Author: Kevin Bourne

Over the past week, both Canadian and Indigenous people have taken to social media in response to commercial fishermen in Middle West Pubnico, Nova Scotia setting fire to a Mi’kmaw lobster storage facility. Non-Indigenous fishermen have called the Sipekne’katik First Nation’s fishery illegal and a threat to the environment. As a result, the incident has shed light on the issue of First Nations treaty rights in this country. As I’ve said in previous articles, I do love Canada despite its faults. As a first generation Canadian born to immigrant parents, I appreciate the better life Canada has provided my family.…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for September includes videos from Drake, Tory Lanez, Haviah Mighty, TOBi, Classified, Merkules, Ramriddlz, Zach Zoya, Mischa, Asuqomo, Y.S.R and more! Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country for September. Special shout out to our sponsor, realtor and Canadian hip-hop legend Greg Campbell. Last month you voted and crowned “I Am The One Nobody” by Winnipeg’s King Tragedy as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month //  King Tragedy – I Am The One Nobody Who will win for September?…

Yesterday, Ottawa artist Night Lovell took to social media to announce the release of his new music video for “Alone”. True to its name, the Avery Stedman directed video shows Lovell out in the woods in solitude. We’re treated to a back and forth change of pace as we see Night Lovell at times standing and look into the camera, then speeding down a dirt road on an ATV, walking through the forest, then surrounded by flashing light. The song and video are very timely given the times we’re living in with a pandemic and social distancing. The solitude depicted…

Over a year after going into an “Administrative Receivership” and seeking protection from its creditors, Intercity Broadcasting Network Inc, operator of G98.7FM, has announced the recommended buyer for the station – Neeti Ray of CINA Radio Group. Ray beat out over 60 other interested parties in the Sale and Investment Solicitation Process. Ray brings to G98.7FM years of experience as a broadcast operator, with radio properties in Ontario, Quebec and Michigan. While calls for the station to remain under Black ownership have grown in recent months, including a petition with over 13,000 signatures, Ray confirmed his commitment to Intercity Broadcasting Network’s vision…

Toronto rapper WISE recently released the music video for his latest single “Tricks”. Produced by Cahl and directed by Androze Vision and WISE, the song and video tell the story of a man falling for a girl who isn’t ready to give up the party life. “Tricks is a melodic love song about falling for a party girl who has no intentions of settling down. I expose the truth about what I thought to be a promising relationship, and despite the red flags continue to proclaim my love for her”, WISE says of his latest release. The video for “Tricks”…

When you look at the NFL of old, especially at the quarterback position, you would think of names like Elway, Marino and Montana. But today’s game has been revolutionized and the proof is in the pudding. Five out of the top seven quarterbacks in the NFL are African-Americans. Coincidence? I think not. The NFL hasn’t been this exciting since the early 90’s with the likes of Jerry Rice and company. It surely has something to do with the way the position has blossomed and to be more specific, what doors it has opened for duel-threat quarterbacks.  Why the prototypical quarterback…

Several years ago, I attended a poetry slam at a rustic, unsophisticated pub in suburban Toronto. I was there to see my friend, and headliner, Scribe, an incredibly passionate poet. Yet, despite the fact I was an English major in university, I had limited experience with the genre.  What surprised me was the diversity of the poets who competed. There was this short, spunky university student, a quiet, unassuming comic book fan, and this plainly dressed, slightly awkward but very friendly 30-something. None of them had a vibe that screamed “poet,” but their work was astounding. Each person delivered a…

Canadian hip-hop songwriter, artist, and producer The LJ is back with his new video for “Victory”. Produced by his labelmater Mcjoeey and his longtime friend and collaborator, Yung Fokus (Ice Cube, 2Chainz, Lloyd Banks), the single celebrates our successes as the Black diaspora through high-class taste and lifestyle, and reminds us to enjoy life even in uncertain times. Growing up as an African-raised Canadian and having spent his high school years in West Africa, The LJ has inherited styles intuitive to him. ‘Victory’ has smooth vocals, with an African-Caribbean flavor, over a lush dancehall-Afrobeat riddim. The LJ shows his cultural vibrancy, reflecting…

SHIFTER’s Artist of the Month for October is Vancouver rapper, Terrance Richmond. Vancouver, B.C.-based, Oakland-raised Terrance Richmond is a dynamic and innovative songwriter, rapper and creative. Having recently released his 10th project Glory Cloud, Richmond is continuing to stretch and redefine the boundaries of hip hop as a genre – refusing to be limited to trends, instead pressing towards defining a unique sound. His latest project serves as both his most lyrically deft and most vulnerable to date as he delves into ideas of legacy, pursuing call and following The Glory Cloud. Bringing together Gospel, hip-hop and neo-soul, this project…

A week after declaring his innocence in “The Most High” off his latest project DAYSTAR, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Brampton, Ontario native, Tory Lanez, has been charged with one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle in the July 12th shooting incident involving Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 22 years and eight months in prison. Although the case is still under investigation by the LAPD, Lanez will be arraigned on October 13th. DAYSTAR debuted at number 10 on the Billboard…

Long time Anjou, Quebec pastry chef, Lindsay Brun, was recently crowned the winner of Food Network Canada’s brand new reality show Wall of Chefs.  In the episode 12 introductions Brun stated, “What I’m bringing to the competition is creativity, energy, drive. I also want to win $10,000.” Well, that she did, taking home the top prize. Each episode of the culinary competition show features four home bakers and home chefs from across Canada, all looking to impress 12 of Canada’s best chefs. In the opening crowd pleaser round, Brun prepared sautéed shrimp with rice, green peas, spicy pepper and onion…

Last month, hip-hop and R&B artist Queenyy dropped her latest single “Replace Him”, off her upcoming EP, Distance. Known for giving us songs we have no choice but to move to, the dancer turned singer has given us what may be her best single yet. Produced and recorded by 613Tino and mixed by Carde Blanche, the song is raw and vulnerable, inspired by the perils of long distance dating. “When I wrote replace him I was in a very frustrated mood, as I only write based on real experiences I am going through at that current time. My writing was inspired…