Author: Kevin Bourne

Based on a script he wrote 27 years ago, Tyler Perry’s latest film is his “best work yet” says SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne in his A Jazzman’s Blues review. Known for delivering Black comedies like Madea, Tyler Perry takes audiences in a different direction with his latest film A Jazzman’s Blues; a coming-of-age period drama about young, forbidden love in the late 1930’s and 1940’s South The shy and starry-eyed Bayou (Joshua Boone) finds himself in love with Leanne (Solea Pfieffer), a light skinned Black girl facing trouble at home. After being separated, the two young lovers reconnect in Hopewell, Georgia, but…

Micheal Ward and Olivia Colman deliver award-worthy performances says Kevin Bourne in his Empire of Light review. Another standout film from the Toronto International Film Festival is Empire of Light starring Micheal Ward, Olivia Colman, and Colin Firth. The Sam Mendes directed film is set in a small seaside town in England in the early 1980’s and tells the story of a group of co-workers in a local movie theatre. The story is centered around friends turned unlikely lovers, Stephen (Micheal Ward) and Hilary (Olivia Colman), who are separated by both age and race. Making matters even more complicated is…

In his Black Ice film review, SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne says the documentary is not only a damning look at racism in hockey, but in Canada at-large. Executive produced by Lebron James, Maverick Carter, Drake and Future The Prince, Black Ice chronicles the history of anti-Black racism in hockey, from the Coloured Hockey League in 1895 through to today. In the documentary, we not only discover the historical ties between Black communities and Canada’s pass time, but the innovations that Black players introduced to the modern game. We also learn that not only have the historical ties between Black communities and…

On The Come Up provides a universal story of self-discovery while highlighting the strength of Black women. Here’s our On The Come Up review. One of our more highly-anticipated films premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival was On The Come Up. Set in the fictitious neighbourhood of Garden Heights, affectionately known as “The Garden”, On The Come Up tells the story of 16-year-old rapper Bri, also known as Lil Law, who is looking to follow in the footsteps of her father and local rap legend Lawless. It’s an 8 Mile-like story as the young phenom navigates the local battle…

Nav shows depth, substance and “melodic lyricism” says SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne in his Demons Protected By Angels album review. After initially hinting at a July 29th release date, NAV has finally dropped his new album Demons Protected By Angels. In his relatively short professional career, NAV has built a reputation for delivering albums that are complete bodies of work. Like his Juno-nominated 2019 release Bad Habits, NAV creates albums you can play from beginning to end with little to no fillers. While he’s given us big singles in the past, his albums are more like collections of songs that together…

Ari Lennox’s new project is “equal parts soulful and sexy” says Kevin Bourne in his Ari Lennox age sex location album review. Days after releasing a surprise EP titled Away Message, Ari Lennox has dropped her highly anticipated album age/sex/location. According to Wikipedia, the term is “used as a question to find out the age, sex, and general location of the person one is talking to.” With that in mind, the album explores relationship dynamics ranging from sexuality and passion, to finding the strength to move on. It’s equal parts soulful and sexy as Lennox brings the raw and unfiltered…

Toronto artist Friyie premiered his new EP Never 2 Late in front of a packed house at the Eglinton Grand in Toronto. Here’s a closer look at the project. Last night, Toronto hip-hop artist Friyie treated family, friends, fans and industry insiders to a private black tie listening party at the Eglinton Grand theatre in Toronto for his new EP Never 2 Late. Part sit down interview, part celebration, the event was an example for artists everywhere on how to do a listening party the right way. Released today, the seven-track project, his first EP since 2020, features timeless tracks,…

Canadian hip-hop sensation Pressa drops Blame Me visuals ahead of his September appearance at Rolling Loud Toronto. Ahead of his performance at Rolling Loud Toronto and his return to the city after relocating to Los Angeles three years ago, Canadian hip-hop sensation Pressa has dropped a brand new music video for his latest single “Blame Me”. Released back on August 19th, the Da Realest produced track describes ‘having ungrateful friends when you’ve been looking out for them all your life.’ I’ve been wondering why these niggas, why they hatin’, why they change on me?OohI put everybody on, but when they…

Cholocash flexes his versatility, vocals and song making abilities on his new EP Love So Loud. Toronto artist Cholocash dropped a new EP this week and to say it’s a step in a different direction is an understatement. While he’s given us melodic vocals in the past, the rapper and songwriter shows off his versatility by getting in his rock and pop bag as seen on previously released singles “Was It Worth It” and “Leave Me Tf Alone” which are both included on the project. Sonically, Cholocash is in a lane all by himself within the Toronto music scene, choosing…

The Murder Inc Story season 1 episode 4 shows the legal trouble and 50 Cent beef that would change Murder Inc. forever. Here’s our recap. Episode four shows Murder Inc. still riding high, on top of the world. That’s until January 3, 2003 when the Feds raid Irv Gotti’s office and homes. The first part of the episode is dedicated to the relationship between Irv Gotti and Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, and the background story of the legendary Queens drug kingpin. The Feds are suspecting that Supreme is funnelling his drug money through Murder Inc. In the midst of the investigation,…

SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne says CTV’s firing of Lisa Laflamme points to the changing job prospects in journalism and encourages more journalists and content creators to take the entrepreneurial route. Last week, Canada was rocked by the news that long-time CTV news anchor, Lisa Laflamme, was fired after 35 years with the company. To make matters worse, she wasn’t given the opportunity to say goodbye to Canadians like other long-time broadcasters including her predecessor Lloyd Roberts and CBC’s Peter Mansbridge. Imagine giving three decades to a profession and a company only to be dismissed as if your 35-year contribution never happened.…

SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne writes about why finding a place to rent in Toronto feels harder than ever, especially for Black renters. My wife and I recently decided to move back to Toronto after many years in Ottawa to raise our children closer to our extended family. After putting all our things in storage, we started the arduous process of trying to find a home in the Greater Toronto Area. Contrary to what many would believe, the most challenging part of the process wasn’t the rental prices; it was being Black. After having trouble finding a place to live, and in…