Recap: 5th Annual Northern Power Summit Inspires Greatness

The Northern Power Summit recently took place on February 20th, 2021. This year’s event was called BLACK365 and was a virtual conference put on in partnership with Believe Music with an aim to provide education and tools, in addition to access to individuals who can help Canadian artists and industry professionals develop their careers. With workshops running from 1-6pm the summit was an informative event with a comfortable atmosphere. Rapper D.O. Gibson was host for the day and helped to provide an unpretentious atmosphere where lovers of hip hop could come together and bare witness to some really powerful conversations. With the event falling into Black History Month many of the speakers took the time to talk about last year’s global call to action by Black Lives Matter as the world watched police take the life of George Floyd and others like Breonna Taylor. The theme of approaching music authentically and evolving rang present through the entire event.

Henca Madura, founder of New Skool Rules International Urban Music Conference and Festival (located in Rotterdam, Netherlands) started the event off on a great note. As keynote, she spoke on the importance on giving it all no matter what. There are many times when upcoming artists can become frustrated by shows with a small audience or the general difficulty of making it up the musical chain. Henca wants you to know that your “network is your net worth” and it’s never a bad idea to work on expanding your circle with genuine connections. She recalled a story where an artist performed at a showcase at New Skool Rules where it was obvious that the were a bit disappointed about the lack of an audience and therefore didn’t give their best performance. That artist ended up making a big mistake by way of their lackluster attitude as the 10 or so people in the crowd all happened to be festival bookers and other music industry professionals who could have really changed their life. Henca says it’s always better to approach things with a positive attitude and leave the ego aside “Nobody cares about talent. We can make you sound good. Really good” – Henca Madura.

The next panel was an important discussion on gender identity, expression and queerness in the hip hop community. The panel was led by underground rap hero Mindbender Supreme in conversation with Vancouver artist, Ndidi Cascade and Toronto based artist, Dijah. The conversation was an informative window into the issues that queer artists can face. The group spoke of the patriarchy that still largely plagues hip hop. In particular the group mentioned the hostility that can be thrown towards female artists who are masculine presenting, or the sexual harassment put onto female rappers who appear to have a heteronormative or feminine look. We have seen strides with more female rappers being put forth and queer artists like Frank Ocean and Lil Nas X making huge waves but there is still work to be done. We hope to see a day in hip hop where artists who do not fit regular heteronormative expectations can show us who they are from day one and be embraced.

Chedo of The Come Up Show led a panel with theTAYcover, Wanz and E The Mad Assassin specifically speaking on the anti-black racism unveiled to the rest of the world in 2020. When asked if he believed that race relations were improving E The Mad Assassin said yes, we all watched it happen, some of us are so tired of the trend of police brutality and some of us were just becoming aware for the first time, either way people want it to stop. Although it can sometimes be exhausting to have to keep explaining the systemic issues that Black people continue to face in society Wanz said he took the “Negro whisperer” approach and decided to inform his colleagues and friends anyway. He went on to say that he was glad that they were asking because that meant they wanted to learn. theTAYcover felt that this Black History Month had a different energy. He saw that Black people were more cognizant of their buying power and that non-Black peers seemed more interested in acknowledging Black contributions to society. When Chedo asked how the artists felt about the use of the N-word by non-Black individuals in this day the answers varied. One thing for sure is that the general rule of thumb is if you’re not Black

then don’t say it! It was acknowledged that there are some non-Black individuals who grew up saying it culturally or that some of their Black friends were okay with their usage. There is definitely a difference between using it and calling someone it, the latter being a huge faux pas. At the end of the day just because some Black people you know are okay with it doesn’t mean that all Black people are, so you need to act accordingly as there will be consequences.

The BLACK 365 panel led by Michael Williams was an inspirational deep dive into success in the music industry. D.O. Gibson, Dru Grange, Jarrel The Young, and Terell Safadi all provided their unique perspective on the ups and downs that vocal artists and producers alike can face while carving out their own space in the scene. Dru candidly spoke about an early time in his career when ego caused him and In Essence to flop a pretty important show. Jarrel talked about really listening to yourself and going with gut feelings, the scene may not respond well at the beginning because you’re new, but you just have to get through it. Terell gave insight into playing the long game in hip hop and preparing oneself to go the distance. D.O. tied things together nicely by stating that you have to define what success means for you as an artist, we may not all make it to Michael Jackson status, but we can all inspire at any level. The talk ended a powerful quote by Michael “If you can’t make money make history”.

D.O. Gibson had a conversation with hip hop heavyweight, Shad and discussed the importance of humility in the game. Something everyone seems to enjoy about Shad is that even though he’s had such an amazing career having been a Juno winner and all four of his albums shortlisted for the Polaris Prize he still comes across as someone who is open and easy to talk to. When he’s interviewing other successful artists on Netflix’s Hip Hop Evolution, he keeps up his journalistic integrity by allowing the guest to tell their story without pulling the focus back to him and his career.

The last interview of the day and second keynote speaker was none other than the legendary Maestro Fresh-Wes. The Canadian hip hop pioneer spoke about his journey from Toronto to making the decision to move to New York as that’s where his first label was located. Physically being in NYC made a huge difference in terms of his momentum growing as he was available for the large demand. Maestro stressed the importance of knowing your history, referencing the contributions of Black people in his music and online presence, Maestro prides himself on leading the youth in the right direction. He remarked that in order for the youth to achieve greatness, they have to see it, to know about it. He used Quincy Jones as an example of someone who was able to find success by being brave enough to expand his musical repertoire as he had. Maestro is a great example of what any artist can be if they evolve with the times and focus on putting out great music. “Don’t make records, make history” are the words that continue to ring in one’s ear after the chat had concluded.

The last session for the day was an iconic DJ set by official Toronto Raptor’s DJ, 4Korners. The set went back in time to hip hop’s first days in Canada all the way to current times. All in all, the Northern Power summit was an amazing event that left me feeling motivated to create. Although the speakers ranged from artist, producers, event planners, founders and so much more one thing really stuck out, don’t be a jerk! Across every conversation in one way or another the speakers emphasized the importance of being a good team player and someone who is easy to work with. Great advice for an artist at any level is to put your craft first and to treat people with respect, the rest will come.

How Artists Can Engage Their Fan Base With Social Media

It’s no secret that 2020 wasn’t the greatest year for many of us. Last year we saw racial injustice reach new levels, presidential controversies, ridiculous celebrity drama and of course the biggest change that none of us saw coming – the COVID-19 pandemic.

With no parties, restaurants, bars, travel or shows/concerts, many of us have been feeling the effects of social isolation. The bad news is that we may have to deal with this pandemic a bit longer than we originally thought as health experts continue to develop solutions. The good news is that we as a global community are more connected now than ever.

Thanks to social media and not many outdoor options for entertainment, we’ve all pushed our noses a bit deeper into our phones. With curfews and other restrictions put in place for our safety (depending on where you live) we are spending more time inside making websites and apps our main form of entertainment. If you’re an artist of any kind, this is a truly amazing time for you to shine. Here are some ways to capitalize on this new shift in culture.

Virtual Shows

Performing artists and creatives of all kind really felt the effects of the pandemic as social distancing rules effected concerts, plays, film productions, theatre shows, and live performances of any kind. This led to us all turning to social media to feel connected and a sense of community.

We’ve all seen the craze that celebrity versus battles have caused and are getting to know some of our favorite artists on more of an intimate and personal level, so why not do the same for yourself? Even if you can’t get to a recording studio to work on new material, can’t take new photos, can’t film, or can’t do a traditional in-person show, you have many options to reach, connect to and increase your fan base.

If you’re a performing artist like a vocalist, rapper, producer, comedian, poet or an author, you can host a virtual show. You can use platforms like Twitch where you can eventually get paid to stream to your followers, and Pro Twitch Streamers can make between $3000-$5000 per month playing 40 hours a week.

If you’re not someone who sees themselves dedicating that much time to live streaming, then apps like Instagram or TikTok could be more up your alley. Do note that you must have 1000+ followers to be able to use the live feature on TikTok. You can also use Instagram’s live feature to perform new material or to have themed events.

Podcasts

Some artists have taken up podcasting and may do a live episode or interviews on their Instagram. Keep in mind that if you choose this option it cannot exceed more than one hour. One of the most epic Instagram live podcasts was Tory Lane’s Quarantine Radio which brought in a record breaking 360,000 viewers during one of the episodes. His show was popular due to the elements of unpredictability and wild competitions. We can’t all have twerking contests like Tory, but we can cross promote with other emerging artists in our cities to create content.

If you’re not into video, you can upload your audio podcast to Spotify or Apple Music. Many podcasts have picked up steam from those platforms and yours could be next. To get onto all the platforms you’ll have to use a distributor like Buzzsprout or you can upload directly to Spotify.

Do keep in mind that your podcast will take a few days to appear. You’ll have to do some planning in advance to have your episode out for the correct release date or you can upload instantly to a platform like Soundcloud.

Shorts

If you want to mix up your content you can create short videos to not only show off your talent, but also to let your audience know more about you. TikTok allows creators to create short videos up to one minute. Videos range from humour, behind the scenes, motivation and any sort of other posts really.

Dance trends are all the rage but don’t be intimidated if that’s not your thing. Glow up videos, reactions, duets and more can all go viral on TikTok. Instagram has a similar feature called reels. Much like TikTok, you can add popular songs or your own songs to your videos to give them an extra layer of creativity.

If you’re able to increase your usage of at least two of these options, you will definitely see increased engagement with your content. Of course, with any real change you’ll have to keep consistent. Start by committing to an amount you know you can maintain.

For something a little longer form like a podcast or live performance once a week is ideal. For short content like TikTok or Instagram reels, start with two a week. There are influencers out there who believe posting a few times a day is the key to growth, but please keep in mind that the this should be a fun change, not another exhausting thing to commit to.

Your audience will always be able to identify genuine, well thought out content over something that is rushed. You will still have to regularly post to social media with photo updates of yourself or in your element working on your art. Try to find a happy medium where you are creating more but still able to balance all of your other responsibilities.

You Should Be Using The Editframe Multimedia Creation Tool Suite

As an independent artist myself, I know it’s challenging to find ways to self-promote that are as cost-effective as they are stylish. Have you seen that trend on Instagram where artists are previewing new tracks on a black or white background with a simple audio visualizer instead of glossy cover art? If you were wondering how to get this done, you too can accomplish this look with Editframe.

Editframe is a multimedia creation tool suite that allows any artist of any skill level to easily create audio videos to tease or promote new music. Heck, you could even become a meme-master extraordinaire! The interface is very simple and straight to the point, leaving no room for mistakes. All one has to do is begin by clicking on the video creator and uploading cover art (optional) or a video and the song.

There are options to choose the aspect ratio for your project along with social media platform references to better aid you in your choice, for example one could select 1:1 (Instagram Feed), 9:16 (Instagram & Facebook Stories) or even 5:4 (Twitter).

Once you’ve uploaded your media you can add simple text to your video creation. You can choose the length of your video which is ideal for a short teaser, an Instagram story or a full video using a still on YouTube. The free account allows you storage for 10 video projects which is pretty generous, but do consider that the Editframe logo will appear in your video.

There are some options for paid plans which I would recommend if you find that you’re really impressed by the service. The most inexpensive plan offers users storage of 50 videos, the ability to create videos in HD, the option to make hour-long videos and of course no watermark. The next two packages offer the same features, just in larger quantities.

As an artist you’ll always have something to promote so it’s wise to invest in an app that will allow you to create continuous content with the same aesthetic. The best way to decide if Editframe is for you is to get a free account and give it a try. Get creative!

Connect with Editframe: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Why I Choose to Show All of My Colours

In light of the recent global power surge to the Black Lives Matter movement and Gay Rights movement I think more than ever it’s extremely important to show who we are. Why hide it in a time where the world is up in flames and everyone is being exposed anyway? I’ve been a Black woman all of my life which is apparent in my skin, my hair, my features and some of my cultural practices, but what happens when you embody another identity that isn’t so easily detected? I knew about my queerness as early as the fourth grade, but knew it wasn’t something to take pride in as I would hear “That’s so gay” being hurled as an insult on the playground and saw peers being ostracized as I grew older. Blackness has been feared, misunderstood and generally looked down upon for so long as is evident in slavery, the civil right’s movement, discriminatory practices and laws as well as and the covert forms of racism we see today.

Being gay, or queerness has always been around and people who identify that way have been made to suffer painfully just as Black people have. Unfortunately these two movements are normally seen as very different and those who identify with both groups are often made to feel like they have to choose a side, much like someone who identifies as biracial. The argument for this is that you can’t hide being Black, but you can hide being gay. Although I see where people are coming from with this argument I’m going to have to discredit it because much like queer individuals try to tone themselves down as to not be outed and potentially put in danger, Black people do it too. Black people are made to feel like we have to blend in with white supremacy by hiding the things that make us unique (hair, food, style of dress, etc.), to not portray the stereotypes (hypersexual, thugs, loud, ghetto) and to not appear as aggressive/threatening when there’s a disagreement just to basically be seen as human. The reality here is that no one should have to choose a side when they’re both a part of you as a whole. The two movements are definitely not the same, but there are commonalities.

The concept of intersectionality helps us all to understand that the different portions of one’s identity make us unique, but also unfortunately leave some of us to experience more challenges due to these same portions. Intersectionality is a term coined by Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw that allows us to holistically take into consideration all of the social and political identities we embody and look at how they either provide us with privilege or discrimination (Bright et al, 2016). This can put individuals in situations where they really benefit from the social constructs of their society, like say a pretty white girl from an affluent background who is educated and Christian. A woman who ‘s Black, doesn’t fit European beauty standards, poor, educated and Muslim will no doubt have a tougher time in a society that is based is white supremacy - this our society unfortunately.

The murder of George Floyd by police was the last straw for Black people all around the world and our allies (old and new) in the fight for racial equality. We’ve seen the murders of Trayvon Martin, Philandro Castille, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor and so many more take place with the police or citizens who have killed them go unpunished or what even seems to be rewarded with paid administrative leave and other opportunities. Black people and a growing number of allies are protesting these unjust killings, proceedings, racist institutions and white supremacy in hopes of reaching an equality where no one is negatively judged based on the colour of their skin. With that goal in mind, it’s been so upsetting to see a lack of enthusiasm when Black members of the LGBTQ+ community are killed, especially Black trans women.

I’ve had to explain to people, mostly transphobic Black people that if we want Black lives to matter, all Black lives have to matter. This glaringly obvious statement has caused me a few heated Facebook arguments and a lot of unfriending, which to be honest I’m quite happy about. I’ve tried, but I can’t educate someone who doesn’t want to learn. I don’t know what it will take for individuals like this to understand that we can’t expect the rest of the world to respect and value Black life when there are some Black people who don’t see this flippantness as problematic behaviour. The names I’ve mentioned above have had significant amounts of support and demands for justice but what about Merci Mack from Texas, Riah Milton from Ohio or Dominique Fells from Pennsylvania? These are only 3 of the 17 known Black trans women who’ve been murdered this year (Fitzsimons, 2020).

There are Black people, white people and other POCs that support the Black Lives Matter movement, but are silent when the murders of LGBTQ+ people occur. There are members of the LGBTQ+ community who support LGBTQ+ rights, but can also be anti-Black, and also anti-trans because the issues of these communities don’t affect them, therefore they cannot see them as real. No one is perfect and as humans we have been conditioned to fear and hate what we don’t understand. Being so closed off to people who are different is wrong and it’s harmful to larger society, how can we band together to tackle issues like homelessness and increasing the minimum wage, etc if we can’t even accept each other's differences?

I sit here writing this article as a Black, pansexual woman not to profit off of the current state of the world, but hopefully to educate and to show unity. When some people look at me, they are shocked to learn that I don’t identify as heterosexual and some assume me to be mixed with another race because of my complexion. I want people to understand that things are not always what they seem, someone who looks like you may not think like you and vice versa but all lifestyle choices are valid so long as no one is being hurt by them. If you’re someone who doesn’t support equality for marginalized people, I challenge you to ask yourself why that is. If you’re not willing to learn and understand why the Black Lives Matter movement exists, why the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for rights, why you should respect the religion of others, what white privilege is, how misogyny or ableism work then why do you expect anyone from these groups or even someone from your own to give you the time of day? These ways of thinking are taught and I encourage you to begin to do the work of unlearning so that you can think for yourself.

Like the great Miss Lauryn Hill once said, “How you gonna win, when you ain't right within?”. This is why I decided to re-introduce myself to my audience and hopefully some new supporters as I embrace everything that makes me, me. Being more honest and open with my music is my form of resistance. My choice to do this is about taking a stand for the things I believe in and inspiring others to do the same. If I want to help people feel comfortable in their own skin then I have to lead by example. The truth will always set you free.

References

Bright, L. K., Malinsky, D., & Thompson, M. (2016). Causally Interpreting Intersectionality Theory. Philosophy of Science, 83(1), 60–81. https://doi.org/10.1086/684173

Fitzsimons, T. (2020, July 1). Black transgender woman shot dead in Dallas. Nbcnews.Com. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/black-transgender-woman-shot-dead-dallas-n1232704

Connect with Ekelle: Website | Twitter | Instagram

Interview: Fred Vandenberg, CEO of Online Music Promotion and Delivery Service Play MPE

These days in music, no matter your genre there’s a big push toward streaming platforms. Platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have highly coveted playlists where new songs break everyday and of course artists want a piece of that! Getting on a curated playlist will definitely boost any artist, but playlists aren’t the be all and end all. Although streaming platforms are super popular, they’re the sons of good old fashioned radio. Radio has been around for decades and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon so if you’re an independent artist looking to break though then consider using a music promotion company like Play MPE to be heard.

Play MPE is the most widely adopted music promotion and delivery service and is now available in over 100 countries, used by music's largest record labels, including Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group. CEO of Play MPE, Fred Vandenberg gives us the inside scoop on the current state of music streaming.

There have been so many rumours circulating that say radio is dead and there is such a heavy push to get artists on streaming platforms. Can you explain why radio is still important in this "do it yourself" age?

First, I would say that radio and streaming are not mutually exclusive things - traditionally people think of radio as a radio wave broadcast but as we move further into the digital age - “radio” is evolving into streaming. Nevertheless, streaming has captured a lot of attention for its rapid growth, but the fact remains that radio is by far the most common way most people listen to music in general. Including new music. It has a large audience across generations. Radio is still, and I expect will be for a very long time, a very powerful medium for getting “share of ear.”

In the indie/upcoming artist scene there's an obsession to get the attention of playlist curators and I believe it's because artists perceive radio to be inaccessible. Do you see value in playlist curation?

There is value in obtaining the attention of personnel in programming and curation, no matter what medium or format. In our business, we do not see a preference for playlist curators, but if there is, I think it would ignore the value of reaching radio. Radio remains the most common way for music to be heard. No doubt, streaming is increasing its reach and that’s an avenue not to be ignored but I do not see playlist curators as any more accessible.

A major label may have a big, widely recognized artist but also has the resources to get the music to the right people. Developing these contacts tends to be an involved time- and resource-intensive process. It can be challenging for a self-managed artist to invest that level of time and energy alone.

Once you have the right contacts, you’re dealing with people who are perpetually busy. To get their attention is the second challenge. A service like Play MPE eases the difference in ability to reach radio programmers, giving indie musicians a boost in their reach and impact, ideally. Play MPE is a place radio professionals pay attention to, as they are used to getting good music from us.

There are artists out there who've passed the beginner stage and are starting to make unique and quality sounding music but don't get the attention they'd like which can cause them to get frustrated. These artists know they need to market, but not sure who/where to, how can a company like Play MPE support them?

The trick is getting the attention of very busy individuals who have countless artists trying to do the same thing. Play MPE gets their attention. The second step is putting something in front of them that is interesting. Our tech support and release support are head and shoulders above anyone else in our part of the business. Our staff are knowledgeable in what would be most effective and where to send what music. If you’re an urban or hip-hop artist, for example, there are a few options available and we can advise you what might be best for your project.

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Ultimately, we have some helpful words. Like Fred said, it’s great to get on the streaming platforms and on to some big playlists, but that’s not the only way to get heard. Commercial and college radio are still some great options for artists on the come up. College radio is an even better option for artists who have styles that are a little different and more on the experimental side. Before you approach a music promotion company like Play MPE make sure to have your things in order - present your best songs and make sure you have a budget set aside for best results. Finally, if you aren’t sure about the quality of your songs and their ability to be placed there is absolutely no harm in contacting Play MPE and getting a consult and getting some help to figure out your next move!

Connect with Play MPE: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Review: "Perception" Album by Caesar Gorgeous

“Perception” is the debut album of singer, rapper and producer Caesar Gorgeous, out of Chicago. This project is a moody wave right from the beginning to the end, making it the perfect work to just chill, travel or ride a buzz to. This project bolsters a cinematic array of beats that channel a celestial feel and make you think. Dark and moody with a slight peek in the middle, the album’s songs effortlessly blend together for a consistent feeling which is rare to find these days. I think Gorgeous’ use of auto tune, distortion and minimal lyrics read as a mix of G-Eazy meets PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Another interesting thing about this project is the mix of actual songs with lyrics and instrumentals. The style is blended together so well that you don’t even realize two songs have passed until you hear a different style of lyric, which actually further invites you into the sound instead of taking you out of it. This move keeps the somber mood and really shows of his production talent. The stand out songs of this project were “Four Walls”, “Ego”, “Overdue” and “Cars”.

“Four Walls” speaks to the self-medication we can all sometimes take part in when met with challenges. With a cool digitized sound and a mixture of singing and rapping, the listener steps into a world where you can be your own biggest obstacle.

“Ego” is another mellow and deep tune that contribute to his nu emo sound, but this time comes at you with a more upbeat approach featuring big bass and lyrics about knowing your worth. The track goes through several unexpected beat changes making it real head bobber.

“Overdue” is easily a contender for best track off the album. This track is one of the most lyrical on the album and the most relatable, singing of a love that should have happened a long time -we’ve all been there.

“Cars” is an exciting track because it’s that one come up track that every rapper has, all about the fancy things we want to afford and taking care of mama. It’s always interesting to see how a rapper takes those tropes of rap culture and makes it their own and how they change or stay the same when they put out that “I made it” track.

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Review: "Black Cadillac Season 3" Album by Gibrilville

Gibrilville’s “Black Cadillac Season 3” is a collection of 13 lyrical pieces of art that counter today’s trending sound of booming trap beats and repetitive rhymes, and a bonus track featuring a live performance. If you’re someone who enjoys an artist with a stance on social issues such as police brutality and has a backstory, then this project is for you.

Gibrilville uses his unique background of cultural ties to Ghana and being based in Brooklyn to create a diverse sound that is unique but pays homage to the birthplace of hip-hop. This lyrical adventure is welcome in an age where lyrics are few and far between and the beat usually makes the song. Instead of focusing on punchlines, Gibrilville uses his strength in storytelling to relate to his audience.

The thing about this album that really stood out was the use of live instruments as opposed to just software to give the songs the right feel. Hearing the guitars, drums and horns gives this album a bit of a jazzy vibe - perfect for the realness of the project.

The addition of feature singers and a choir really drive home the Christian messaging of this album. The appeal of “Black Cadillac Season 3” is that although there are references to God and Christianity, the topics are still relatable enough for everyone, even if they aren’t religious. The rapping and singing on the songs are reminiscent of J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar as they’re catchy but are still oozing with the ‘woke-ness’ that is needed is today’s world of illusions. Bonus points go to Gibrilville for managing to uplift and praise women in and even though the latter is a bit of a breakup song.

Overall this album is very motivational and doesn’t shy away from the struggles that come along with achieving success. What listeners can take away from this project is the work ethic required to achieve your goals, Gibrilville uses his own personal stories to help the listener to see that there is a light at the end of a dark tunnel. On the track “Siren” is where Gibrilville goes into depth about the police brutality against black and brown bodies that has finally been brought to the attention of the larger world. This track pays respect to Trayvon Martin and the others who were slain by gun violence and not properly served by the justice system. Gibrilville ultimately calls for peace and for the guns to be put down.

Like many rappers, Gibrilville just wants to do great things and provide for the people who helped him to get to where he is - like his mama. If he continues down this path of lyrical offerings, then he should be able to do just that.

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Interview: When the Going Gets Tough, Get Like Rookz

Many people know that it takes hard work and dedication to become a success in the music industry. We all hear stories of overcoming struggle, but they are almost always from an artist's point of view. I spoke to Rookz who is the owner of Sandbox Studios in Toronto, a youth mentor, a bit of an LGBTQ activist, and a public speaker amongst many other things. This was definitely a story of overcoming obstacles that is not typically told but needed to be made known.

From simultaneously managing a community centre, an artist, a studio and a small business while also dealing with personal stress, Rookz never let go of her dream to provide a positive and helpful creative space for artists to flourish. Being momentarily blacklisted from the city and having negative rumours being spread about her didn’t stop her from continuing her path of truth and carving a space of her own right at the top. Her studio, Sandbox Studios has hosted big acts like Cardi B, but it still a safe and accessible place for any artist who wants to hone their craft. It took some time, but It’s this kind of dedication that will get you where you want to be. I visited Sandbox Studios to talk to Rookz about her past and find out how she got through it all.

What made you want to open a studio? From what I know, you don’t sing and dance, so what inspired you? 

I never wanted to open a studio, I was managing an artist. My good friend KR had a studio and he had shut it down because it was getting too hard to control the space. One day 10 people rolled up to his spot, and the landlord pulled up around the same time. Even though people weren’t smoking weed, the studio had smelt like it. A week later, the landlord evicted KR, the landlord was looking for every reason and finally found it. I was managing that artist while we worked together out of that space. We decided to still work with her even though the studio had shut down, the artist was doing well. After less than a year of managing her, her career really took; Drake and others wanted to work with her. I was running a laser cutting company at the time, so I had some extra money. We couldn’t get Good Wood Jesus pieces in Canada and to order them was expensive. I saw someone with a detailed cut, found out they went to OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design), where they had a laser cutter, so I decided to make a business called, Chips. In less than 3 months we had $10,000 in sales, we were doing pieces for Supra, and New Era and custom wood trinkets. Chips was doing well, the artist was doing well, so we decided to really go for it. We did a show that sold out in 48 hrs, we sold 200 tickets when she never even released an EP.

Chips was doing so well that I got a $10,000 grant to participate in a business incubator program sponsored by the city. At the same time, the artist was doing so well that I couldn’t make it to any of the classes; we got invited to go on tour with Raekwan! I decided to focus on the artist, took the money and invested into her, of course the city was pissed off. I spent all the money to build the studio for her and her success, but she decided to fire me because she thought I was taking her money and I was immediately blacklisted from city funding programs.

I realized that there were so few voices making all the decisions in the city. I became obsessed with trying to figure out how no one else would go through what I went through, how to make the space more inclusive. I was blacklisted for 3 years not only from the city, but from the industry as everyone believed the lies my former artist was spreading about me. All this time I was sad, upset - I was at the studio when my dad got sick. I gave so much of myself to the beef that I had to win. I felt like letting Sandbox die was letting me die. When people don’t fuck with you, you gotta find new people. I don’t care if I find the next Drake. I just don’t want a kid who is talented to stop because of being in a small space.

What key lessons did you learn in having to build all of this by yourself?

I learned that a lot of people don’t intentionally mean to disappoint you. I think that rigor is a practice that you learn. Even where I aright now, I’m incredibly anal about how Sandbox is run. I learned a lot of my success through struggle. You need to be around people who are willing to be broke with you, fail with you. Understand that everyone has different responsibilities. You need to be around people who have the same responsibilities as you. Don’t take things personally, don’t let what people’s personal view of you effect yourself. People only feel a way about you based on the access they have to you. I wasn’t going to invest energy into making people like me. People won’t like you when you try to do what they do. “Who do you think you are?” become very comfortable with that feeling. It’s your thing, you will have to work 17 times harder than everyone else. I remember crying, painting the studio by myself, everyone said they were gonna help paint, but they left. Everyone won’t have the same level of commitment, and that’s okay. When they’re able to support you let them do it in the way that they can. You have to be supportive to get support.

On your Instagram I saw that you took a stand against, or more made a suggestion to someone who had violent lyrics, why was that important to you?

When I got kicked out of my house at 14 I always joked and said I was a young Jewelz Santana. 50 cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying movie came out, all my friends started selling and trying to be a part of that life, but not out of necessity. Being in that life was so accessible because we were all trying to live it. The artists who wrote those lyrics were 2 white boys in elementary school. We blame the influence of artists, not the music. The challenge in the Black community is that we’ll always talk about the fact that there aren’t enough Black professionals. We always want representation because its important, but why won’t we discuss what it does to the psyche to see the negative representation - you want more than you earn, it’s problematic.  Music isn’t true to the reality of the people talking about it, when I was a kid, I was willing to live that life because It was Black identity at the time. I like clean versions of music, not because I don’t like swearing, but I’m just so cognizant of what goes into my mind. The things that you watch and listen to form what you become. I can’t be here on Saturday talking to kids about their potential, but then promoting negativity on the weekdays. I’ve been poor, and I’ve been rich in a lot of ways, I also compromised a lot of things to do that. We don’t talk about the psyche of getting rich in negative ways. Are we making sure that the young women twerking are being taken care of? If a person is robbing and stealing to build schools or eat… cool… if its’ just to go to Holt Renfrew, moral dilemma. Most crimes these days are not based on survival

When did you start public speaking? What has been your favourite gig?

I started public speaking to get into back to school. Dave and Mary Thomson C.I. wouldn’t let me back in unless I joined, Respecting Schools Everywhere – I was 18.  I started doing that, had to go to middle schools and talk to kids about respect, violence, consent. Really quickly, people started to say that I was a good public speaker. I got to speak on behalf of program and interview on Global News. In that moment, something shifted. My school was mad homophobic, I was gay but cool, I had all the Jordan’s, crazy clothes, pulled up in different cars - all the hard guys were not as cool as me, I realized that any influence changes your life and other peoples’ lives. You have to be aware of the space you’re taking up. I watched my school become less homophobic, it started with 3 white kids who were gay, then 30 kids, then a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) started. You can be so powerful when you exist in your truth. I won most memorable valedictorian at Centennial College’s HYPE (Helping Youth Pursue Education) program. I spoke a narrative and a story that was different than most Black kids hear about themselves. I stopped caring about a lot of things in that space. If you’re fucking up, look in the mirror. This contributed to how I would see myself in the world, be in the world later on. No excuses. 

As someone who has watched and helped many artists develop, what are the key things/characteristics an artist needs to have in their toolkit?

Ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish. Making music is so general, so accepting failure is a lot easier because it’s so general. Be specific, do you want to make a song for Madonna? work with Bruno Mars, Timbaland? It’s hard to answer the questions, because they haven’t done the research. You can make as much music as you want, but it won’t make you money. Making a conscious plan of how you are going to move through the music industry will. Artists should have business plans in their kits.

How can an artist begin to expand their brand?

Every question an artist asks me is in their business plan. Who is your market, who’s the leader in the demographic, who is engaging them, how can you engage them? You could have figured it out yourself. When I was managing, shout out Jean Carlo (1985 and DVSN manager) he said to me… find 3 artists that she’s like and study them… how did they get there? And very quickly I learned Erykah Badu’s mom was a classical opera singer, Badu went to theatre school, Jill Scott went on tour with the Roots from winning contests, the Roots wore Jill Scott T-shirts to support her. Chrisette Michelle, also went to art school… they all went to art school. At 23, my artist at the time didn’t have that. We see Black people all the time and think that we’re the same. It takes time and takes work. I don’t think artists realize it’s hard work. You can’t build your brand if you don’t know your brand. I don’t care about Yo Gotti coming here, I care about the kid in bedroom who’s never been here before. That’s their market, I can’t compete with Cherry Beach Studios and I’m not trying to - dollar store cookies don’t compete with Mrs. Fields. There are so many ways and variations in which you can exist. Your job is to know your job. Artists don’t know that they are an entrepreneur. If you don’t know your business, you fail.

I may be biased, but I think this is one of the better, if not the best studio in the city, so I’m not surprised that Cardi B came to record here, but how did that happen?

Music business and being active, the day Cardi B came here, it was a civic holiday. I had this intern over the summer who wasn’t good at anything I needed him to be good at. He just had such a good effort. I need people around me who remind me that we have value. His one job was to respond to email. I talked to him the day before, I told him to make sure to respond to emails over the long weekend. He gets an email from someone saying they’re looking for an artist to record, please let us know, please get back to us from “Atlantic Records”. He called me to let me know, I said let’s follow up immediately. Whenever the labels call… Labels control everything. It was actually them and they said, “You’re the only people on top of this, you’re the only people who answered”. I didn’t know Cardi B at the time, had already been exhausted from a 2 hr drive but I still came in. I want Sandbox to be the place that labels can trust. I’d rather work business to business than business to client. I was impressed that she didn’t care that it wasn’t a million-dollar studio, the PR person, Queen P, gave a lot of advice. “Listen, where you start and where you finish shouldn’t even be in the same conversation. Focus on where you are going.” Sometimes we are so insecure about ourselves that we don’t chase certain things. The label loved us. Music execs empowered me to know that I could do the things I wanted to do. It was a transitional moment, sometimes a person’s acknowledgement motivates you to believe in yourself. Professional goes a much longer way than how talented you are. I want my clients to know what a professional experience is.

I really like that Sandbox also provides opportunities to youth in the community, how did that start and why’s that important for Sandbox?

That started because I dropped out of high school and no one would hire me at all. In 2013, I had Sandbox, won a number of awards, did so many things but couldn’t get a job. I applied to Walmart, Wendy’s, Canadian Tire. I felt worthless, I wanted to teach young people to have skills. Having rigor is more important than anything else. A lot of people pretend to be there, act like they want it, I wanted it for real.

Toronto has definitely become a hot spot or music in the last few years but most of the people blowing up are affiliated with Drake, what’s your take on that?

OVO has sustainable market share, no one else can get on because they are not in the business. Drake by himself wouldn’t be who he is just by himself, stylist, PR, social media manager, brand manager, A&R… It doesn’t flourish for everyone because Drake did not just invest in his music, he invested in the business. Jessie Reyez invests in the business, so does Daniel Caesar. There’s a model of success in the music industry, it’s expensive. Artists can be manufactured, artists have thought that to be a negative term, if they have the talent right now. We all like mangoes, mangoes are manufactured. It’s how to get it to the consumer in the easiest way, like laptops, cell phones, clothes. Toronto has completely disempowered the music people. You can make good music, but if you don’t have good music business it doesn’t matter as much. You can have a shit artist who doesn’t make good music but understands the music industry, but they’ll go farther than someone who is good because they understand the music industry.

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The best thing about Rookz is even though she is extremely busy with the studio and other high-profile projects, she will always make time to help out the little guy! Rookz is someone who is for the people and makes the crazy monster that is the music industry seem tangible and obtainable, with her candid story telling and way with words - basically she tells it how it is. What we can learn from the struggle of Rookz is to keep trying and to believe in yourself, especially when things get tough. Rookz had faith in herself and kept on pushing even through moments of huge pushback towards her, I encourage all of you to do the same. Things may not always be pretty, but when you stay on task and dedicate the time anything can happen! 

Connect with Rookz: Instagram | Sandbox Studios

Interview: Toronto Rap Artist Ray Lovely Discusses Her New Mixtape "Lovely's Got It"

Ray Lovely is a real artist, what I mean by that is that she actually stands for something. She’s really trying to make a career out of being an artist with talent and not a cheap gimmick. You can tell that she puts real thought into her lyrics and truly has a sound within her own lane which is sure to be duplicated soon. These will be the things running through your head as you listen to Ray Lovely’s latest offering, "Lovely’s Got It". This 8 song project does a great job of throwing the listener into her world and hearing first hand what it’s like to try and succeed in Toronto’s music scene. I got the chance to interview her about this new project and how she does her thing.

I feel that the sound of your music is very distinct. If I wanna feel like a bad chick, independent boss lady I know Lovely’s got it. What can listeners expect with this new project?

So with this project, you can expect the same energy but more intense, more heightened. I enjoy the fact that I make other ladys feel empowered and on top through my music. So when Lovelys Got It is heard , my listeners are getting exactly what they need to feed their independent ways.

How long did it take you to form your unique style and sound?

In terms of my sound, it just developed over time. At a point I started to realize that voice expression goes a long way and meaning what you say matters.

Were there/are there any artists who influence your sound?

No. There’s no specific artist who influenced my sound. I love a lot of different artists; rap artists especially, but when I was really working diligently on my craft in the start I went through a phase where I  stopped listening to rap and decided to listen to different genres to open my mind.

For listeners who are new to your music, what song would you recommend and why?

I would recommend new listeners to hear my latest song off my mixtape, Lovely’s Got It  called Talk Up. It’s the perfect contrast of what I represent as an artist and the songs come from a genuine place.

Now that the project is done and ready to be streamed, what are you working on?

I’ll be out here workin on collaborations and more music videos.

Being such a hardworking woman, do you find it difficult to work with others?

Yeah. Extremely difficult, people are strange to me. So if I’m working with others everyone has to have real energy but I mean it though. I deadass won’t f*** with you if you make me feel some typa way.

Who would be your dream collaboration and why?

Honestly...In the near future I feel as though I’m going to collab with some hot artists in the game right now along with some legends but in terms of daydreaming about it and having one dream collaboration...I don’t have one..

Toronto is a hot spot for music right now, but what does that actually mean for upcoming artists?

Toronto is a hot spot for music right now I agree. In terms of upcoming artists such as myself I don’t feel I need to entrap myself here. I think it’s better to expand cities I’m promoting my music to while representing Toronto in the best of ways.

What do you think it will take for the female rappers of Toronto to get the same support as the males?

Female rappers in Toronto are starting to arise from the dead now which is great. I think we all need to just grind and shine. Don’t be stuck up as well...It makes no sense.

Is there anything that you wish you knew when you first got started with music?

When I first started, I wish I truly knew the meaning of patience. I use to execute plans with no direction. I know better now lol.

Even though that’s a wrap on this interview, I think we’ll be hearing more from Ms. Ray Lovely again. The tape, "Lovely’s Got It" can be heard below. 

Connect with Ray Lovely: Instagram

MUSIC DISCOVERY: Toronto Hip-Hop & RnB/Soul Spotify Playlist

Compiled in collaboration with our resident Toronto contributor and emerging artist Ekelle, is our "MUSIC DISCOVERY: Toronto Hip-Hop & RnB/Soul" curated Spotify playlist, featuring some very dope artists that you need to hear right now.

The artists featured in the playlist include: 209 Crizzy, Faiza, Haley Smalls, Psych, Desiire, Ekelle, 88 Gram, Prime Boys, Cmdwn, Layla Hendryx, Mezziah, Faduma, Pvrx, KILLY, Hard to Kill, dvsn, Witch Prophet, anders, River Tiber, Allie and PLAZA. 

The Emcees Represent at the 8th Female Cypher in "The 6ix"!

The 6ix Female Cypher is now in it’s 8th cycle and it’s an exciting thing for not only women, but everyone in the Toronto Hip Hop scene. Everyone knows of the work that the OVO team has been doing and have probably heard of Alessia Cara, but who is the stand out female name in Hip Hop/Rap? There may not be a an ‘it-girl’ yet, but she is soon to come thanks to the help of Maizy F and her team. As a female artist trying to make a name and seek opportunities in a place like Toronto, it can actually be very difficult. Hip Hop is very much still a boys club here and when it comes to Urban music, most spotlight is given to women who are singing R&B songs about heartbreak. Not to discount from these women, but there are other things, other subjects that deserve to be given the same amount of attention - Maizy F’s 6ix female cypher does just that!

The 6ix Female Cypher is a key element to showcasing and providing a platform to different women who don’t always get a chance to shine. It’s empowering to see women who sing and rap about self confidence and love, but it’s a truly amazing experience to hear and see women deal with the nitty gritty that ain’t so pretty. Stories of abuse, poverty, money, trauma, dreams, the hustle, the struggle or even just about wanting to party need to heard because we can all relate - women are multifaceted beings, not a one-size-fits-all cap! Young girls and women need to be able to see themselves in the music that they listen to and allies need to hear women tell these stories not only to develop understanding and empathy, but because they’re dope! 

This past cypher took place in a secret location in the city where everyone was able to vibe out, network and continue to build for the female rap scene. Drinks and food were a plenty and so was the positive energy. In society women are often pitted against each other and made to believe that only one can be successful while the rest grasp at straws, but that definitely was not the case at Maizy F’s event. All the guests involved (both male and female) were definitely here for the rise of female hip hop and it’s future.

“Bigger and Better. Aspire To Inspire. Those Are A Few Of The Mottos I Live By. Organizing Round 8.0 I Knew I Had To Give The Artists & The Fans More. We've Had 8 Rounds And Have Featured Over 20 Artists And We Have So Much More To Come. I Know It's Important To Keep The Rounds Coming Because Females Need A Space To Come Together & Express Themselves Freely. Hip-Hop Is A Male Dominated Scene. As A Female Artist, Producer & Entrepreneur I've Made It Part Of My Duty To Put On For The Females In The Hip-Hop Community And I Believe The 6ix Female Cypher Series Does Exactly That.”

Maizy F

DCWS Connects With Brampton, Ont Artist EverythingOShauN For An Exclusive Interview

A drive for success is definitely what comes to mind when thinking of this artist. A powerful team and a shared vision is definitely a part of Everything0ShauN’s rise to notoriety in Toronto’s urban music scene. 

First and foremost, can you please explain your name, why “Everything” and is Oshaun your real name?

Well Oshaun is not my government name first of all. lol It was given to me in high school because I used to always have the wave game up (waves of the Ocean on my head). And the Everything means many things. It literally means Everything lol. Just I approach music and life by doing Everything instead of being one dimensional so you can never put me in a box I gotta do Everything. Also I'm the first born so I'm self centered so everything is about me or should be about me Hahahaha.

You don’t know this, but DJXP, AKA your baby bro passed me one of your CDs at Harlem last year and that’s how I heard of you. What are the advantages and challenges to working so closely with a sibling?

Oh that's so dope. And I'm glad you brought that up because that always shows you you have to always be ready and you never know who you will meet. That's dope. I mean as far as working closely with my brother besides the fact that he gets on my nerves lol, it's good to have a family connection when your working on something like art.  Because he can be candid as fuck to me about what I'm doing and vice versa. And there typically no need for long talking when it comes to things we need to get done. He understands my sound because he is a big part of it so makes for a good working relationship. He also is super talented.

So I hear that you have a Jamaican and Nigerian background, does your culture influence your music at all?

Yeah mixed with the best of the black world lol. Yeah it definitely influences it alot. Just growing up too and hearing Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and then hearing Fela Kuti. There are always subtle hints in the music with lingo or sound selection but as time progresses it will be more undeniable as the layers of "everything" peel back.

What has been your most memorable performance to date and why?

I gotta say it's a tie breaker between performing at SXSW and putting on our own show for the release of my album at the Kensington Market last year. It was literally a movie. The show we put on in Toronto was dope for the opposite reason. - people knowing words and mouthing and screaming certain shit was like finally seeing the words carry from the tracks into the people. SXSW it was so dope to get a crowd so lit and them not even know who the hell I was. To me that was a testament to the energy and music we were making that it can move people regardless. Both amazing experiences. 

You’re from Brampton, home to Alessia Cara, Tory Lanez and many YouTube personalities as well, what’s in the water over there? Why is Brampton the new creative hub?

Yeah someone sprinkled some dust in the water filtration tank a while back and it got to the homes lol. Nah actually its dem Sonny's Wings. (West end Tings)  Hahaha No I think it really has to do with Brampton being apart of the gta but still having a lot to prove and it's own entity and our unique position to see what's happening but not feel directly entrenched. It adds to the hunger and creativity for sure. And it's just a matter of time for people to catch on to what we know is already lit. You will see way more successful artists coming from this end I promise you. Also mann.... people lucky all us artists from out here don't stick together like we should and have dope performance venues or shit would be a wrap.

Your latest single ‘Co-sign’ is doing very well online without a music video. What do you owe this success to? Do you advertise at all?

Well I think just the fact that we got on a bunch of year end lists and this being the first release of 2017 people genuinely want to see what we are up to. Plus we also got some radio playing the record and it may have been in one of those Instagram videos seen 200k times lol. 

Do you have a master plan for the rest of your career or do you kind of play things by ear?

The master plan lol damn thats a big one. I can say this....I ain't playing it ear by ear. I know what I want deep down inside. It's not about chasing fame. I want to be successful in this industry. I want to travel the world with my brother XpressakaDJXP, Staasia Daniels, everybody on the team and tour everywhere, make successful albums, sell out venues, make money, take care of my family, connect with the people through the sound, grow my brand, and when I'm in a very successful situation I want to help other artist from here grow too. I want to do it so bad Ekelle you don't even know. I wanna open up doors for people because I know how it feels when people don't open them for you. Everybody wants to do it themselves and keep it for themselves. I wanna do it too but then when I get it I will share with some of them. That's why we grinding so hard. We ain't waiting for anybody. I ain't waiting for anybody. Sometimes you just gotta do Everything..... to have Everything.

Connect with Everything0ShauN: Website   Twitter   Instagram   Facebook   YouTube

Talking Major Keys with T Major

T. Major is a super producer and award winner from Toronto, ON who's got it going on. He’s been in the game for a minute and has learned a lot along the way. Starting off as a producer he has also picked up the titles of DJ and recently Vice-President of Motive Music Canada, an independent label here in the six where our friend Gee Wunder is president. T. Major recently put out a new and exciting project that showcases his talent, but also gives back to the community. “Dirty South Drum Loops” is a FREE DOWNLOAD available on tmajor.ca that allows producers to experiment with samples, loops and really get their creativity in motion. I wanted to talk to T. Majot about his many accomplishments and what’s next.

You’ve been around the Toronto music scene for a while, when did it all begin for you?

It all started for me in 2004, I had some trouble and mishaps and found myself on house arrest. I love movies, but that couldn’t be all I was going to do and I don't play video games like that. I knew of an old friend that was making beats on the computer so I thought I give it a try and got hooked instantly. With nothing else to do but watch movies, making beats became my reason to rush home from work, shortly after in 2006 I attended school for engineering and recording, the course was actually called "Sound Tech".

Do you feel that school really helped you? Should producers invest in a musical education?

Well yes I believe that going to school for music recording helped me, it helped a lot in terms of music knowledge and learning the the rules of music and/or sound in general, and equipment knowledge when it comes to signal routing, wires, connections, meter reading and acoustic design. But at the same time it isn't needed to become a successful producer at all, it might take a bit longer for you to learn and it always helps to surround yourself with good knowledgeable people that know about music as well as the music industry.

How did you get into DJ-ing? Was it easy for you to learn, given your background?

The very first time I even touched a turntable set was when I was 12 years old, my dad was and still is a reggae DJ with a "Big Sound" as they call it, the name of his sound is "Love Shack" he had a turntable setup with huge speakers and a lot of racks, he would let me fool around on it when he brought it home from time to time because he was always playing out. It's was so much equipment, I was young so I didn't know where he stored it but I know when he brought it home it took at the least an hour bringing it in and setting it up and that's with help from his homies,  he even let me spin for a bit at one of his functions but I really thought nothing of it. Years later I'm a music producer doing a lot of shows with my team/ label mates and I see the need for one of us to control our performances from the DJ aspect. We would always have some "technical malfunction" as the DJ would say or get rushed by the DJ in-between our songs, not giving us time to have a drink, receive the applause from the crowd much less intro the next song, so I decided I'm going to control our performances from the DJ aspect, after all I have a head start being a producer; I know time signature, how to count bars, and I know all the terms on a mixer and what they mean so it wasn't hard to pick it up. I just got familiar with my new piece of equipment and this was like in 2014. So it went from that to other DJs I know asking me to play the intermissions at the performances so they can have a break and back in theses days I only came to DJ for Gee Wunder, just play his song for his performance that was it. I became Gee Wunder’s official DJ I didn't even have a lot of songs for a party but I never said no, I just made it work, to DJing other artists’ performances, to doing the whole night of performances, to full promoters asking how much do I change for a night at their club, because when I'm DJing a performance I treat the intermissions like a party and you never know who's in the crowd.

What’s your role as Vice-President of Motive Music?

My role as Vice President of motive Music is a mixture of things A&R, signing new talent, taking responsibility in the day to day operations as in emails, social media phone calls etc.

How did it feel to win “Beat Producer of the Year” from the CUT Hip Hop Awards?

To win “Beat Producer of the Year" 2016 at the CUT Hip Hop Awards in Edmonton was truly amazing, I did a big campaign on it with a huge push and the whole time I was just happy to be nominated and recognized for my instrumental album, Listening Session. I was good with that alone, so for me to win was so far from my mind it was unexpected which made it truly humbling, that's one of the memories and experiences I will always cherish, to make a project and across the country someone recognizes your efforts, and you get to travel and actually win an award? I think that is in every kind of artist’s dream, even if it was just a minor thought they thought about it I'm sure.

What exactly is Dirty South Drum Loops? And why did you decide to make it available for free?

The T Major's"Dirty South South" Drum Loop Kits is for free and it consists of 5 different drum loop grooves. With each loop you have a kick, snare, hi hat, open hi hat and sometimes cymbals. That makes up one loop (groove) you can use the sounds all together playing as one MP3/Wave, or separate the individual MP3/Wave and arrange the them as you please, then all you have to do to make a complete beat is ad your instruments/plug-in on top of the desired drum loop and your beat is complete. I called it "Dirty South" Drum Loop Kit because the way the pattern of the loop is sequenced, it's with a more Southern groove. This is great for beginner beat makers with as little knowledge as to what a correct 4 bar drum loop is, this will also help them to know the root of each sound in a drum kit and where it is suppose to be placed and this is all subconsciously getting them familiar with the names of the sounds within a drum kit and what they sound like. Now for a professional producer this is a great tool if they have road blocks on ideas, want a different idea than what they would normally come up with, if they want to make a beat real fast or just straight chop the single sound out of each loop to build their drum library. I give it for free because I get a lot of emails and messages from up and coming as well as professional beat makers/producers asking questions about sounds in general, bottom line I see the hunger and I know how it is when you can't find new drums or drum loops  or sounds in general,  I figure this is something that I CAN do to help the community and culture of hip hop producers or any music producer for that matter,  if you can use it and it works for you go right ahead, music and sounds are here for all of us.

Do you feel that enough artists/creatives give back in Toronto? Why/Why not?

I do feel that a lot of artist/creative give back to Toronto,  not necessarily physically but people are way more proud to be from Toronto and to be Canadian,  the day has come when people are more patriotic to their country and city. Toronto is recognized around the world and our people are embracing it, but we are from the "screwface capital" so there's always going to be that group of people that are from Toronto or Canada that don't like the fact that you're an artist/creative from Toronto or Canada actually doing your thing no matter what level you're on, you're doing your thing and THEY look to America for a Co-sign or a stamp of approval to let THEM know what is hot or fresh,  and you can't help, that all you can do is keep doing you because those people are not part of the masses so they don't matter plus you need haters because if you don't have haters then you're not popping. People usually hate on what’s good or poppin so you need that, use it for motivation.

What is coming up next for T Major in the new year?

So what's next for me is I just released a Drum Loop Kit titled T Major's "Dirty South Drum Loops" and is free via my website www.tmajor.ca,  I'm working on a project with Frankie Payne for 2017,  another Instrumental Album but it's a double CD called The Formula/Chemistry, this album will be unique in the way it's released one CD for free and one CD for sale,  I'm always working on new beats, and I'll be at a club near you DJing, just book me or look out for my name on your favorite party flyer.

Connect with T Major: Website   Facebook   Instagram

Ekelle's Exclusive Interview With Mz Black Pearl, Maizy F, Osi, And Gemini Meeks About Female Cypher 6.0 In Toronto

I’ve had the pleasure of talking to Maizy F before about her all female cypher and showcase. Since the time that I participated in it there has been a lot of growth; the last one took place in Edmonton, Alberta for the CUT Hip Hop awards and many more talented female rappers have been added to the movement. In this round the cypher has returned to Toronto, ON and has amassed an even bigger following as before. Many blogs, radio and TV show personalities showed up to support it and help bring awareness about the female movement taking place in Toronto. I was even introduced to some of the artists because of this event and took sometime to talk to them about their careers so far and why this event matters.

The first rapper I spoke to was battle rapper, Mz Black Pearl who really wowed me with her cypher, especially with her line about Michelle Obama.

Being an artist is one of the parts of your life, what else do you do?

MBP: I am extremely fortunate and grateful to say that I have been really blessed in the talent department. Multiple times over, in ways that I couldn’t have even imagined for myself and my life, as a youth. I thank God, often, for my blessings, although these gifts come with multiple challenges too. Some of these capacities are innate to me and I’ve been honing them since childhood. For many years, there have been numerous things that I’ve been into and/or have been building a foundation for myself in. I model, sing, rap, dance and choreograph. I’ve worn (and still wear) many hats, from songwriter, poet and blogger, to hairdresser, makeup artist and wardrobe stylist, to event planner. Most recently, I’ve ventured into the world of battle rapping.

How did you get into battle rapping?

MBP: Battle rap was introduced and reintroduced to me over the years through boyfriends, friends and associates. Obviously, it was a recurring theme for a reason. As far as becoming a battle rapper, myself, my current boyfriend was extremely instrumental in making that happen. We found out pretty quickly, after meeting, that musical appreciation and talent was a common thread for us. Over time, we both displayed our skills to each other and after hearing me rap, he said that he thought it was something I should pursue and would be good at. It actually started out as a daring challenge, that we committed to within our relationship, to push the other person outside of their comfort zone artistically. I had to do one battle (at least) and he had to pursue a creative direction that he’d always wanted to do, which many people had often suggested he’d be good at.

Battle rapping is not easy, what’s the training process like? 

MBP: Once I’ve completed my writing process, I am already pretty familiar with the material, but I memorize my lyrics and practice my performance as much as I can before the battle. There are lots of tips and tricks I have picked up in a very short amount of time – I’ve only been battling about 7 months – but I’ve experienced a rapid learning curve and accomplished an immense amount in that time, especially as a female battler. I recently received and accepted an invitation to participate in a Sparring Session battle in the Queen of the Ring Battle League in New York. It's historical, as I'm the first Canadian female to battle on Queen of the Ring. Not only is this a huge opportunity for me, which I am profoundly grateful for, but it's a testament to my talent and grind paying off and being recognized by elites in the battle world. Queen of the Ring is a platform that female battlers aspire to and strive for, so it truly is an extreme honour, to have this shot, especially so early into my battle rap career. 

The next artist I spoke to was Osi, this was my first time hearing of her and I was really intrigued by the animated performance she gave in the cypher recording.

How long have you been rapping? What’s your story?

Osi: Hi Ekelle, thanks for reaching out and picking me as one of the 4 artists to do the article on. To answer your first question, I have been rapping since  I was 21 unprofessionally, and really got into it at 22. I used to talk to this boy who knew how to rap, and I was always a go-getter, and down to try new things, so we would speak to each other through couplets via text at night, it was cute. 22 was when I started to hang out with some friends at the time who rapped. I went to the studio with them, and at that time in my life, I really didn’t take in how music was created, and fell in love with the idea of creating music. Of course I never told anyone, until I went about it on my own. From there on out, I did my own thing, found my own contacts, producers, beatmakers, people on the come up, people hungry, man, woman. It’s been 3.5 years now for me rapping

How important is this cypher to you and what does being included mean to you?

Osi: I have to mention I do cypher, freestyle and song write regularly so I am thankful Maizy F asked me personally to be apart of the 6.0 Cypher. Women are not seen as cypherers, we are against the status quo in doing so, I’m sure that’s something we all have in common. Every opportunity to practice my craft on stage will make me better in the grand scheme of things. I want to go big, do it big, for myself, for Toronto. The other special thing about the Female Cypher in the 6ix was it was an all women event, run by only women too, that is empowering! Not only for women, but for Toronto and the world. I hope we continue to put on amazing events like this for the world to see. I know plenty of people are excited to see online what happened that night. I got to witness some amazing dope female artists from the 6ix, network with some amazing people, and I know we’ll be working on more projects in the future. It’s all about the energy, and what you want out of it, and everyone came in with their best foot forward, at least through my eyes. 

What are your goals as an artist for 2017?

Osi: My goals for 2017 include:
Releasing more singles off my album
Getting a bigger buzz by releasing more visuals and networking
Opportunities to perform in front of bigger crowds  

By achieving my goals I believe the universe will have something special aligned for me and to prepare me for the future. I’ve worked really hard on my craft, night and day. There’s always going to be someone out there working harder than you, and that is what pushes me to continue to work harder than I’ve ever had before as I am competing against myself. From collaborating with more local artists, and artists from the States, to networking more in Toronto’s music scene in 2017. I love music, I want my music to have a message, I am my own message, my presence it self will be a message for future generations of kids to never quit on their dreams or give up. That anything is possible. If I am crazy enough to believe in myself that I will be SUCCESSFUL an AFGHAN FEMALE RAP/Rnb Artist out of Toronto, who’s to say someone else’s dreams won’t come true? 

I then spoke to the laconic Gemini Meekz because of her sick flow and presence; I wanted to learn more about her.

Where do you get the inspiration to your rhymes?

GM: My inspiration comes from my life and what I've been through over the years both good and bad.

Are there any other opportunities for female rappers in the city?

GM: I do believe there are opportunities for female MC's but it's also about who's willing to take a chance on supporting the talent.

You produce as well, what program(s) do you use and how does being multitalented help you as an artist?

GM: I use fruity loops and any other software that challenges my creativity. To be able to multitask and use each strength is a blessed feeling.  

Then of course I had to speak to Maizy F, the big woman in charge...

People have really taken to the cypher. There are so many people supporting now; how do you feel?

MF: It feels great to see the platform that I’ve built begin to get more support and recognition as the movement grows. I’ve noticed a rise in female artists wanting to participate as well as other female producers. So It’s great to see how this movement has affected the HipHop scene. 

Why was it important for you to get the cypher out to Edmonton, Alberta?

MF: It was a great opportunity to host the first ever female cypher at the Canadian Urban Television Awards. It was important for me to get the brand out there and be a part of the awards show. It was round 5.0 CUT Edition and It had female artists from all over Canada. Definitely Hip Hop History...

What sneak peek/info can you give us about the next one? How much in advance do you plan them?

MF: As much as I’d love to rip the seal on what’s up next I’ve learned sometimes It’s best to let the action speak for Itself. All I can say is bigger and better things to come...As well as some "expansions".

What advice can you give female rappers in the city now that our movement is starting to take off?

MF: Be original...Be you. It sounds corny after a while but your best bet is to be you to the fullest, either they love you or love to hate you, either way no love lost... No filter needed. 

All in all the Female Cypher 6.0 was a great success, a great crowd showed up to support all of the ladies involved and the performances were great. I’m sure that Maizy F and her team have something great planned for the next one and personally I can’t wait! It’s so nice to see women coming together instead of being pit against each other and there’s no telling what can be done when everybody plays their part. It is definitely the time for women in Toronto to stand up and take their place in the industry,  I encourage ladies all over the world to do the same. 

Tip Sheet For Success in 2017

As an artist, 2016 was very good to me; I was able to perform at 3 music festivals, shoot 2 music videos and record an EP to be released later this year. I also became the co-host of a radio show that goes live twice a week and got some funding for projects in the new year. Of course with all of those ups there have also been some downs, those being rejection from sought after opportunities, being put on wait lists and meeting fake people who just let you down. After going through these experiences I felt it necessary to share some tips on getting the most out of opportunities as an artist and when to leave an opportunity or even some people behind.

Here are some tips on success for the new year:

1. Take every opportunity that comes your way

As a local artist it is very hard to come by the opportunities that you want, that’s why it’s important to take everyone that comes your way at first. It would be nice to get paid for everything you do, but some opportunities are good for the resume and you just have to take the “L” as some would say. In fact, a good opportunity with great exposure (like a radio interview, a blog article or a performance) is never an L as it helps you to get your name out there. I’d say that you’ll be looking at a lot of these opportunities for the first 2 years of your artistic journey, of course there are exceptions to the rule but be prepared to establish yourself before anyone is willing to give you any funds.

2. Stay away from toxic people

We all have some not so great people in our lives no matter what we do, but with music it’s quite typical to get a whole lot of naysayers. Starting a small business is always a risk and is always hard work, but because of the dreaded “starving artist” stereotype people are so much harder on musicians. I’m not saying that you should get rid of everyone who criticizes you, but just make sure that their criticisms are actually valid; if they can say that you need to work on your flow in the second verse instead of just “you suck” then I would say that you should keep them around. Get rid of the people who won’t come to any one of your shows/events/gigs (even if it’s free), who won’t show up for your music videos, share your links, like your videos, subscribe to your channel or try to talk you out of your musical passion. It’s hard enough trying to find your place in such a large industry so definitely shake off any and all haters. *I also classify artists who are all take and no give as negative people. If you know any artists who constantly want your hard work and resources without sharing any of theirs then cut them off quick!*

3. Hang out with other artists and positive people

This point is pretty self explanatory; hang out with other artists because they know exactly what you’re going through! Your friends and family are great resources when you need to just vent out all of your frustrations, but if they don’t have knowledge of the industry then they can’t really help you decide on what you need to do like another artist can. Being around other artists also offers you the chance to shadow someone who may be a little more experienced and learn from their mistakes and successes. Another artist who is also your friend can help you prepare for gigs, events or even pass long information to you about upcoming shows you can be a part of. Having a good network of artists makes it easier to find collaborators, share resources and maybe even split studio costs. It’s also never a bad thing to have a little healthy competition.

4. Put a time limit on things

There is so much to navigate as a new artist and it can all be pretty overwhelming, the best way to overcome this is to get organized and put a time limit on things you want to get done. 
Much like setting goals this makes you responsible and accountable for things that don’t work out. I also want to point out that you can put a time limit on people and opportunities as well. There are so many people out there who promise you the world and with that comes many fakes and scammers! If someone wants to mentor you, manage you or book you for events give them three months to make something happen, if nothing does then move on - you have the right to. As for opportunities like I said before, take all that you can but with that being said if there are sketchy details, bad communication and overall confusion then let it go. Getting ready for an event is stressful enough on you as an artist, you don’t need to worry about the hundreds of things that can go wrong with a sketchy promoter or company.

5. Get your own information

Personally I really don’t care for artists who have 3 months under their belt and want to complain about being paid, working with top tier collaborators and only going to an event if they have a ride and other nonsense. As an independent artist you are an independent business, a sole-proprietor at first so it’s your job to make sure that everything is kosher. Ask someone else for help once you have done all your google research, the amount of information/opportunities that can be found by typing in “submit your music” is actually unbelievable! Being an artist is competitive so don’t expect anyone to be willing to help you out and provide you with the information you need. Invest in yourself by buying a couple books about the industry, doing informational interviews with radio hosts, other artists, producers and other creatives to get the right answers for yourself.

6. Create your own opportunities

Depending on your city there may be some nepotism and only certain artists with a certain sound may be getting heard. Maybe you’ve tried to get on some shows or have your music played and you’ve been met with defeat. When these things happen I say you should try again at least once and if you’re still unsuccessful then you have to come up with your own thing! It’s important to be versatile these days so as an artist consider picking up another skill in the entertainment industry that you can also gain recognition for whether that be songwriting, producing, engineering, modeling, graphic designing, etc. As you work on this skill and your artistry you will be able to network with other professionals and artists and create all sorts of new and helpful relationships. * Done correctly this can work out great, but please don’t take on too much and be a jack of all trades, master of none. Wearing too many different hats can really cloud your vision and have you focusing more on the projects of others instead of your personal journey. *

7. Set goals

This step really goes without saying, in order to achieve success you must set goals. Fail to plan, plan to fail! Goal setting can be as simple or as detailed as you need it to be, it really depends on the type of person you are. If you don’t need to much structure simply write out all the things you have planned for a year and add in some of the things you would like to do. Writing it down and comparing it to what you’ve already planned gives you an idea of how much more work you need to do and will force you to think of ways to make it happen. If you are like myself and need to get down to the nitty gritty then take up the SMART goals model which will help you really carve things out. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic and Time Based. Using that model, if you want to create a 4 song EP within the year you would break it down like this:

S- Create an EP next year
M- 4 songs is the desired outcome
A- I can do this by buying beats, scheduling writing sessions, practicing, then buying studio time
R- Based on my savings and the income from my job I can afford this, I have a set schedule so I have plenty of writing time
T- I would like to finish in 6 months, i.e. Late June

It’s that easy to set goals, but less easy to actually achieve them; however I’m sure that most artists know this. Artistry is a tough road but it is definitely possible to be successful in the music and entertainment industries. Definitely decide what your definition of success is, whether it’s going on tour with a major artist, going platinum or selling a song to Rihanna. Whatever you decide it’s your journey and once you’ve achieved your idea of success no one can take that away from you! Keep working hard and remember what Future said in Where Ya At, “The reason I’m here today is because I never gave up!”

Ekelle's Exclusive Interview With Toronto Based RnB Artist Lust God

The first word that comes to mind when I think of the Lust God is intense! This singer-songwriter from Toronto really takes RnB music back to its roots with hi soulful sultry style. His lust and sex filled music takes you to another place, but in a good way. Most people try to combine raw sexual passion with their music, but the result is vulgarity. That is definitely not the case with the Lust God, although the music describes sexual scenarios, it’s still musical and something anyone with a sensual side can get into. He tells me that RnB music helped him to learn life and even how to talk to women! I got the chance to talk to the Lust God about his process and where he wants to go next.

So, Lust God, how did you manage to make our music so sexual without being vulgar? What’s your songwriting technique like?

My writing technique I think is fairly simple, I talk to the record like I'm having an intimate conversation with my lover, so she becomes the record.

So who exactly is your target market?

My target audience is anybody mature enough to relate to passion and a lust to be desired.

Where does the name “Lust God” come from, was it given to you or did you just make it up yourself?

The name "The Lust God" came as a gift while meditating. 

Where did you learn to sing like that? And who influences your musical style?

Lol thank you, I don't know I just ...sing. My musical inspiration is my life and the women that I'm lucky enough to have relations or situations with.

So I noticed that you’re often pictured with a guitar in hand, can you actually play it?

Yeah, I can play my songs lol I'm still learning a lot. The guitar in the photos actually represent the desire of a woman, I wanted the audience to see me intimate with something but still see themselves.

Are any of your songs based on real life situations with women?

All my songs are based off experiences with women or ideas for women I want to be with. The more passionate the relations, the better.

So what kind of women do you like?

Confident, sexually secure.

I noticed that you spruced up your Instagram page with a new vibe and concept, any special reasoning for that?

Thank you, I wanted to tastefully tease a little, I think it looks good but who knows it may change again!

What are your goals as an artist in the near future?

As an artist, I want the power of my music to reach people and remind them of what it's really like to touch your partner and be as intimate and free as possible, I want to continue doing that for the rest of my life.

Connect with Lust God: Instagram   Twitter

Asha Mullings aka Ekelle is a Toronto based artist, model, and writer. You can connect with her on Twitter and IG at #officialekelle.