Author: Kevin Bourne

Before being drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson was one of the most sought after prospects since Lebron James after wowing fans and scouts with his combination of explosiveness, control, physical strength and out of this world hops. He made his NBA debut on January 22, 2020 with onlookers wondering if he would, in fact, deliver on his freakish potential. Well, as history would have it, the answer was a resounding, “Yes!” Williamson would finish with 22 points, shooting 8-for-11 (including 4-for-4 from beyond the arc), seven rebounds and three assists,…

When we think about Canadian music, especially urban music, Toronto gets most of the shine, but if you take a quick glance over at the west coast, the Vancouver music scene is heating up with acts like Boslen and the Juno-nominated Manila Grey signing record deals with big labels and elevating their careers to new heights. Today, two of the more well-known names in Vancouver hip-hop and electronic music, Seb C and Teon Gibbs, are making noise of their own with their new single “Plug Talk”. The track deceptively begins with a somewhat laid back Hip-hop beat before revving up…

Swisha T is reminding listeners that he is here to stay in his music video release for “No Days Off”.  In the music video, the hip-hop artist carries us around his home-city Ottawa with his homies where he expresses sentiments of dignity and self-pride in his pursuit to a successful music career. Spitting insightful bars such as: “It takes a loss to be a boss, but that’s a loss you can’t pay.” The song talks about the resilience to overcome any situation with integrity and self-respect for himself and his craft.  The Canadian lyricist has gained over 24 million streams since…

2020 was a year full of highs for Ottawa-based artist Kalix Breezy. Not letting the effects of the pandemic stop him from releasing quality content, the hip-hop hit maker has been working to follow suit in 2021. Hitting the ground running, his most recent single “Credit” outlines exactly what the emerging artist is looking to achieve. Touching down with a hunger in his voice, Kalix Breezy exudes a punchy confidence that drips through your speakers with a rich sense of braggadocio. Flaunting bars that reflect his feelings towards everyone skeptical of his personal and artistic growth, forthright lyrics like ’cause my…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for April includes videos from The Weeknd, Belly, Dax, Lil Berete, Unimerce, Houdini, Boslen, Bizz Loc, Swagger Rite, anders, Maurice Moore, Ruth B, and more! Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country from April. Special shout out to our sponsor, realtor and Canadian hip-hop legend Greg Campbell. Last month you voted and crowned “Trophy” by Nagy Gogetta as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month //  Nagy Gogetta – Trophy Who will win for May? Boslen feat. Tyla Yaweh P2P…

With Nicki Minaj dropping her highly anticipated album last night at midnight and Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s projects reportedly on the way, 2021 may very well be the best year for hip-hop albums in years. Another album that hip-hop heads have been anticipating since he announced it just over a week ago is J. Cole’s The Off-Season. Whetting fans appetites with the lead single “The Interlude” and a masterful freestyle on his first ever appearance on L.A. Leakers, he reminded us that he has some of the most elite pen game in hip-hop (as if we needed any reminding). Whereas KOD…

Canadian hip-hop artist, DJ and producer turned record executive, Kardinal Offishall, recently celebrated a major milestone – the 20th anniversary of his classic album Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1. The album achieved a number of accolades including south of the border and was the soundtrack of a generation for young Black kids growing up in Toronto. The lead single and Toronto anthem “Bakardi Slang” became Kardi’s first single to appear on the Billboard charts, peaking at #57 among U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Not only did the album secure him a 2002 Juno nomination for Best Rap Recording, but The Source,…

Dom Vallie recently released “Tell Me Please”, his long-awaited collab with City Fidelia and the track is straight fire. Here’s a closer look. Toronto-born and Kitchener-raised artist, Dom Vallie, recently released his long-awaited collab with City Fidelia and the track is straight fire. The single has already amassed over 84K streams on Spotify alone, as well as placement on playlists like Hip Hop Central and Northern Bars, so it seems fans and industry insiders agree. Recorded at Real House of Ensemble and produced and engineered by Jeff Sanon during a weekend trip to Ottawa, “Tell Me Please” is a braggadocious track…

Last night at midnight, Night Lovell dropped his latest album Just Say You Don’t Care. The 14-song project is a follow up to his 2019 release GOODNIGHT LOVELL and his first album since signing with G59 Records back in February. The album features Lovell’s signature dark and haunting sound with heavy bass. It also has no features which isn’t exactly out of character for the enigmatic rapper. The slow and dark vibes are broken up with the more up tempo “Bottom Top”, “On The Hill”, and “Crawl” which is one of the standout songs on the project. Rounding out the track list are previously…

Seventeen year old, Steven Harmon (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) lives a normal teenage life in Harlem, New York – going to school, hanging out with friends, drinking, and going to the nightclub. Everything changes when he meets local street hustler, William King (played by Harlem rapper, A$AP Rocky), and his friend Richard “Bobo” Evans (played by John David Washington) who attempt to introduce and lure Steve to the darker side of life in the neighbourhood. After a bodega robbery gone wrong, Steve finds himself behind bars, a victim to the system. Not only does the unfolding drama take a toll…

It’s been a very productive year so far for Ottawa area rapper, singer and songwriter, Baëbe Ruth. In the midst of a rebrand from her former name “Babe Ruth” and her upcoming performance at the second annual Capital Music Awards she has emerged as one of the most promising talents coming out of the capital. Known for her organic authenticity, a deep dive into her repertoire of R&B meets hip-hop creations delivers pieces of her inspirational story as she kicks the relatability factor up a notch. Highlighting the heartfelt lyricism showcased on her most recent release “On Me,” we hear…

Canada’s Godfather of Hip-hop, Maestro Fresh Wes, has been very active in recent years, releasing music at a steady clip. He has worn many hats over his illustrious and ever evolving career, including emcee, actor, mentor and hip-hop elder statesman. Now he has another hat to add to his impressive resume – children’s book author. Inspired by his 1998 track of the same name, Stick To Your Vision: Young Maestro Goes to School is an inspirational children’s book that tells the story of a young Maestro Fresh Wes as he navigates school, including competing in the school’s writing contest against…