Author: Kevin Bourne

Yesterday, fans were treated to the rare Ottawa-Toronto collab with the release of the visuals for the SVDVM and TCTHEGXD single “Dealership”. Directed by Jawnie Apple Tree, the video reveals the natural chemistry between the duo as we see them vibing on studio sound stage and late night on the Minto Bridges in Ottawa. The video also features the occasional cool lighting and special effects that we’ve come to expect from SVDVM. This is the first collaboration for the two rappers, who each took their own path to this release. Toronto’s TCTHEGXD gained underground recognition following his 2017 release “UTNS” and his 2018 6ixbuzz premiere “Risks” (2018). Meanwhile,…

TSN Sportcentre anchor, Kayla Grey, is set to host and executive produce a brand new sports show called THE SHIFT with Kayla Grey she recently announced. The now veteran sportscaster took to Instagram to share the news. “Debuting on May 13th, what I’m hoping @theshift_sports represents is the shift in how we discuss, consume, engage and add nuance to the biggest stories in sports, life and culture. THE SHIFT lives right at that intersection and is something that this landscape has yet to see.” The new program, powered by Dell XPS, will feature 1-on-1 interviews, panel discussions, the latest drops and breaking…

Back in February, Netflix brass announced they would be opening a new Canadian head office, either in Toronto or Vancouver, in order to be closer to Canada’s growing crop of creators. Yesterday, the video streaming service ending the speculation announcing their new office would indeed be based in Toronto. A posting for a new content executive position is expected to be posted in June. “…we have built relationships with so many talented directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, animators and more”, they noted in their official statement back in February. “Canada is an amazingly diverse country and growing our presence locally will…

Ottawa hip-hop artist, Kevy!, formerly kvyprsly, recently released his new album Soul 4 $ale, a 13-song masterpiece balancing melodic vocals and street storytelling with wavy trap vibes. Aside from being mixed by Lindasson, who also features on two songs, and recorded almost exclusively by Dametoven, the project features a roster of mostly Ottawa-based producers rounding out the local flavour on the album. “I like to keep my work in house. Most of the producers on here are talented produced from Ottawa”, Kevy! told SHIFTER. “The producers I worked with were Trudie, Hart, Moreno, Dametoven, and Geolson. Geolson isn’t from Ottawa though;…

Today, Apple Music announced the launch of City Charts, to “spotlight music making waves in over 100 cities around the world”. Among the Canadian cities to receive their own Top 25 chart are Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, and Winnipeg. Nineteen American cities are a part of the launch, including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Detroit and Philadelphia. Rounding out the list are cities in Africa; Asia-Pacific; Europe, Russia, and Central Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; and the Middle East. City Charts can be found on Apple Music’s Charts page, through the Browse or Search function or through Siri…

Our next SHIFTER Boss profile is on Common Media Group (CMG) founder, Lauren Campbell. Founded in February 2020, her full-service branding and communications agency builds, develops, and bridges the gap between brands and creatives. Her roster includes actors, artists, athletes such as Lamar Johnson, Anders, Unimerce, Patricia Jaggernauth, K. Forest, Jayd Ink, Nate Husser, Kennedy Rd, and more. She also manages the talents of singers and songwriters Pisceze and Shanuka. Lauren has managed PR projects for some of the top brands in the world including adidas, FIJI Water, Tommy Hilfiger, Hudson’s Bay, Estee Lauder, TIFF, and more. Check out our full profile…

Ottawa rapper and singer, Eazy Finesse, had a busy April releasing two brand new singles, including the Lxcid-produced “Swervin'”. On the track, Eazy Finesse gets introspective about some of the mistakes she’s made as of late and her desire to do better. The single came with some visuals, shot by her frequent collaborator Premi Productions, that show a vulnerable Eazy Finesse in downtown Toronto surrounded by tall buildings, including the iconic CN Tower. The pair previously worked together on the visuals for “Freestyle Pt. 1 & 2” and “Murda”. When asked about the inspiration for the song, Eazy Finesse told SHIFTER,…

Ottawa hip-hop artist, Mischa, is back with “Woke Up”, a brand new banger to help us usher in the spring/summer season. Produced by Quest of Dreamland Studios and mixed and mastered by Carde Blanche, the uptempo production features a heavy baseline and a bouncy “pop rap” drum pattern reminiscent of big bangers like Kodak Black’s “ZEZE” and Tyga’s “Taste”. As Mischa raps ‘Woke up feelin’ like it’s 2017,’ she hints at “being fed up with people who no longer serve you continuing to come back for more of the energy you retain”, she explains. Appearing on the track is fellow Ottawa…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for March includes videos from Drake, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Boslen, SAFE, Swagger Rite, Lindasson, Manila Grey, Duvy, Killy, Mustafa and more! Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country from March. Special shout out to our sponsor, realtor and Canadian hip-hop legend Greg Campbell. Last month you voted and crowned “On God” by AP as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month //  AP – “On God” Who will win for April? Boslen TRIP Release date: March 2, 2021…

Today, Scarborough-born and Brampton-raised rapper, Ty’Dre, returned with his first release of 2021 – an empowering anthem about triumph and unity titled “We Up”. The song was inspired by his relationship with his close friends as he revisits the past while also looking ahead at his goals. As the song plays out you not only get a glimpse into his come up with his day one people, but also his aspirations for the future. As he raps lyrics like, “All my people, we up, our time, tell me, who can see us? Let’s come together, put some property up Was…

Universal Music Group recently announced the launch of their new Middle Eastern division Universal Arabic Music with the goal of discovering and bringing artists in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region to the world. At the helm of the new label is Lebanese-Canadian record executive Wassim Slaiby, CEO of SALXCO and XO Records. Known to most as “Sal”, he rose to fame as the manager of R&B superstar The Weeknd and rapper/songwriter Belly, and now counts NAV, French Montana, Metro Boomin, Doja Cat, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign, Rowdy Rebel and Swedish House Mafia among his long list…

San Diego producer Desren has teamed up with Ottawa artists Swisha T and Jstn Dmnd on his recent single “Dusk Till Dawn”. On the track, Desren takes time to address his haters and his love for money, as the two Ottawa rappers also talk about their grind and the haters they’ve attracted along the way. In the first verse, Swisha raps, “7:30, get up bright and early, that’s the way I like it Workaholic, everyday I’m writing, they been hating on me but they never like me They don’t really understand me, I just do this for my family, I…