Author: Kevin Bourne

Executive produced by Sean Combs, Voletta Wallace, Mark Pitts, Stanley Buchthal, and Emmett and Brendan Malloy, Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell is an intimate look at Christopher Wallace the man through the eyes of those who knew him best. Through rare behind the scenes footage shot by long-time friend Damion “D-Roc” Butler and interviews with close family and friends, Biggie the rap superstar gives way to Christopher, the sometimes quiet and shy son and friend. The film also takes us on a deep dive into the many influences that helped him become the rap superstar he eventually became, from…

Today, Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer and R&B artist, Jessica Jolia, released her new single “No Question”. The song, with its smooth and laid back groove, tells the story of Jolia and her love interest seemingly playing a game of cat and mouse as she keeps her eager lover waiting, encouraging them to make sure this budding relationship is what they really want. “You just gotta know You just gotta know I like moving slow You say what we waiting for Don’t mean to leave you guessing Might not show, but it ain’t no question” The song explores the complexities, and…

After featuring on fellow Ottawa artist Lindasson’s big single “A Lot” alongside FTG Reggie, Night Lovell recently dropped his latest single called “Counting Down The List”. Well, today he treated fans to some brand new visuals for the single directed by Avery Stedman. Featuring a dark aesthetic, the video features shots of Lovell alone, speeding down an empty road in his Mercedes E55. We also get some cool effects as we see him in a room cloned, surrounded by multiple versions of himself in different poses. Check out the brand new visuals for “Counting Down The List”. SHIFTER Music

Black History Month is always a time to reflect not only on the historical achievements of Black Canadians but also on those who are blazing a trail for themselves and the community today. With the unfortunate events and racial tensions of 2020, conversations have increased in the Black community about the need for more business ownership and economic development en route to true inclusion. Every day at Invest Ottawa we get a chance to meet bold entrepreneurs who are doing just that, whether it’s through our Digital Main Street or Starter Company Plus programs. In celebration of Black History Month, Invest Ottawa is highlighting…

SHIFTER editor-in-chief, Kevin Bourne, recently interviewed Lykx, a self-taught DJ, producer and turntablist, and 2020 RedBull 3Style Canadian champion (the first ever female to hold the title). In this exclusive she talks about her native Montreal, being a female DJ in a male dominated industry, and of course, her big win at the 2020 RedBull 3Style Canadian championships. KB: First off, what’s your ethnic background? Where are you from? LX: I’m a mix of Caribbean and Afro-Latin descent – Haitian, Cuban, Martinican and Dominican. KB: And you’re obviously from Montreal. What neighbourhood in Montreal did you grow up in? LX: I grew…

In celebration of Black History Month, Vancouver duo Glo Romy and Leah McFly have released “Hip Hop Fashion Evolution”, a photo tribute to 90’s hip-hop fashion. According to the duo, “The 90’s continue to influence who, what, and why we wear what we do.” The photo project highlights some of the key styles of 90’s hip-hop that Black creators brought forth and pioneered. An era that reckoned with it all – chunky gold chains to Afrocentric beads and of course, the shiny suit. Today, we reflect on, admire, and appreciate the impact that 90s hip-hop has had on our style. To check out the full photo…

When most people think about marketing they think about funnels, websites, traffic, lead magnets, email list, copy and more. These are essential components to building a successful online marketing business but they are not primary. Let me explain. What’s keeping the majority of people from succeeding in the online space is this dogged obsessions with the tools of marketing and not the substance of marketing. The person running the business. You see, business is an extension of who you are as a person. The best place to build your marketing is from the inside out. Before you go out there…

Ottawa hip-hop artist, Mischa, recently released her latest single “Cruise Control”. Recorded at Raven Street Studios by audio engineer Geoff McNeely, with production from Toronto-based producer Jonny Brown, the song is about the rapper’s zero tolerance for negative energy and her refusal to settle for lower standards as she takes her place in the game. “I feel that my craft has seriously elevated due to the amount of time and effort I’m placing into conveying a top quality product for my audience”, Mischa explains. “I’m ecstatic to kick-off 2021 with the release of ‘Cruise Control.’ With plans to release numerous tracks…

Today, Ottawa artist, City Fidelia, dropped his latest single “Drugs and Loaded Weapons”. Known as a poet, community leader  and ambassador for the streets who tells the stories of inner city neighbourhoods, his latest release is a very timely commentary on racial injustice, police brutality, and their excessive force and systemic bias against people of colour. “Tryin’ to stay calm, stay strong when the TVs on Flipping through the news just to see another brother gone Even when the cameras on, they always acquitted Yeah they put the charges on, but never convicted” From its beginning, the song evokes feelings…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for January includes videos from The Weeknd, NAV, Dax, Night Lovell, Duvy, Dillan Ponders, Cartel Madras, Lil Berete, TwoTiime, Young Smoke, and more! Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country for January. Special shout out to our sponsor, realtor and Canadian hip-hop legend Greg Campbell. Last month you voted and crowned “Busy” by Vibebymel x Travis Thickle as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month //  Vibebymelo x Travis Thickle – “Busy” Who will win for February? Ja¥en x…

SHIFTER’s Artist of the Month for February is Marcus Haran, a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born in Paris, France and raised in Toronto. Marcus’s interest in performing began at the age of six when his mother bought him a drum set and it was enough to light the spark that led to him discovering his passion for beat boxing, beat production, and rapping. Marcus has a rare and loud skin condition called Vitiligo, a condition that has gripped the likes of pop icon Michael Jackson, supermodel Winnie Harlow, and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachan, to name but a few. Representing…

Over the weekend, Toronto rapper Top5 was arrested in Windsor, Ontario and charged with accessory after the fact in the January murder of 20 year-old Hashim Omar Hashi. According to police, Hashi had no criminal background. Another man, 24-year-old Emmanuel Missah, was also arrested in connection with the case. According to Toronto police, Top5 was also charged with two counts of failure to comply with probation, three counts of possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, as well as possessing items valued at over $5,000 that were obtained by crime. The controversial rapper is set to appear in court…