The Toronto Raptors’ official DJ and producer takes us through a musical journey with his nine-song project 4Korners of the World which incorporates a blend of some of the world’s best music genres with a groundbreaking source of amazing Canadian and international talent Toronto Raptors official DJ and producer 4KORNERS shares his wonders of the world for listeners everywhere with his highly anticipated debut full-length album 4KORNERS of the World. By showcasing astonishing Canadian and international talent, this nine-track album takes us through a musical journey from various guest features of notable cultural backgrounds while showcasing a diverse range of sounds,…
Author: Joshua Habtwold
LOKRE reminds us that family is everything on her long-awaited debut album, ELIZABETH. Toronto-based R&B and neo-soul singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist LOKRE put her all into her long-awaited debut album, ELIZABETH, which was released last month on all streaming platforms. With 10+ years of experience in establishing herself in the Toronto music scene, ELIZABETH is a true reflection of the singer’s own identity. With tributes to her ancestral heritage, ELIZABETH serves as a reminder that LOKRE’s roots are planted deep, and she is here to stay. Co-produced with Adrian X (Drake, The Weeknd, Doc McKinney), LOKRE explains the creative…
Primo Green questions his true intentions and if he should pursue a love interest or not on “Change My Mind”. Toronto-based Afrobeats singer-songwriter Primo Green pursues love without inhibitions on his latest single, “Change My Mind”. Drawing inspiration from his own past experiences, he explores the feeling of uncertainty about a prospective love interest. Questioning whether he’s found the right one for him, he reflects on if it would be worth it to continue the relationship or simply move on. Bringing a unique breath of fresh air to this Afrobeats banger, Primo follows through with a unique sound that matches…
First Up with RBCxMusic is empowering BIPOC Canadian musicians with the skills, space, and resources to take their art to the next level. First Up with RBCxMusic is a program dedicated to providing emerging Canadian artists with a platform for performance, funding, education and mentorship opportunities. With the intention of helping recording artists with their craft and to experience new opportunities––such as performing for different audiences and building their careers to the next level––their purpose is to envision that a career in the music industry should be accessible to every artist who is talented, passionate, and has the drive to succeed. …
Meechy Darko of Flatbush Zombies drops his thoughtful debut album as a solo artist on Gothic Luxury. Known as one-third of the critically acclaimed psychedelic/alternative hip-hop trio, Flatbush Zombies, Brooklyn’s own Meechy Darko is writing his own story, as he introduces the hip-hop world to his debut album, Gothic Luxury. Executive-produced by legendary hip-hop producer Dot Da Genius and mixed by GRAMMY Award-winning Neal Pogue, Gothic Luxury Meechy speaks on various personal situations throughout his life and reflects on a majority of issues that go on in the world. With features from Denzel Curry, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Kirk Knight,…
Mixto Festival is celebrating the finest in the Toronto music scene and beyond. Elevating both local and global gems, Mixto Festival curated the perfect blend of diverse acts from July 7th-10th 2022 with one mission –– to unite. SHIFTER Arts & Culture Contributor Joshua Habtwold takes you through the four-day festival through his lens. After a two-year long pandemic, Mixto Festival returned to the big stage in Toronto this year with a bang. On a mission to bring some of the world’s best kept secrets to the stage to celebrate the interconnectedness of us all, Mixto brought a range of…
Mixto Festival returns to Toronto from July 7-10 with a diverse range of local and international acts, like Xenia França, Bombino, Céu, TRP.P, Bangerz Brass, and Narcy. As Toronto is pretty much returning to what it was pre-pandemic, live music in the city has been going stronger than ever. Since restrictions were lifted, festivals like NXNE, Canadian Music Week returned to regular programming, and local and international acts have hosted sold-out shows almost every other day. Upcoming festivals such as Veld, OVO Fest, and Rolling Loud are closely approaching with a variety of dope local and international talent––much to the…
This year, TD Music and the Canadian Music Incubator have teamed up to showcase 65+ dynamic performances from BIPOC Canadian artists for the TD Music Connected Series. Music is very important in our everyday lives, whether we’re listening to our favourite artists on a streaming platform or the radio, seeing them perform our favourite songs at a live event, or listening to songs in the background when shopping. And yet, as big of a role that musicians play in our everyday lives, there aren’t many programs built to pour back into them. In a time when resources for musicians are…
Patrik Kabongo releases new song “Limelight”. The song is in preparation for the Canadian artist’s debut album Endless Summer. Canadian recording artist, singer-songwriter and director Patrik Kabongo, known for his hit song “High End” (which became TikTok Canada’s official theme song throughout late 2020 to mid 2021), is back with a very meaningful banger that resonates with people that can relate to its message. That song is called “Limelight”. Marking his first single of the year, Patrik cites Pooh Shiesty’s recent sentencing as the inspiration behind the lyrical storytelling. As a reflection on the state of Black identity for Black…
“I would say, just start.” – Lincoln Blaché, entrepreneur, chief creative officer, label owner and founder of Made In Sauga “I had this vantage point from where I was of where I wanted to be”, is the first quote you see on Blaché’s website, describing the well-rounded traits and strengths that make him the man he is today. A Mississauga native whose life started in the Sheridan projects, Lincoln learned to maneuver through the adversities of his environment by using the skills and things that he loved and made it into a vision of his own. Made In Sauga is…
Kevin Williamson, who goes by Ktriggs, is a Hamilton, Ontario-based entrepreneur, recording artist, and the creator and owner of his brand Freedom of Speech Entertainment. With his fantastic work ethic and dedication to displaying his message of freedom of speech on all media formats, he established the brand in 2019, a year after entering the Hamilton music scene as an artist, emcee, and event host. Having gained experience studying at Trebas Institute in Toronto for Entertainment Management, he balanced his time in the industry while making a lane for himself to be a part of the music scene in Hamilton.…
“Jay-Z is one of my favourite rappers of all-time,” “Jay is on my top five,” “Jay goes the hardest” is what you will hear many hip-hop heads, music listeners, and even non-listeners say when it comes to the goat. I can honestly say that Jay is one of my favourite rappers of all time based on the legacy and impact he had with music, black culture, wealth, and black excellence. From starting with mafioso, braggadocious street raps with projects like Reasonable Doubt & In My Lifetime Vol. 1 to mature, introspective yet emotionally open projects like Magna Carta Holy Grail…
