The Chronicles “We the North” 1/5

Canadian MCs who have made history in Hip-Hop culture.

Canadian rap is a musical universe in constant evolution. Year after year, remarkable new artists emerge and stand out on the local, national, and international scene.

Although Canadian rap is thriving, it remains characterized by a profound duality between the French- and English-speaking scenes. Since its inception, English- and French-language rap have evolved independently, each developing its own artists, styles, and themes. This separation has often created cultural and linguistic barriers. Fans and artists from both sides sometimes struggle to connect and appreciate each other's music.

The editorial team of Magazine Hip-Hop believe it is essential to bring these two distinct cultures together. This article is the first in a series highlighting our legends in Quebec and Canadian English-language rap. A topic that is too often overlooked...

By recognizing the essential role of English-language rap legends in the evolution of culture, we pay tribute to the entire Quebec and Canadian musical landscape.

Here are 10 of the essential names in the history of English-language rap in Canada:

Maestro Fresh Wes

Originally from Toronto, Wes Williams, known by his stage name Maestro Fresh Wes, played a fundamental role in the introduction and evolution of Hip-Hop in Canada.

Born in 1968, Maestro Fresh Wes emerged on the music scene in the 1980s, a time when hip-hop was in its infancy in Canada. In 1989, he released the landmark album Symphony in Effect, becoming the first Canadian rapper to reach number one on Billboard's Canadian chart. The hit single Let Your Backbone Slide became a true anthem of Canadian rap and paved the way for a new era for urban music in the country.

Maestro Fresh Wes was also a pioneer in exploring social and personal themes through his lyrics. His impact extends far beyond music. He has helped shape the perception of rap as a means of artistic and social expression in Canada. 

Maestro is our Rakim. Needless to say more.

Choclair

Choclair, his real name Kareem Blake, is one of the greatest pioneers and legends of the great city of Toronto

Born in 1975, Choclair emerged on the music scene in the mid-90s, at a time when rap was beginning to define itself in Canada. He played a crucial role in establishing hip-hop as a respected musical genre in the country. His unique style of intelligent lyrics mixed with a current sound allowed him to stand out not only in Canada but around the world.

One of the greatest moments of his career Choclair was the release of his first album Ice Cold in 1999. The album was an instant success, placing Choclair on all channels: BET, MTV, Much Music as well as in all radio stations and clubs in North America. The single Let's Ride, among others, has become a classic of Canadian rap and helped establish its international reputation. 

Choclair is a world-renowned artist and one of the most recognized voices in Canadian rap.

Shades of Culture

At the heart of the Montreal Hip-Hop scene lies a group that has made its mark: Shades of Culture. Formed by D-Shade, Revolution and DJ Storm, this collective has left an indelible mark on the local music scene and beyond.

Their legendary album Mindstate quickly captured the attention of hip-hop fans in early 2000. This opus offers an eclectic mix of styles, sounds and ideas 

The single Payin Rent is a shining example of their distinctive style. This song, anchored by a smooth production, explored the challenges of everyday life and the struggles that often affect urban neighborhoods. All in a light and humorous tone.

The legacy of Shades of Culture still resonates in the musical fabric of Montreal and the Canadian Hip-Hop landscape. They paved the way for a new generation of English-speaking artists from La Belle Province.

Classified

The Canadian rap landscape is dotted with diverse talent from across the country. Classified, also known as Luke Boyd is a MC from the cityEnfield, in Nova Scotia. Classified has established himself as one of the most well-known voices in the maritime world.

Born on December 13, 1977, Classified grew up influenced by a variety of musical styles, from hip-hop to rock to reggae. This musical diversity is clearly reflected in his music.

One of the distinctive features of Classified is his ability to tell honest and emotional stories through his lyrics. The album Self Explanatory where he explores a wide range of subjects is a striking example.

Besides his career as an artist, Classified is also an accomplished producer, working with various artists and collaborators.

Rascalz

Among the pioneering rap groups in Canada, it is impossible not to mention the iconic group Rascalz. Originally from Vancouver, the group Rascalz is one of the pioneers and standard-bearers of hip-hop on the Canadian west coast, combining elements of breakdancing, graffiti and DJing with their music and performance.

Formed in the early 90s, the group Rascalz was composed of Red1(MC), Misfit(MC) Kemo(DJ), Zebroc(BBoy) and Dedos(BBoy). Their innovative approach to rap combined thoughtful lyrics with hard-hitting beats. The group was a major influence on the development of hip-hop in Canada.

In 1997, the Rascalz surprised the whole world with the release of their album Cash Crop, an opus that redefined the sound and identity of Canadian rap. The single Northern Touch from this album has become a true classic of Canadian rap, bringing together several notable artists of the time, such as Choclair, Checkmate, Kardinal Offishall and Thrust.

In 1999, the Rascalz solidified their place in global rap with the release of their second studio album Global Warning. Carrying a powerful message, this album demonstrated the band's commitment to social change and the celebration of cultural diversity.

This spectacular album contains works that transcend Hip-Hop such as Top of the World. This song, with the legendary Barrington Levy, presented to us for the first time a certain K-OS, who will also be a legend of Canadian rap.

For the song titled Witness, The Rascalz have shown boldness and open-mindedness by calling on their distant cousins 67, Muzion, another future legendary Canadian rap group. Two giants, two cities, two languages, one voice. Today, this collaboration between Rascalz and Muzion is recognized as one of the greatest moments in Canadian rap history.

The Narcicyst (Narcy)

Yassin Alsalman is a legendary rapper Montrealer of origin Iraqi who established himself on the music scene under the pseudonym The Narcicyst. With his undeniable talent for words and his commitment to social and political issues, The Narcicyst, today better known as Narcy, crossed artistic and cultural boundaries.

Born at the crossroads of two worlds, Narcy drew on his heritage Iraqi to create a unique rap style that blends Eastern influences with the groove of hip-hop. His deep and poignant lyrics often address difficult topics such as global issues or social injustice. 

In addition to his musical career, Narcy also distinguished himself as journalist committed. He used his talent for writing to give voice to the voiceless and to illuminate the dark corners of society. 

Over the years, The Narcicyst has become an icon, a role model for those seeking to use art and media as a means to effect positive change. His legacy as a rapper, activist, and journalist will continue to inspire future generations to stand up and speak out. 

Swollen Members

Swollen Members, founded in Vancouver in 1992, became one of the essential references of Hip-Hop in Canada.

Composed mainly of Madchild, Prevail and Rob the Viking, Swollen Members debuted on local stages with fiery performances. The group quickly established itself as a pioneer of underground rap, pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic frontiers. Their distinctive blend of harsh lyrics, energetic beats, and dark atmospheres catapulted them to the forefront of the Canadian rap scene.

The album Balance (2001) was a turning point for Swollen Members, launching the group into a new era of recognition. Carried by notable tracks such as Fuel Injected and Bad Dreams, the album showed their ability to create a sound capable of attracting international attention.

K-OS

K-OS, his real name Kevin Brereton, is a Canadian rapper known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, rock and various musical elements. Originally from Toronto, he quickly captured attention with his music and thoughtful lyrics. His name K-OS means Knowledge of Self reflecting his commitment to creating music that explores personal and social themes.

His albums Joyful Rebellion and Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, have been acclaimed for their originality and musical diversity. K-OS has the ability to effortlessly transition between styles, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and reggae into his tracks. His intelligent lyrics address topics ranging from spirituality to politics.

K-OS has solidified his place as an influential Canadian artist, spreading a positive message and rich musicality through his art. His creativity and musical exploration have made him a respected and globally recognized artist.

Ghetto Concept

Ghetto Concept occupies a central place in the history of hip-hop in Canada. Formed in the late 1990s in Toronto, the duo composed of Kwajo Cinqo and Dolo quickly gained fame for his bold music. It is important to remember that the prolific rapper Infinity was a member of the group when they started.

At a time when hip-hop was still establishing itself as an influential musical genre in Canada, Ghetto Concept helped shape the sound and identity of the Canadian scene. Their humble beginnings in underground rap battles led them to create songs that reflected the realities of urban neighborhoods while addressing often-overlooked social issues.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1998, captivated listeners with tracks like EZ On Tha Motion. Ghetto Concept still active today, still enjoys a loyal and diverse fan base.

The legacy of Ghetto Concept continues to resonate in the Canadian musical landscape. As pioneers of hip-hop, they paved the way for a new generation of artists. Their influence is felt not only in the music, but also in the way they have helped shape the cultural conversation in Canada.

Kardinal Offishall 

Kardinal Offishall, a true icon of Canadian Hip-Hop, quickly rose to the top of the international music scene. Born Jason Harrow has Toronto, he stood out with his exceptional talent and inimitable style. From the very beginning of his career, he took the rap world by storm with his captivating energy.

Known for his ability to blend diverse musical influences, Kardinal Offishall brought a breath of fresh air to the hip-hop landscape. He was able to put elements of reggae and dancehall into his rap, creating a distinctive sound of his own. The song Old time killin is a perfect example. This innovative and original approach has earned him the respect of his fans as well as his peers.

Over the years, Kardinal Offishall has managed to maintain a constant presence on the international scene thanks to collaborations with renowned global artists including Rihanna. His famous song Dangerous in collaboration with Akon has taken his career to the next level, becoming a global success. This ability to cross musical and linguistic boundaries is a testament to his great versatility and versatility. 

In addition to his musical success, Kardinal Offishall is also recognized for his social and humanitarian commitment. He uses his fame to raise awareness of social issues and support important causes, including education and youth development. His influence as a positive role model and his desire to give back make him much more than just a rapper.

Kardinal Offishall paved the way for other Canadian artists in the hip-hop industry. His legacy continues today through his music, his community involvement, and his inspiring role for future generations of Canadian artists.

The Canadian rap legend Kardinal Offishall announced that he has joined the Def Jam team as their latest global A&R, where he will work alongside CEO Tunji Balogun and Executive VP LaTrice Burnette. He revealed the news on his Instagram page.

HISTORICAL BONUS

Mr. Q

McGee, Jay W aka Mr. Q, was born on January 23, 1950 and died on January 8, 2021, Jay W. McGee was much more than an American-Canadian musician; he was the true pioneer of rap in Canada. His musical legacy, imbued with originality and creativity, left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene and beyond. His crucial role in the evolution of the rap genre in the country cannot be ignored, as evidenced by his memorable contribution under the stage name Mr. QThis distinction makes him Canada's first recognized rapper, unless evidence to the contrary emerges.

His musical career took off in Toronto in 1974, where he quickly gained notoriety by collaborating with various groups such as Giant Step, Salongo and Crack of Dawn. However, it is under the stage name Mr. Q that Jay W. McGee left an indelible mark on the history of Canadian rap. In 1979, he was spotted by George Lewis from Monica's Productions for his contribution to Ladies Delight, an innovative response to the famous song Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.

This bold initiative marks the beginning of a series of rap/hip-hop songs that have marked the rise of the genre in Canada. Among these, DJ Style, Rapping Time, Party, Party and Party Rapp have captivated the public with their contagious energy and originality. Particular mention should be made of Party Rapp, which explicitly refers to the Mississauga train crash in 1979, thus testifying to the concern of McGee to reflect local realities in his works.

In 1982, Jay W. McGee has taken a new step by releasing his first solo album entitled Over & Over. The album included the memorable single When We Party (Uptown, Downtown), which set dance floors ablaze while reflecting his distinctive musical style. Although the song was a club hit, its reach on the music charts was limited due to financial constraints that prevented McGee to go on a large-scale tour. Yet his talent and creativity continued to shine through works such as Another Love in Your Life, from his album Survivor released in 1988. This song was honored with a nomination at the prestigious Juno Awards in the category of Best R&B Soul Recording Performance.

His commitment to music, his indelible contribution to the development of rap in Canada and his ability to address social issues in his works have made him an exceptional artist. Jay W. McGee remains to this day the first recognized rapper from Canada.

To be continued in the next publication...

Archives: Originally published September 9, 2023 on Hip-Hop Nation, the former platform of Hip-Hop Magazine.

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