WINDSOR HIP-HOP OVERLOOKED AGAIN!!!!!

[kayce]

This was an article posted at Allhiphop.com called "Canadian Invasion"
By Jesse Plunkett

Canada is an incubator for world class entertainment. Actors, musicians, and athletes have all established global success in many arenas. Our hip-hop scene, however, despite an immense amount of talent, hasn’t popped on a grand scale yet. Some chalk it up to the size of our population and a lack of local support, others point to a lack of infrastructure and flowing capital. Artists have struggled to get heard and have even more trouble getting their records distributed to the music buying public.

Likely, the true answer falls within a of all these possibilities. The solution falls within improving on these factors (where possible) and keeping the movement headed forward. I’ve witnessed a genuine growth in support in recent years and an increasingly stern sense of national pride – the type needed to emulate the success-breeding unity of the Dirty South or the raw grit and grind of the Mid-West in recent years.

On a recent trip to New York City, my eyes were opened to the amount of support Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous" single was receiving south of the border. As one of the main focuses of Akon’s Kon Live imprint, Kardinal is preparing for the release of his 4th studio album, Not 4 Sale. With a strong a US buzz as new ground, fans and industry heads alike are keeping their eyes peeled for the type of impact Not 4 Sale will make after its late summer release.


As an avid reader of AllHipHop, I was extremely pleased when I got word from Odeisel that a Canada Week special was looming. I’m using this opportunity to put you up on some important upcoming releases from Canadian artists.

Mayhem Morearty, hailing from Toronto’s West-end (in a hood known as Jungle), will be releasing his official album debut titled The Audiobiography September 8th on Mosaic Music/KOCH.

Mayhem has established himself as one of Toronto’s hardest working artists and has the promotional discography to prove it. Countless mixtapes, videos and performances have accumulated the type of buzz needed to make The Audiobiography a success.
It remains one of the most anticipated debuts coming out of Canada’s Eastsides.
Going to Canada’s West coast, Vancouver’s Checkmate and Concise are wrapping up the release of their African Kings album under their group-name, Defenders of the Faith.
Checkmate was featured on the late 90’s Rascalz single titled “Northern Touch” which remains a Canadian anthem till this day. Vancouver producer, DJ Kemo, who produced “Northern Touch” has formed a new production crew named “The Vanguards” who were the production brains behind Kardi’s “Dangerous”.
Kemo has also been working with some of Van City’s next generation of artists including Young Kazh and Tre Nyce.
Calgary’s Deezuz recently dropped his album debut, Souldenera which has pumped new life into the scene out in Southern Alberta. The album featured various guest appearances including Kool G Rap, Sean Price and Vancouver’s, Moka Only, who recently put out Volume 2 of his album Airport.
Edmonton’s E-Dot, who resides in Brooklyn and was introduced to fans via his connection to Uncle Howie Records has connected with soulful Toronto singer and producer, Darp Malone to release a self-titled album under the moniker of HERO. Some viral internet searches should make it easy to track down the vast array of remixes and videos the duo have put out.
Heading East to the Maritimes, just outside of Halifax in Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s fan favorites. Classified has 12 albums under his belt and recently completed a sold-out Canada-wide tour for his album While You Were Sleeping, a greatest hits release used to introduce his vast catalog of material to newer fans. He’s currently working on his 13th project, The Day Before Tomorrow and developing his label, HalfLife Records which is home to various up and coming artists including J-Bru, Chad Hatcher and his younger brother, Mic Boyd.
Back to the streets of Toronto, hailing from Regent Park is a crew with one of the largest followings on Canada’s Eastside. Point Blank is currently preparing for the August 19th release of their self-titled album debut on Tilt Rock/KOCH and they’ve recently released their latest video single, “God Only Knows” which features Mark McKay. Earlier in the year, their “Born and Raised in the Ghetto” remix garnered them national attention and a high level of public anticipation for the album’s release. Keep your eyes open for that one.
Before leaving Toronto, it’s important to mention Bishop Brigante AKA The Gambling Man who is preparing for the Fall release of his album The Poker Face which was recorded in 10 days, with 10 different producers, banging out a total of 10 different tracks. AllHipHop readers might remember IllSeed’s recent posting of his “Hard Times” video or his role as the low-end dealer killed by Ray Liotta in the movie “N.A.R.C.”
A quick look into the Canadian spectrum of hip-hop wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the immense talent coming from our Francophone artists. To mention just a few, one of the biggest names holding down Real City, Montreal is Sans Pression (SP) who is likely one of the most recognizable French Canadian artists nationwide and across the Atlantic in France. SP recently put out a new album called “La Tendance Se Maintenant” which has been extremely well received by his fans. Another project, although out since the beginning of the year but definitely worth mentioning, is the latest release from Imposs titled “Mon Poing D'Vue”. Imposs is best known internationally from his group Muzion and work with artists such as Wyclef.
Ending off this summary is our nation’s capital, Ottawa. Belly is set to drop his next mixtape with Whoo Kid and will follow that up with a collaborative album with Kurupt. The 2 originally linked up on a big single titled “I’m The Man” from Belly’s double-CD album debut, The Revolution which was certified Gold in Canada and recently picked up the Best Hip-Hop Video award at the MuchMusic Video Awards.
Internally, HipHopCanada remains focused on the growth of the Canadian hip-hop scene and we recently launched our record label, HipHopCanada Digital, in partnership with KOCH Entertainment Canada. The first artist we’ve signed is Gangis Khan AKA Camoflauge who hails from Scarborough, on the Eastside of Toronto and has recently sparked a huge buzz locally that we hope to really push to the next level. We begin work on his album later this year.
Hopefully this little summary of the Canadian HIp-Hop scene gets you interested and excited. The scene is fresh and hungry and artists from East to West are looking to make that crucial impact south of our border and overseas. Stay tuned, we’re coming.

Jesse Plunkett is Founder/Co-President of HipHopCanada.com http://www.HipHopCanada.com

Now notice that it was written East to West fresh and hungry artists...NO MENTION of the Southern region..EVEN though Essex Court, Nekos, Academy and Miclordz have all either been FEATURED, INTERVIEWED or had music POSTED in the AUDIO SECTION!!! This board needs to stop supporting an outside scene that doesnt support us!! Like WHO ARE half of those artists that got mentioned in that article and does anybody here even LISTEN to their music? REALLY no dissing but COME ON show some LOVE!!!! But you know what its ALL GOOD...on ACADEMYS END we gone MAKE THEM PAY ATTENTION!!!!!WINDSOR HIP-HOP STAND UP!!

Oh yeah Im not taking a shot at Jessie cuz he cool..but it is what it is....

[Ansari]

You are taking shots at Jesse because he wrote the article. And if you're going to be upset that Windsor Hip Hop was overlooked, are you tearing up inside over Yukon Hip Hop being overlooked? Manitoba Hip Hop? Newfoundland Hip Hop? Saskatchewan Hip Hop? Northwest Territories Hip Hop? Etc etc.

Southern Ontario got more coverage than any other region and you're still upset...

How do you expect to make it in such a cut throat industry when you take everything so personal?

[Jordan Jones]

i'm surprised they didn't write anything about Drake.. I personally think he's the best in Canada and he has that one song w/ trey songz too...

I'm glad he shouted out class and SP tho, i like those guys too they both are sweet and i also think they are two of the hardest working canadian artists.

[kayce]

First of all.... I wasn't taking shots at Jessie....because there's a few so called Canadian hip-hop media or whatever who don't cover "Canadian hip-hop" just Toronto hip-hop..and no I'm tearing up for Yukon Hip Hop being overlooked, Manitoba Hip Hop, Newfoundland Hip Hop, Saskatchewan Hip Hop, Northwest Territories Hip Hop, Etc etc. WHY? Because I'm doing music here in WINDSOR. Thats my number one priority now If rappers/hip-hop artists from those regions feel they are being overlooked then on whatever forum that they have available they can speak on it. But thanks for showing that they didnt any mention either....
And ok.. there are hundreds of other artists who didnt get mentioned. Artist that I like and have music from or know personally. But once again.. my concern is for Windsor hip-hop. Which does have a talented pool of artists, who are doing things and making moves. Alot of them outside of Canada because they feel they will be slighted dealing with Toronto.

"Wouldn't there have been 5000 rappers all over Canada saying the same thing about Academy if you guys were in the article? Probably.. but to acknowledge the fact that there is hip-hop here would've been nice better yet validation. Also the fact remains..ask around from here to London about half of the those rappers mentioned..better yet ask the DJ's do any of those artists songs get play in the club? Mayhem Morearty didnt draw much interest when he was scheduled to perform in Windsor, Nor did Belly(who by the way said on Shade45 that he doesn't even WORK with or know alot of Canadian rappers), Bishop Brigante with JD Era and Johnny Roxx show in Windsor got cancelled because of low expected ticket sales.
K'os should thank the Miclordz for a decent turnout for his last show here. Kardinal Offishal had a OK turnout because alotta people didn't believe he was coming here and then he ROCKED the show and showed the people and hip-hop acts here love, did a drop for DJ Needles radio show and gave Academy props on our set and music.
When I talked to some people from Urbanology magazine at the 411"Is Hip-Hop Dead?" workshop at the University of Windsor about why Canadian hip-hop isn't more widespread.. they thought it was because of recording opportunities and the quality of the music. I said its because the main "hot-spots" don't recognize all of its regions so more people would know about the artists and their music.

But once again this wasn't a personal attack on Jessie. He gave Academy and Miclordz an opportunity to be featured on HiphopCanada.com and speaking on Academy's behalf we do appreciate that but I'm not the only one who feels like "what about us?"

[On tha low Brotha]

Kayce,home boy i see you,and all i can say is that we just have to keep it moving,and keep kicking in doors to get those in the positions of booking power to book us.

But with that being said,we also have to come to the realization that our music has to be acceptable to the booking agents/talent buyers for us to even have half a chance to get booked on some shows outside of windsor.

I say this because i've been lurking on the dot spot,and i'm seeing that ALOT of booking agents/talent buyers,clubs aren't booking live hip hop acts because they don't want "gangsta street artists " because they're worried about violence jumping off in their spot.

But at the same time,they don't openly acknowledge that when they have white punk and rock bands do shows in their clubs,violence jumps off as well.

I've said it enough times on this spot,and the dot spot,that if we really want to get on,it won't happen in these streets or any other canadian streets.

This country isn't built for hip hop to be a success,and it definitely isn't wanted,when you stop and take a hard look at who is really getting exposure on canadian media outlets,for the most part,it's white rock bands,and pop artists from both canada,and the stars n stripes.

The sooner ya'll get your business game on point,the sooner you'll realize that it's time to pack it up and relocate.

[MzBrilliance]

Well, I have been MIA on here for months but I do want to say something about this. I agree with you Kayyce, not just cuz you are who u are to me but because YOU'RE RIGHT! I got love for Jesse and HHC (since I am supposed to be the writer for the Windsor area) but you are right!

[WORDSMITH]

Let's be honest if yall want em to look you have to make them...................

Take Mayhem.....(Peace Top Soze N All The Fam)dude didnt get to where he is overnight he grinded harder then anyone ive seen n thats word......he had to of or he wouldnt be in the situation he's in today....everything he did was on point............dont think dudes a loan ranger he put together a good team n grinded hard.........


with that said everyone just gotta grind harder if yall truly want it.......

look at richy.........f***in grinder since he was mad young...................It's The Grind......n the grind means everything.to who you are what your about the quality of your product........the quality of you as a person.............the list is infinite..Trust..........They gonna be lookin this way hard.........trust...........Just Gotta make em loook at you

Stay Blessed All

Aug 20th 2008

HTTP://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JESSEWORDSMITH



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[On tha low Brotha]

Big ups to mayhem,home boys really putting the dot on lock.

[Belushi]

Good look to the fam at UGSMAG for the link. I know Jesse, I'm familiar with the article and will post my own opinion to yours since they are very clearly different:

My opinion: I like the article, I like that it covered things from Vancouver to Halifax and various cities in between. I like that it even included the francaphone scene and focused completly on people with upcoming ALBUM releases.

My opinion of your opinion:

He says in the article that what he wrote is a brief summary of things going on in the scene. He mentioned things from East to West and even the French scene, and probably worked with a word count limit like most writers do. To expect him to mention every single city in one brief article is ridiculous...

It's also further proof that tooooo many Canadian artists feel like they're entitled to everything simply for "being". Not one artist mentioned in there isn't making movements that aren't worth mentioning... what makes you more relevant then them? and if you aren't up on them then you should be using an article like this as a way of finding out who they are since ultimately they are your "competition" in the Canadian scene, right? that's your call though, do you. Bashing something positive for that reason doesn't add up to me... especially to an organization that has shown support for your movement.

From what I took from the article, and from what Jesse was hinting at when I spoke to him a few weeks back, it's a first Canadian update of the scene for the American audience at Allhiphop... the first of more to come I'm guessing (and hoping). It's a good look for AHH to be showcasing Canadian news and I think we have Kardinal's recent buzz to thank for that.

And if another summary IS written I'd be surprised if it didn't include other artists and other scenes... how do you expect a summary to be written including EVERY CITY... in one short article?

it's just real hard to process that you're shitting on something positive for the Canadian scene because you didn't get a mention... if there was any poetic justice you would lose out on the possibility of any future mentions for that reason alone... I know, "you're not shitting on Jesse" but as Ansari pointed out above, it is what it is.

you could always write an article about the windsor scene and submit it to allhiphop right?

B-613
belushi613@gmail.com

[On tha low Brotha]

[quote="Belushi"]
Bashing something positive for that reason doesn't add up to me... especially to an organization that has shown support for your movement.[/quote]

I think what you might not realize, is that it's only been recently that some cats from windsor have been getting that shine on HHC,for the longest time,cats outside of windsor for the most part,looked at windsor as a part of detroit so it wasn't relevant, or it wasn't canadian enough, or worse,a part of the canadian hip hop movement in canada that just didn't exist.

I think what a lot of cats are feeling is that they have been glossed over,like no one in windsor has been doing any shows,when actually they have been.

So i really don't think it's been a matter of artists from windsor bashing on jesse,i just think that you,and others have failed to realize that windsor artists haven't just started doing shows since 07,we've been doing shows for quite a while.