Toronto, ON – The talent inside Embassy Night Club was truly a sight. Many of Toronto’s brightest creative minds slapped hands and tipped their bartenders in celebration of Boi-1da’s birthday. The atmosphere reeked of camaraderie as 1da’s long list of hits, a few of which have dominated this past year, rang through the speakers over and over again. “Last name ever, first name greatest” sent a pulse through the room as “Forever,” arguably 1da’s biggest placement, put its mark on the party of the same name.
And with such an accomplished year, 1da’s birthday not only meant a celebration of his success, but also almost a reunion of his class of Toronto’s urban music industry. Richie Sosa made an entrance with the biggest walk for a small man since Yosemite Sam. Northern Profit, Soundsmith, J Staffz and Beat Juggernaut added to the potent producer power in the building. DJ Swiss, Sunny Diamond, Fire Kid Steenie, Future Da Prince, T-ReXx, paid tribute with their influence and crowd command. For a relatively young urban music scene, the class of artists that are shaping the sounds coming out of this city is really scary. And sometimes it takes events like this for even someone like me to take count of just how many headliners and game changers are working Toronto on any given night.
“Forever” seemed a fitting title in its lack of finality. Because last night marked a moment in time that optimistically suggests this won’t be the last year the people we party with prove their music is some of the best to party to.
Caught this on NR. As we’ve stated before, music isn’t the only part of the game that Toronto is killing right now. Take a look at the new line of footwear out of the Goodfoot/Nomad/Ransom family (United Front). One in every pair please lol! Hit the jump for the release party info!
Director and Editor: Warren Credo
Producer: Jason Reid (Ransom)
D.O.P: John Palanca and Ray Mendoza (5E)
Talent: Justin Toledo and Kenneth Sim
“Ransom was founded by Matt George in 2003 as a logical bridge between Goodfoot, our original sneaker culture shop and Nomad, our contemporary fashion shop for men.” – Matthew Langille
A great example of what you can put together with a small budget and some creativity. The video is promoting an upcoming event at Ryerson:
J.Reyez, Chinx and krNfx will be performing at the Beat Down Hip Hop Dance Competition in Toronto @ the Ryerson Theatre on Oct. 24th! For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.feelthebeat.ca.
“I’ve been hearing about this record for quite sometime. And I must say… it’s pretty dope (although it still might be an unfinished version). Off Timbaland’s Shock Value 2. Shouts to DJ Neptune.”
Update via NR: “Both the bonus joints had ref(erence) in the filenames so it’s safe to say they aren’t finished as well. Believe It Or Not is a Gucci track featuring Drake and neither will be on Thank Me Later.”
This interview/feature eats most indy hip-hop music videos lol. Sick. Seen on HHC.
Director: Charles Officer
As a kid, rapper Derek Christoff worshiped the first generation of Toronto’s hip-hop stars. But when he discovered the underground hip-hop party Planet Mars, he had an opportunity to become one of them. After winning his first live battle at a Planet Mars open mic at age 15, he was embraced for his exceptional talents and became part of the city’s exploding hip-hop scene. D-Sisive was born. In the guise of his alter-ego Orville Knoblich, the Juno-nominated rapper takes us back to the site of Planet Mars in Kensington Market to recreate the old battlegrounds where he fought his way to the top. Featuring a cast of characters from the city’s urban music community and some fierce freestyling on the streets of Kensington Market.
Last night I checked out a hilarious play starring my good friend and awesomely talented actor Ravi Jain, co-starring equally impressive Adam Paolozza. This play goes through the trials and tribulations of the corporate world and it’s totally out of whack stance on our world economy. Be prepared to ride a roller-coaster of emotions as you follow these two on their journey from the top of the ladder to the bottom…
