Toronto, ON – An essential foundation of hip-hop culture is the ability to identify mediocrity and then use creativity to exceed any previous standard. A combination of passion and admirable work ethic has proven to take our society to a whole new level- add a whole lot of heart, and you have the story of Canadian hip-hop.

Anyone who has remotely paid attention to the cycle of our urban community can easily spot that talent is plenty and structure has been minimal, however we’ve never lacked the desire to thrive. From Michie Mee, to Kardinal and now to the incredible story of Drake, we’ve lost a few things but never spirit.

Boi-1da has been an influential part of the current growth happening in our industry. As the beat maker behind the Billboard chart-topper “Best I Ever Had” and the current banger “Forever” featuring Kanye West, Eminem, Lil Wayne and Drake – 1da is creating an international presence. I had to chance to go to 1da’s house and really get a glimpse into what his world is like (Shout-out to his 10-year old brother, Mikey who does the best Lil Wayne impression).

HipHopCanada celebrated with Boi-1da on October 16th at Embassy nightclub in Toronto as he turned 23 years old.

HipHopCanada: Congrats on the Grammy pre-nominations – where were you when you first heard the news?

Boi-1da: I was in LA in my hotel room and then HustleGRL told me. I was shocked.

HipHopCanada: Who was the first person you told?

Boi-1da: My sister.

HipHopCanada: How has your family responded to your success?

Boi-1da: Before they were sceptical that someone is going to make it when billions are doing it – but my dad has known Drake for years, so he sees the big things he’s doing. He finally acknowledges that we’re doing really successful things – except that my brother says I’m too famous to hang around with him.

HipHopCanada: What would you be if you weren’t a producer?

Boi-1da: I always wanted to be a basketball player until I discovered Pizza Pockets.

HipHopCanada: [Laughing] You were recently at the Timbaland listening party in LA, right?

Boi-1da: Yeah, and he has a track with Drake. As soon as it was played, the girls went crazy!

Read the full interview here!