Author: Kevin Bourne

SHIFTER’s new “People On The Move” feature takes a look at people in our moving on to new and exciting roles in our community and culture. Today, Kardinal Offishall is “on the move”. Today, Universal Music Canada announced Canadian hip-hop legend, Kardinal Offishall, was named the new Senior Vice President, A&R. In his new role, the multi-platinum, award-winning artist and producer will continue to discover, sign and foster the next generation of Canadian artists. Among his recent signees are Emanuel, the first Canadian domestic act co-signed to the Motown label, R&B singer-songwriter Savannah Ré, and Montreal rapper Zach Zoya. True to his monicker…

Neflix has bought the rights to an upcoming docuseries about polarizing music producer, rapper and clothing/shoe designer, Kanye West, who recently made headlines after his split with his wife, Kim Kardashian. The deal was initially rumoured to be worth $30 million although that has been refuted by sources and industry insiders. The documentary was shot over 21 years by West’s previous collaborators Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah who directed version three of West’s music video for “Jesus Walks”, as well as “Through the Wire”, shot after his nearly fatal car accident in 2002. It is said to include pivotal moments…

For his 37th birthday, XO/Roc Nation artist, Belly drops new singles IYKYK and Money On The Table, his first new solo material in three years. In time for his 37th birthday, XO/Roc Nation artist, Belly, released two brand new tracks, his first new solo material in three years. For the first single, “Money On The Table”, he enlists Buffalo rapper and Griselda member, Benny The Butcher, as well as The ANMLS and Los Angeles producer, Skinny, on production. “This felt like something nostalgic when I first made it, and being a fan of Benny, it only made sense to have…

For the past few months, SHIFTER has been partnering with Invest Ottawa to promote the Digital Main Street program to help our community to start an online business or to take their existing business online. As the program comes to a close, we want to offer some final advice to the new and existing entrepreneurs in our network. Here are three things entrepreneurs should remember to stay motivated. 1. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy The first thing you need to remember is that not only is starting a business hard, but staying at it long enough to see results is extremely hard. At…

Toronto rapper Swagger Rite is back with his new eight-track EP, Detour. The project includes previous releases like “Heart Broke Rockstar Sh*t”, “Drugs and Love” featuring OVO Sound artist Roy Woods, and “Compton” featuring fellow Canadian Eva Shaw and Sha Hustle, with alongside four brand new tracks where he explores a variety of styles and genres. There’s “Spicy” where he gives us some Reggae vibes, comparing his love interest to a scotch bonnet pepper. Then he slows is down with “Isolated” as his smooth vocals are accompanied by an equally smooth acoustic guitar. In this song his breaks away from…

For years there has been a misconception that Canadian athletes aren’t as good as American athletes in many sports. It has seemed like Canada is only good for hockey for a number of years but in 2021 only 43% of the NHL is Canadian, so is hockey really Canada’s sport? Sure Canada has been a hotbed for hockey for years and will always be a large part of the country’s history and athletics, though as we continue to move forward into the future, sports like football and basketball are becoming for recognized in Canada internationally. Something that can continue that…

Ottawa native, Queenyy, returns with the final piece of her intricate puzzle to close off her wistful EP Distance. As she finalizes this chapter with the movement visual for “Broken English”, the introductory track and freestyle from the EP, we get to witness the undeniable sizzle and vulnerability she effortlessly radiates as both a vocalist and a dancer. The therapeutic sounds of “Broken English” tell a tale of the emerging artist falling in love with someone overseas that could barely speak English. Initially recorded as a freestyle in Switzerland, Queenyy took this gem back to Canada where producer 613Tino, and mix…

Weeks after being sold to video-making and social-networking service Triller, Verzuz, the brainchild of hip-hop mega producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, has announced a brand new partnership with a highly unlikely partner in popular exercise equipment maker Peloton. While the partnership between Verzuz and Peloton may be a head scratcher to some, the latter has quickly built a reputation for bringing together fitness and music through its music-led-classes and artist partnerships known as its Artist Series. Through the new partnership, Peloton will celebrate the music of two legendary artists in a friendly competition format, providing a backdrop for a series of high…

Today, Basketball Africa League, also known as the BAL, announced that tip off for the league’s inaugural season is set for Sunday, May 16 at Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Twelve teams from across Africa, including champions from the national leagues in Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia, as well as Algeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique and Rwanda who qualified through BAL qualifying tournaments conducted by FIBA Regional Office Africa, are set to compete with the finals set to take place on Sunday, May 30. The adjusted schedule will include 26 games, beginning with an 18-game group phase. The top eight…

If you decide to start a business in 2021 one thing you’ll have to think about is branding. Although it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make, it’s something entrepreneurs spend the least amount of time and money on. Here are five tips for creating a brand that will make you stand out. 1. Be authentic This sounds so cliché, but your branding needs to be authentic. What does that mean? It means your branding should be a reflection of the mood, values, audience, mission and vision of your business. This means that you need to have an intimate…

Justin Bieber has surprised fans with the release of Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), the deluxe version of the original album released on March 19. The deluxe album features six new songs including “There She Go” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “I Can’t Be Myself” featuring his close friend Jaden Smith, “Lifetime”, “Wish You Would” featuring Quavo, “Know No Better” featuring Da Baby, and “Name” featuring Tori Kelly. The original album featured hits like “Holy” featuring Chance The Rapper, “Lonely” featuring Benny Blanco, “Anyone”, and “Hold On”, which combined for over two billion streams worldwide. It also included “Peaches” featuring fellow Canadian…

Tonight, the Origin Arts and Community Centre and the Great Canadian Theatre Company will close out International Women’s Month by presenting the latest installment of the Origin Kitchen Concerts featuring 2019 Polaris Prize winner Haviah Mighty. The Toronto rapper is no stranger to performing in the capital. She previously performed a signature high energy show at House of Paint 2019 and last performed in Ottawa at last year’s Bluesfest Drive-in festival. Since then she has gone on to release popular singles like “Obeah”, “Antisocial” featuring Rhythm and Flow alumn Old ManSaxon, and more recently “Good On My Own Tonight” featuring fellow…