ICI MUSIQUE hip-hop: historic launch for the industry

"HISTORIC, AND THAT'S AN UNDERSTANDING!"

Tonight, Montreal is experiencing a historic moment. I am present at Ausgang Plaza Or Radio-Canada officially unveils ICI MUSIQUE hip-hop, the very first national radio station entirely dedicated to French-language rap and its influences. The atmosphere is electric from the moment I arrive. The room fills up, the technical teams make the final adjustments, the cameras roll, and the local Hip-Hop community is there in force.

From the very first minutes, you sense that this is no ordinary launch. It's the opening of a space that culture has long been calling for. A radio station available for free on OHdio which broadcasts continuously, without interruption, twenty-four hours a day. A radio station designed for the local audience and built by those who make the movement.

And in fact, that's where everything connects. What Radio-Canada made today with ICI MUSIQUE hip-hop, this is exactly in line with the movement Franco Votes officially recognizing the importance of French-language rap and its real influence on the industry. Two different steps forward, but both pointing in the same direction. The culture is taking its rightful place, and this time, no one can pretend not to see it.

An event hosted by prominent figures on the scene

On stage, Jay Seven and Olivier Boisvert-Magnen they confidently open the evening. The audience reacts as soon as the first names are mentioned. The lineup is solid. DJ ASMA, Chung, Kinji00, Shreez, Ya Cetidon, DJ Kenzhello and several surprise guests took turns coming up to perform»Bounce » the whole room.

Photo: Métis Wallace/Hip-Hop Magazine (Chung at the launch)

Photo: Métis Wallace/Hip-Hop Magazine (Ya Cetidon at launch)

Photo: Hip-Hop Magazine (Kinji00 at launch)

Photo: Hip-Hop Magazine (Shreez at launch)

This isn't just a musical showcase. It's a display of the movement's vitality. Today marks a new chapter for Hip-Hop culture. Each performance serves as a reminder of why Montreal has become a vital hub for French-language rap.

Behind the scenes at a radio station designed for Hip-Hop

Through discussions and meetings, we gain a better understanding of the vision behind it. ICI MUSIQUE hip-hop. The station relies on the expertise of a team involved daily in the evolution of rap, composed of ASMA, Olivier Boisvert-Magnen, Catherine Guay, Julio Mendy, Nicolas Ouellet and Nicolas Lacasse.

They offer a completely musical program where the blocks follow one another according to the atmospheres:

• From 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. : Nos classiques
• From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. : Jazz hop
• From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. : Nos classiques
• From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. : La récréation avec…
• From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. : Scène mondiale
• From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. : Reines
• From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. : Nouveaux sons rap | R&B
• From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. : La récréation avec…
• From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. : Scène mondiale
• From 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. : Jazz hop
• From 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. : Nouveaux sons rap | R&B

Each slot brings a different flavor, always rooted in the evolution of rap both locally and internationally. Several shows will most likely emerge over time.

I can confirm one thing after attending the launch: the team really thought of this radio as an open door between the old, the new, the curious and the passionate.

Prestigious guests for the first few weeks

The "La récréation avec..." section will welcome several renowned guests, including Imposs, Mike Shabb, ONZ MTL, Marième and Samian. Their role will be simple but essential: to share their vision, offer their selections and introduce the artists they consider important to culture.

This is a concrete step to connect the community and give additional visibility to the current voices of the movement.

Radio-Canada affirms its commitment to local artists!

In discussions with the teams present, one message kept coming up. Radio-Canada wants to play a direct role in the discoverability of Francophone artists. As stated Natacha Mercure, General Manager Audio and Radio-Canada, the mission is clear:

«"Radio-Canada's mission to promote and showcase music is fundamental. More than ever, Radio-Canada must be part of the solution to the challenges related to the discoverability of local artists."»

This commitment is palpable tonight. The energy in the room, the quality of the programming, and the dedication of the artists present prove that this launch is not merely symbolic. It represents a real change.

Several key players in the Hip-Hop scene are present. Producers, beatmakers, presenters, journalists, DJs, MCs, managers, everyone is closely observing what this new platform represents.

Recently, when the official launch date was announced, the reactions were immediate: phones raised, applause, shouts, hugs. It's clear this radio station will play a major role in the coming years.

Accessible via the internet HERE.

A turning point for rap here

Tonight is not just the launch of a new music station. It's an important gesture for the French language, for emerging artists, for the local scene, and for the entire Francophone Hip-Hop community.

I am here, in the heart of the crowd, and I can tell you one thing: what Radio-Canada kicked off today with ICI MUSIQUE hip-hop will count.

The story begins now. Magazine Hip-Hop will be there to follow every step.

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