SonReal lets off “As I Recall” – a new joint produced by Classified.

“Where’s Waldo” is out now!

Previously: NEW MIXTAPE: SonReal – Where’s Waldo

After inhaling “Wicked Games” for a good week and a half I’m def looking forward to taking this one in and getting to know more about this dude/group/whatever they are. Between that joint and the Frank Ocean stuff it’s def been a good great couple weeks for R&B. Even better though is that this ish is from here. Via MissInfo:

That was quick, after giving us “Coming Down” Toronto’s own The Weeknd drops the House Of Balloons mixtape. The nine-track project includes his first three releases that got a lot of attention online: “In The Morning”, “Loft Music” and “What You Need”, plus four brand new tracks.

DOWNLOAD: The Weeknd – House Of Balloons

Previous: NEW MUSIC: The Weeknd – Wicked Games

New artists Connected By Blood drop “To The Top”. If you missed it a couple months ago check out their video for “Wide Eyes” too (which uses footage from the G20 weekend pretty effectively). Both directed by Next Level Productions.

Previous: NEW VIDEO: C.B.B. – Wide Eyes

Phat Tony and Theo 3 drop their anticipated collabo project The 2 Week EP which was put together over a two week period in December. Money from the project goes towards the Beatz To Da Streetz program (more info below) so now’s a good a time as any to actually purchase the music (via the Bandcamp). Here’s all the info:

Toronto Hip Hop heavyweight Theo3 (DJ Eclipse’s 2010 Sleeper song of the year “It’s Theo3”) and much sought after producer Phat Tony created the eclectic and richly textured “2 Week EP” during 14 days in December. Phat Tony constructed a living, breathing musical landscape while Emcee Theo3 slid in the upstairs studio everyday after work as Coordinator of the newly opened Parkdale Youth Space in downtown west Toronto. The result is a descriptive and genre blending menu of social awareness, tongue in cheek braggadocio and topical rhymes laid out over an eye popping array of soulful musical productions. The deft mixing touch of legendary Toronto DJ and producer Scam of Time Bandits music gives the whole “2 Week EP” a new dimension of fullness and Universal appeal.

2 weeks to create, 2 weeks to mix and 2 weeks from the Beatz to the Streetz graduate showcase on January 25th 2011, Phat Tony & Theo3 release “the 2 week EP” with the goal of raising $1500 for Toronto youth program Beatz to da Streetz. Purchase it now at yungsanta.bandcamp.com for $3 and up!

Beatz to da Streetz is a youth-led arts program that aims to provide a safe and supportive space for youth ages 16-24. The program leverages the powerful connection between young people and music to promote opportunities for creative expression and self-discovery, building life skills opening access to professional mentorship, education and income generation for marginalized youth ages 16-24. The program reintegrates youth with their communities and gives supports for achieving long-term livelihood development

Phat Tony & Theo3 are Toronto Hip Hop artists with an extensive track record of International success and critical acclaim. With 2 highly rotated singles to their credit, How I Flow part 1 and Turnaroundagain!, fans have eagerly anticipated the new release. Stream & Purchase the 2 Week EP today. Blog it, Share it and Play it Loud!!

Previous: NEW VIDEO: Phat Tony & Theo 3 “Just Tryin’ To Provide (Yung Santa)” (Directed by Theo 3)

Via 1LoveTO.com! RapCity airs Thursdays at 10pm on Much!

UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada,
Presents The 2011 UrbFresh Urban Music Showcases during JunoFest

Two-night event celebrating the 2011 urban music nominees

For Immediate Release

Toronto – In an unprecedented merger of talents & commitment, UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) & The JUNO Award Urban Music Committees, have come together to fete the best and brightest from urban music in Canada during the 2011 JunoFest activities.  As the JUNO Awards celebrate their 40th Anniversary in Toronto, UrbFresh will also honour urban music’s contribution to the Canadian & global music culture over that same period.

“The Association couldn’t be happier! UMAC looks forward to growing UrbFresh‘s stature, visibility & star power for years to come at JunoFest!”, stated UMAC President Will Strickland.

Featuring stellar performances from 2011 Rap, Reggae and R&B Soul nominees Karl Wolf, Eternia & MoSS, Silver, Tony Anthony, D-Sisive, Elaine Lil’ Bit Shepherd and more, UrbFresh will be hosted by the Cornerstones of Canadian Rap, Wes “Maestro” Williams and Michie Mee and is poised to be one of the most dynamic presentations during JunoFest.

The 2011 UrbFresh Urban Music Showcases happen on both Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th at Toronto’s Hard Rock Café, 279 Yonge Street (at Yonge/Dundas Square).  Doors open at 9pm. Tickets are $15 at the door or use your JunoFest Wristband ($30 each), which provides priority entry over both nights (subject to capacity).

For more information on JunoFest: www.junofest.ca

About The Organizations:

UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, is a member-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to building the domestic and international profile of Canadian urban music. As the lone music industry service provider for urban music in Canada & the work of Canadian urban artists, UMAC offers professional development services to help music industry workers succeed as cultural entrepreneurs.

For more information: http://www.umacunited.com

About CARAS:

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on the 40th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ (CARAS) website please visit www.junoawards.ca or www.carasonline.ca

For more information: http://www.carasonline.ca

Media Enquiries:

Melissa (MelBoogie) Langley
Director of Communications
UMAC, the Urban Music Association of Canada
melboogiemedia@sympatico.ca
416-436-6352

http://www.umacunited.com

Meghan McCabe
Manager, Communications
CARAS/ The JUNO Awards
meghan@junoawards.ca

345 Adelaide Street West, 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario  M5V 1R5
www.junoawards.ca | www.carasonline.ca
www.musicounts.ca | www.musicompte.ca

Very cool. Can’t wait to see the shots.

Kardinal Offishall stars in the first edition of “Once Assembled” by photographer Bobby O’neill. The fine art photographic collection features a selection of historic landmarks where people “Once Assembled” to create culturally significant works of art. In the Toronto edition of the collection Bobby focuses on significant landmarks in Canadian hip hop history and has chosen Kardinal to be the featured Artist. The photographic exhibition will coincide with the CBC’s Hip Hop Summit concert scheduled for March 29, 2011, and will be displayed in foyer of the historic Glen Gould theatre. As an added bonus Kardinal has been asked to give a brief description of how each landmark played a significant role in the development of his career.

Directed by Polymedia Design.

New artist Paul Dhillon hooks up with Big Pops & Pilzbury for “Truth Or Dare”.

Paul Dhillon – Truth Or Dare (Prod. Big Pops)

New artist Justin Barz does his thing over Phat Kat’s “Cold Steel” beat (produced by Dilla). He wasn’t lying when he said there’s a lot of artists in the city. Welcome to the boat buddy.

Via FGM!

Ms. Fiona performs two nice new joints off her upcoming “MF Life” project – “Change The Record” and “Rock, Paper, Scissors” – during her performance on the “Music Matters Tour” tour with Marsha Ambrosius.

Second song after the jump!

Previously: VIDEO: Melanie Fiona “It Kills Me” (Live on The Steve Harvey Project)

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