Author: Kevin Bourne

While Toronto has produced its share of hip-hop superstars, other Canadian cities are bubbling with young talent. Here are five up and coming Nova Scotian hip-hop artists Canada should know about. Earlier this year, Nova Scotia based DJs, DJ Topkat and Reeloud, released their Skotian Smoke mixtape featuring some of their provinces up and coming hip-hop artists, from Halifax to Digby. While names like Classified and Quake Matthews are names we would typically associate with Nova Scotian hip-hop, there’s a new crop of artists looking to make a name for themselves. For Topkat, who appeared on our Top 20 Canadian…

Revenge Of The Black Best Friend tells the story of actor turned self-help guru, Dr. Toni Shakur, who supports actors who have been cast as token Black characters. Canadian playwright, filmmaker, and journalist, Amanda Parris, has been on a bit of a run in recent years. Although she is known as an arts reporter and producer for the CBC, she has kept busy with a flurry of creative projects and ventures. First, she made her theatrical debut in 2017 with her play Other Side of the Game. Then she won the 2019 Governor General’s Award for English-language drama for her…

As you would expect from a season finale, tonight’s episode was full of drama. Love is in the air as old flames die and new ones begin. It’s also an episode where old dreams come to an end and new ones take shape. While Spencer, Asher, Coop, D’Angelo and Grace all begin to fulfill their dreams, Liv is still finding her way as a journalist. We have it all in our All American season 4 episode 20 recap. Continuing from the last episode, SWAT raids the crew’s Halloween party after receiving a tip about someone wielding a knife. Coop’s new…

Toronto rapper Kofi has released his new album “Why Not?”. SHIFTER editor, Kevin Bourne, notes Kofi shows growth and versatility on the project. Toronto rapper Kofi is back with his latest project Why Not?, his second release with the Los Angeles-based Red Bull Records. The 12-song album includes previously released singles “Haunt Me” featuring 2KBaby and the self-produced “On Me” with its song African influences. The project continues to reveal the versatility we’ve seen in the past from the Scarborough native. On the opening track he goes back and forth from rapping, with his tone almost reminiscent of a 90’s…

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television has announced the Prism Prize top 10 finalists. Here’s a look at the 2022 list. Today, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television revealed the top 10 finalists for the Prism Prize, the annual awards event that recognizes outstanding artistry in music video production. From the list of finalists, the 130 jurors, including more than 130 of the top minds in Canadian music, film, and media arts, will select the Grand Prize winner who will be awarded with a $20,000 prize at a screening and awards presentation on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in Toronto. …

Fresh off the release of Season 2, Top Boy star Ashley Walters, aka Asher D, returns with his new EP “Test The Walters”. With the similarities between Toronto and London culture (including our use of words like “ting” and “mandem”), Canada has always had a weird fascination with the Netflix show Top Boy. It’s common knowledge that Drake was such a fan of the show that he stepped in to become one of the producers. Well, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know Top Boy lead actor, Ashley Walters, also makes music. Case in point, this SoulCulture cypher…

JJ organizers a Halloween party that challenges the group’s friendship. Meanwhile, as acting principal, Billy must stop the South Crenshaw Halloween Vandal. Here’s our All American season 4 episode 19 recap. After his breakup with Simone, Jordan is back to being a player, hooking up with a random girl named Tessa.  Coop is excited about her new job with Laura, but Patience wonders why Coop changed for Skye and not her. As acting principal, Billy must stop the South Crenshaw Halloween Vandal from vandalizing the school. He enlists Preach to join him after promising him a new mini fridge. Billy…

The Juno Awards took over the Budweiser Stage on Toronto’s Lakeshore. Shawn Mendes, Haviah Mighty and Charlotte Cardin were among the winners. Tonight, the Canadian music industry once again came together for the biggest night in Canadian music, the 2022 Juno Awards. While most of the awards were handed out on Saturday, six awards were presented on Sunday night. The winners included Haviah Mighty for Rap Album of the Year for Stock Exchange, Arkells for Group of the Year, Shawn Mendes for the International Achievement Award and TikTok Juno Fan Choice, Jessia for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Canadian Music…

The JUNO Opening Night Awards 2022 touched down at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Here are all your winners. Tonight, the Canadian music industry gathered in downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Ontario Creates. Hosted by Ann Pornel and CBC Music’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, this year’s festivities were once again an in-person celebration after two years of going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening began with opening remarks from Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences president, Allan Reid, followed by a performance by Valley, fresh…

In the next article in our Industry Insights series, SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne says that as a talent in the entertainment industry, you’re only as strong as your team. Last Monday, Koliah and I went to a listening session at Universal Music Canada for their artist Boslen. Aside from the quality of his music and his attention to detail, what stood out was the quality of his team. When going over his upcoming project, he couldn’t stop talking about how important his team has been to his success. He not only bounces ideas off of his team, but he mentioned how…

While a number of characters land new jobs, this episode is a little messy, including a big breakup. Here’s our All American season 4 episode 18 recap. After getting closure and making peace with Carrie, Layla looks to make amends with the people in her life, including Coop, by writing them letters. Unfortunately, one person―Clay―can’t accept her apology. Spencer is hosting his apparel launch, but there’s some trouble brewing. The bromance between Spencer and Wade is in jeopardy as Spencer confronts Wade about the derogatory post circulating about Liv. Another player takes responsibility for the stunt, but is Wade completely…

There’s friction between Spencer and Asher as their schools get ready to go head-to-head. Meanwhile, Spelivia continue to drift apart. Here’s our All American season 4 episode 17 recap. After Spencer is moved from special teams to receiver and the focus of Golden Angeles’ offence, Wade tries to get all “buddy buddy” with Spencer. After Spencer calls Wade “the best quarterback in the country” it causes some tension with Jordan. Speaking of tension, this episode also saw some rare friction between Spencer and Asher. As Coastal California gets ready to play Golden Angeles at homecoming, Coach Montez asks Asher to…