Grand Groove TV chops it up with Big Soxx before he hits the stage with Andreena Mill at the 2009 Stylus Awards. Kinda late considering the awards were at the end of May but Stylus footage seems to be seeping out slowly (just came across this). Check out GrandGrooveTV for more interviews from the awards show. (Big shouts to Jacks & Royale!)

Understandably there were a lot of parties in Toronto last week and one of the many artists who came through was DJ Spinna who performed a set down at Sunnyside Pavillion on Sunday.

Didn’t make it to this show, but Spinna was here earlier in the year at Revival with the Michael Jackson vs. Prince  Soul Slam where he put down an excellent MJ-leaning set before the King of Pop died and Spinna showed why he is one of the most eclectic accomplished DJs around.

Set aside his SoulSlam parties, his Wonder-full Stevie Wonder events  and his house music sets, DJ Spinna is also an accomplished hip-hop producer,  producing a number of essential tracks for the pioneering indie label Rawkus among others, as well as having his own group the Jigmastas. His latest album Sonic Smash is a return to hip-hop for Spinna and it was released a couple of weeks back. Cityonmyback.com contributor Kevin Jones had the chance to speak to him for Exclaim! magazine.

DJ Spinna: Interview

DJ Spinna feat. Fresh Daily and Daniel Joseph – “Summer Madness” from Sonic Smash

Seen on 2DB!

From MastaU4u:

“Mr. Peter Parker interviews K’naan. They talk about how it feels for him to be the first big somalia artist and what Micheal Jackson meant to k’naan. ‘Mr. Peter Parker Presents how hard do you hustle vol 8 K’naan live in mpls’ drops august 12 at mrpeterparker.com“

Finally, the video of the interview (thanks to Ian from DK for the headsup!)

Blake Carrington is one of the many promising new-era come-up kids revitalizing the Megacity scene in ’09. From his feature on Famous’ “Kid Tryin To Make It” to his new single “Dream Girl” (vote for it on The MCC), Blake’s definitely got character and alot of jokes! In this interview he talks about his humble beginnings with BFDM, the importance of artist development and his definition of a “Dream Girl”.  Cool interview but whoever edited it needs to turn the volume up on Blake’s audio.

From Toronto’s Public Eye

Shouts to the Freqs who welcomed Toronto’s own Marco Polo and one of Brooklyn’s finest Torae to their show Monday night to talk about their new album Double Barrel. Torae blesses the mic too. Part 2 after this… (more…)

Good interview discussing Troubadour, upcoming projects and K’naan’s signature fedoras (lol!)

Shouts to K’naan repping The Megacity & Somalia beautifully!

Seen on NR.

Check DJBooth.net for more interviews.

Previously: K’naan x Consequence Freestyle

Yes, I know this is ‘old’ (it’s almost a year to the day it was first posted on youtube) but it’s a great interview that  not everyone’s seen. Pharrell’s reaction to the records Nardwuar pulls out is priceless! Makes me believe he’d probably enjoy being on OTA Talk.

“I hear it all the time — ‘Yo, he should let the young guys, the new generation of guys come in.’ But you don’t become the front-runner in music because someone lets you. You have to claim your shoes,”

Peep the full interview HERE.

Contra Mag had the privilege of hanging out with Melanie Fiona while she was in her home town of Toronto for a few days before heading out to Europe for the launch of her album (in stores in Canada NOW!!!). The afternoon began at Rolly’s Garage, taking in some art, where she talks about her relationship with ?uestLove, her new album – The Bridge, and Toronto. Then it was off to Greg’s Ice Cream on Bloor Street for some delicious cold treats and over to Coal for some custom designs courtesy of Brazen Hussy.

Shouts to my man Trung for the clip!