The HMV on Yonge Street was blanketed in young people Monday anticipating the
arrival of Toronto’s hip hop heavy weight, Drake. He was in town signing copies of his highly
anticipated sophomore album Take Care. A girl in the crowd boasts she drove from Florida just
to be at the in-store autograph session, while others brag about spending the night in line so they
could receive the coveted signature of the most successful rapper to ever come out of Toronto.
Drake’s success has reinvigorated the love of hip hop in the city as well as proven that Toronto is
not only a viable hip hop market but also a place to discover new talent.
Tommy Spitz a local rapper hopes that as American record labels begin to take notice and flock
to the true North they will scoop up his brand of storytelling.
Spitz often uses Greek words and phrases in his songs and titles to pay homage to his Greek
roots and set his musical style apart.
Although his rap style has garnered him notoriety and fans in the city Spitz was adamant that,
“rap wasn’t paying the bills” and warned young people to be careful in making this their career.
Spitzo as he is affectionately called by fans said he would leave Toronto to follow his dreams of
fame, “I love my city, but it sucks, it’s like your family, you’re supposed to love them”
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| Tommy Spitz being interviewed outside Fusion radio Photo by: T. Tapambwa |
Hip hop in Toronto is multifaceted and popping up everywhere, billboards promoting Drake's
new album are all over the city. It seems that hip hop is on every street and alleyway of Toronto,
hip hop is even in the church.
Yung Saintz a gospel hip hop group is taking their love of hip hop and fusing it with the
positivity of gospel music to give hip hop in Toronto a spiritual connection. Some may think
that gospel focused hip hop would only be appeal to a niche market, however Young Saintz
positive message is relatable to a broad audience of all ages, races and sexes.
Members Geoffrey and Kadeen say they choose to focus on a positive message because
they were raised in the church and were inspired by a hip hop group that was in their church.
When asked about difficulties in reaching their audience because of their message Kadeen said:
“Sometimes it might be hard because it is not the music their used too, but when they actually sit
down and hear it, it is interesting because we put a spin on it and give you an educational
lesson.”
Geoffrey mentioned the need for “more positive messages in hip hop.”
And points out the success of Kna’an’s Waving Flag as proof that Canadian hip hop can be
positive and commercially successful. Both Kadeen and Geoffrey urge Canadians to show more
support to our own artists instead of waiting for America to pre-approve them for us.
But as a whole they believe the future is bright,
“Drake has opened a door and there is a lot of promise, we are the hot spot right now” Geoffrey
said.
Hip hop is not only about the rap or rapper. The producer is a key factor in the production of
an authentic, crowd pleasing hit. A portion of Drake’s success can be credited to the production
of his So Far Gone mix tape. Boi1da a local producer did much of the production on the mix
tape that helped Drake land a deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Cash Money label. Boi1da
has also gone on to have a successful career in the music industry.
This summer he along with two American producers judged the annual Battle of the Beat Makers
competition. The weekend of schmoozing held in August culminates with the big battle, held at
the Opera House. The battle pits the beats of two producers against one another till the 32
producers are reduced to one winner, who receives $10,000 in cash and equipment as well as
bragging rights.
Bazil Rush Macintosh a D.J turned producer is a 15 year veteran to the Toronto hip hop scene,
and competed in this year’s battle, making it to the third round before being eliminated.
Rush appreciates the platform but believes more organization is needed in the event
“A lot of the beats sounded like what is out there now, they should focus on new sounds.” He
said.
In previous years the competition was divided into categories, however, this year they opted for a
free for all format.
When asked if he would compete in the 2012 Battle of the Beat Makers, Rush smiled and said
“Probably.”
The producer believes the industry has changed a lot in the past couple years.
“Before you had to save your money and buy a lot of expensive equipment, but now you can get
programs like Fruity Loops for free, so now the industry is crowded with producers.”
Regarding the success of Drake, Rush stated:
“Drake started a style, and everyone you here now is copying it”
The future of the Toronto hip hop sound is promising. Raekwon a founding member of Wu
Tang Clan recently launched a record label in the city and his first order of business was to sign local rapper JD Era.
Daniel Worthy a.k.a King D is part of the new big dreaming young movement that is revitalizing
hip hop everywhere. Worthy is a rapper turned producer, he credits the switch to his need as a
rapper for his own original sound or beat and his inability to find it. So Worthy turned to the
internet and downloaded the free Fruity Loops production software and has been making beats
ever since.
Worthy hopes he can follow the example of Drake and Boi1da and break into the mainstream.
“Drake’s success made a big difference, now they (American labels) see a Toronto artists can
make it and go on to be one of the greatest to ever do it. Drake put the spotlight on Toronto now”
Worthy thinks competitions like Battle of the Beat Makers provide great exposure, and he
may compete in the 2012 competition.
When asked about the future of hip hop in Toronto Worthy optimistically said,
“Toronto in the next five years could be on the same level as New York in terms of hip hop
culture.”
He went on to say:
“I hope in Toronto the music scene grows, because we have a lot of good talent here and we need
to be heard.”
Drake’s new album is in stores now, and as he embarks on a series of tours across North
America you can be sure many local artists and producers will be watching his every move
anticipating their own fame and cheering him on with Canadian true patriot love.
