Montreal, can you describe the music scene around you?
The music scene that I’m involved in would be a subculture of hip hop that we call the Piu Piu Movement. It’s called that because it’s space music. It is, however, predominantly a beat-scene.
What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
I love living in Pie-IX because there’s a ballpark near my crib. The city’s most aggressive players ball there, which I guess is because Montreal-North is right around the corner. Dudes from that area are hyper-masculine and strive to be the best. I usually go out to a spot called Apt. 200 and hang with the homies over there at night. It’s dope because it’s a club, but feels like a lounge. It’s actually a performance venue with a house party type of feel. They even got arcades in there. They’re branching out to Toronto soon too, [it] should be marvelous. In terms of food, the obvious answer is the classic poutine. I be eating at the Halal spots a lot too, like this one place called MTL Star. We go to La Banquise for Poutine.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
Honestly, where I live, the kids only listen to either Chicago-drill music or trap music. You wouldn’t see as many kids with dreads before, but now there’s so many of them. They have an idea in their heads of what the top dude is supposed to look like, and what stripes he’s supposed to have, [and] from these two genres that they feel like they associate with the closest. From their hairstyles, to what they wear, and slang that they adopt; I guess you can say an art form is behind those influences.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I feel as if a lot of artists are consistently trying to chase what’s popping right now, and they just adapt with the times. For me, I just listen to what’s out, and listen to all the classics that were out from the past, [and] then I try to study both and find middle ground between them. I want to be able to appease to the legends that I grew up listening to, but I also want the young generation to acknowledge me as one of the current greats who has potential to be in conversations of “all-time lists.” I want every generation to listen to my material and feel a superior force being emitted to them.
Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?
I make music, and it’s important that it gets heard by everybody. My first album is the one that I’ve been writing my whole life, [and] it’s been filled with songs from different periods of my life. It’s unreleased, it’s missing maybe 4 tracks that I have ideas for but don’t have completed yet. I will release that LP/full-length album once I feel as if it’s perfect. In the meantime, while we wait for that to drop, I want people to still get an idea of what I can do, what I stand for, and to just familiarize themselves with me. That way, since I already have eyes on me, I can drop a finished studio album on them. It’s important for me to play Manifesto because Toronto is an important city. A bridged gap, a connected and unified Montreal-Toronto would be a strong front for the North.
If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?
Drake – “Worst Behaviour.” That embodies our hip hop landscape 100%. They never loved us, never took us serious until Drake took over hip hop. America always used to clown us, and the idea of a Canadian rapper – they’d scoff at it. Drake has changed all of that, and “Worst Behaviour” has the best hook to express how to feel towards the perception they had of us.
It’s very rare to come across two emcees who not only complement each other in the studio, but also onstage. As one of the few duos in Toronto, OSIYM (pronounced: oh-sigh-em) is just that. Made up of Nova and Charlie Black, the duo has filled a void that’s been missing in Toronto’s hip hop landscape, and it’s been a long overdue moment to once again celebrate the liveliness these two individuals bring to the stage. With two mixtapes under Charlie Black’s belt, and another project under Nova, the two came together to release their debut EP Drunk Words x Sober Thoughts in 2014, and followed it up with SPIRITS this past July. “Out Of Sight, In Your Mind,” as their stage name projects, have created a sound that moves effortlessly through the realms of boom bap to trap, while their live performances challenge the ‘Screwface Capital’ to let loose – whether you expected to or not. – Erin Lowers
OSIYM will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow OSIYM @OSIYMMUSIC on Twitter!
What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?
We both live in the West end. Nova lives in Malton, and Charlie lives in Etobicoke.
What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
Nova: For better or worse, I love all the different characters I see in Malton. As soon as I think I’ve seen it all, I come across something new. From the old lady catching the bus to work at the crack of dawn, to the dude walking the streets with his guitar belting out reggae songs. Even though Malton is so small, there’s a sense of pride from the people who grew up here. It made us who we are.
Charlie Black: I love the DJs in our city. I feel like we can’t be touched when it comes to setting a dope vibe for a party. I’m not the most travelled individual, but any other place I’ve been in the world so far can’t do it like are DJs can. Also, I love summer nights in the city. I feel like as long as I have the intention to have a good time, I can find something to get into in Toronto.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
Charlie Black: I can see it in the people! The way they talk, the way they dress, the way they consume art. If you’ve ever been downtown Toronto, it’s pretty much a living, breathing art museum. Nowadays, that’s spreading all over the whole city. I was blessed to be a part of The Remix Project when it first started, and it is programs like Remix that have helped inspire and open doors for the artistic minds coming out of our city right now.
Nova: It has impacted me by creating opportunities for me coming up. As an aspiring artist, my craft was honed and perfected in bedrooms and basements in my neighbourhood. Some of my biggest mentors were around the block or just a short trip away. The time spent with them gave me priceless lessons which helped bring me to where I am today.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
We do our best to stay original – from our sound, to our content and flows. We keep our lyrics honest and true to who we are instead of putting out a fake persona. Our stage show is something we really take pride in as well. We make sure to actually practice our sets and think of creative ways to keep our crowd entertained. We’re always challenging ourselves to think of ways to better our art.
Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto Festival?
For years, Manifesto has been a trademark in our city showcasing all the elements in hip-hop culture. The Manifesto Festival created a platform that gives opportunities to artists in a city that doesn’t always give its rappers or singers the benefit of the doubt. Putting artists centre stage in the heart of downtown Toronto is major exposure. Who wouldn’t want a chance at reaching people you might not otherwise? To be recognized by a festival that does so much to empower the artistic community is a milestone that every up and coming artist should strive for.
What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?
Charlie Black: It’s a toss up between “Northern Touch” and “Bakardi Slang.” Growing up those songs were everything to me! I remember going crazy with my older brother jumping on couches singing out the lyrics to both of those records.
If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?
Nova: I would have to say “EZ on the Motion” by Ghetto Concept. Back in the day, there was such a divide between American and Canadian hip-hop. That was the first song that made me feel like we could hang with our neighbours south of the border.
After coming onto the scene in 2012 with his project 500 Autumn Nights, Yours Truly, T.Y. has been running back and forth between Hamilton and Toronto creating music, collaborating with artists and performing for a steadily growing fan base. What makes T.Y. different is his adamant respect for paying dues and recognizing those who’ve come before him, most evident in his 2014 music series titled, #TYTUesdays, in which he remixed a series of classic hip hop tracks and incorporated them into today’s music scene. Following performances at Manifesto, A3C, NXNE, CMW and varying other stages, Yours Truly, T.Y. has gained the respect of his peers, as well as the gatekeepers of Toronto’s music scene. In his latest release, T.Y. teamed up with producer Chef Byer to release The Beautiful Exchange a 9-track project underlining Yours Truly, T.Y.’s ties to Toronto, while affirming him as one of Hamilton’s hometown heroes. – Erin Lowers
Yours Truly, TY will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Yours Truly, T.Y. @YOURSTRULY_TY
What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s about an hour away from Toronto. Blue collar, hard working, not really a small town but not really a big city.
What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
One of my favourite things about Hamilton is it’s tight knit. Especially when it comes to its music scene. Different artists from different genres have no issues crossing over and trying new things which makes it exciting. It’s a good time for Hamilton’s hip hop scene as well. It’s had some OGs get the ball rolling for us and we’re ready to pick up where they left off. The food’s dope, too.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
A lot of my closest friends are artists themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how somebody can go from spray paint on walls to a full time job, based on the same thing. I’ve seen people with limited resources create great music. Hamilton does that to people. It’s a very, “you’re either in, or you’re in the way type of city”, just gotta choose the right team.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I bring perspective. I bring an honest approach. Not everybody’s born rich and not everybody has to sell drugs. I’m the blue collar guy in the middle. Do I have rich friends? Yes. Do I have friends that sell drugs? Yes. It makes it easier to tell a broader story when you can come at it from all angles.
Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?
Every stage is important to me. I enjoy being a part of Manifesto because of what it means to the community and Hip-Hop in general. It was one of the first festivals that took me on, as well. Aside from the fact that I’m down with what Manifesto stands for, loyalty is also important to me. It makes the decision to pursue Manifesto simple.
If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?
I’ll run with the second half of this question. “Top Of The World” by The Rascalz with k-os and Barrington Levy is what Toronto sounded like to me while I was growing up. The outro of that song, when Levy starts adlibbing, still knocks.
LISTEN TO: Yours Truly, T.Y. & Chef Byer – The Beautiful Exchange
Earlier this summer, Toronto served as the host city for the 2015 Pan Am/ParaPanAm Games. Although our athletes pulled off an incredible month of golden wins, the biggest news story to come out of the games was the controversy surrounding American rapper Kanye West’s performance at the closing ceremony.
Shortly after the announcement was made, a petition to have Yeezy replaced was initiated by a group of irritable people, whose beliefs varied from “he’s American,” “he’s a jerk” and “his wife (Kim Kardashian) is annoying.” Needless to say, reasons for the petition were hardly of value. In all, it could be said that the buildup leading to the closing event was even bigger than the event itself. The petition was massive, reaching over 50,000 signatures in the few weeks it was live. Whether you signed the petition or not, everyone had an opinion about the American artist performing on the Pan Am stage.
The people who signed the petition appeared to be partial to one of two mindsets; either you hated Kanye West, or you wanted a Canadian artist to represent Toronto in the closing ceremony. After all, the games were hosted by the city of Toronto. Unfortunately, one could hardly find a pro-Canadian talent opinion that wasn’t laced in vitriol toward Yeezy. However, there was a solid, very loud message from the whole affair: many Torontonians are proud of our artists, and want to see more of them.
Message received.
Manifesto has always strived to represent local talent. Every year of our annual Festival of Arts & Culture, we’ve maintained our mission to showcase talented Canadian artists, and we’ve had local headliners at every festival since Manifesto’s conception – Maestro, K’naan, Michie Mee and Shad to name a few. The Manifesto mission statement has, and always will be, to unite, inspire and empower youth, local artists and communities – and as we enter our 9th year, we will be pushing this message harder than ever. This year, we’ve decided to change things up. Our Canadian arts and culture landscape continues to make leaps in terms of success, and quite frankly, has never shined brighter. This year, we’re bringing together all of Toronto – all six boroughs and associated neighborhoods under a united front – the notion that we are, and always will be, One City. Our City.
– AJ McDowell
Watch the video below and get excited, as MNFSTO9 is just around the corner!
Hailing from Bristol, England and based in Mississauga, raspy-voiced Keita Juma [https://twitter.com/kjforshort] brings an eclectic approach to the GTA’s hip-hop scene. Emerging under the moniker KJ and turning heads with material like his 2012 album Water and his appearance on Shi Wisdom’s “Lovespeak,” Keita Juma has continued his artistic progression on subsequent releases. With 2014’s Peephole/Beach EP release and this year’s Chaos Theory EP , Keita Juma is clearly intent on infusing his music with disparate influences drawing from his diasporic upbringing and his experimental approach to creativity. – Del F. Cowie
Keita Juma will be appearing at Manifesto as part of the Red Bull Sound Select event along with GoldLink and A K U A on September 16. Follow Keita Juma @KJforShort on Twitter and RSVP for RBSS!
What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?
Well, when I first moved to Canada I lived in Etobicoke for a few years, then Brampton, and then ended up in Mississauga. I’ve been in ‘Sauga for a while now, more specifically Meadowvale, so that’s where I call home.
What is your favourite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?
I’m usually home, so in the nights I’m skating the Lisgar trails taking in what I’ve been working on or some other music. Most of my spots are food spots or bakeries because that’s my thing. If we’re talking meals, then Average Joes in the [Kensington] Market for breakfast, Potluck in Meadowvale for lunch, or Indian Kiss in the Junction for dinner. When I used to live in Etobicoke, there were a few bakeries I’d hit up on the regular – one that sold fresh patties right from the oven (I think it was close to Dr. Flea’s,) and a Ralph’s Bakery on Finch where I’d get fresh Hardo bread. Outside of that, you can catch me at Rattlesnake Point with the family taking in the view or tryna’ start a fire.
How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?
There isn’t much art happening in the ‘burbs, just similar houses, roads and bus stops, but I think that’s the suburbs in general. There aren’t any hubs for the artists in ‘Sauga either, so we all end up heading to Toronto. [It] Seems like they’re trying to do more around Square One and Lakeshore specifically, but those are really the only two areas I can think of.
What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?
I’m a part of the entire process and when you get music from me, instead of the lyrics just telling my story, every part of the song is me – from the beat to the mix. I try to take my time with each part [of a song/project] as if it’s a different layer that the listener can take in throughout their journey with the project. Those were always my favourite records growing up. I also feel I have a unique perspective on black music. I remember trying to put my friends on to house and garage back in the day, then grime. Some of them got it but some didn’t, and that let me know that sometimes, new things take time. The industry that’s been going on in England has been active for a while… same as here. I remember watching Mathematik videos on MuchMusic, or when [Saukrates’] “Money or Love” first dropped or when [Kardinal Offishall’s] “Bakardi Slang” was the talk. Then flying to England and going to pirate radio stations or raves with my brother and his friends, seeing the different cultures. From music to fashion, I was able to see the differences every year throughout high school. [It] made me okay with creating whatever made sense in my head.
Why is it important for you to take part/perform in the Manifesto festival?
Manifesto’s a part of hip hop culture in our city, and it’s always an honour to bless the stage. The first time I was in the Manifesto Festival was in ‘08, [when] someone bailed on their performance and I got a text the night before like, “Yo, you tryna’ perform?” I must’ve performed to about 8 people, but it was a great experience and I felt mad nice being a part of the festival. That was the year K-os came on and told K’naan it was cool to do another song, which was a big move on his part because Nathan Philips Square was not playing with the 10pm curfew. There’s always a lot happening in the festival week that brings out all the artists in the city, so it’s good to see people outside of the Internet. Also, it’s the last time everyone’s out before they hibernate for the winter.
If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?
That’s tough, but off top it would be Saukrates – “Comin’ Up” with Shad’s “I Don’t Like To” as a close second, a very close second. I know they’re older songs but those are the first that come to mind.
WATCH: Keita Juma feat. Brendan Philip – “Come Over”
