Author: Kevin Bourne

Social media is buzzing since Capcity Hip-Hop released its top 50 Ottawa rappers list. Since then a few lists have emerged so I decided to weigh in on the action. I’ve been to a lot of studio sessions, rap cyphers, and live shows. I’ve reviewed quite a few local albums, played local music on our radio show, and written my monthly Ottawa music video roundups so I have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. Now, quick disclaimer. Before you label me an “old head”, I actually spend more time listening to trap and modern hip-hop than I do…

This month’s Ottawa Music Video Roundup includes Dax, SixOneTrey, Hevve, Dynamic and more! We’re continuing to ask you, the fans, to vote for the capital’s Video of the Month. Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the city for June. Last month you voted and crowned “Popular Demand” by Hueso featuring JKing as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month (May) – Hueso featuring JKing – “Popular Demand” Who will win this month? Dax Wack Ass Rappers Freestyle Release date: June 4, 2019 Shot by: Logan Meis There are few…

The main attraction on the final day of Bluesfest was the Backstreet Boys, but first we were treated to a performance from Ottawa native Vi. After competing on CTV’s The Launch and recently moving to Toronto, it would be expected to see growth in Vi as a performer and we were right. Vi appeared to be as comfortable as ever in front of her hometown crowd. She performed all her songs we’ve grown to love, including “Make Believe”, “Demons”, “Black Water”, and “Clover”. She even got acoustic on “Heart” and even gave us covers of a few of her favourite…

After a long delay due to thunderstorms, SHIFTER’s most highly anticipated show of RBC Bluesfest 2019 got underway as the Wu-tang Clan graced the City Stage. One by one members of arguably the most celebrated hip-hop group of all time took the stage. First, it was Masta Killa. As one of the lesser known members of the group, it was refreshing to see him have his own moment on stage and show that he’s fully capable of commanding a stage on his own as an MC. Then the RZA joined him on stage, followed by Ghostface Killah and Raekwon as…

Murda Beatz looks the part of the somewhat quiet and introverted creator, so it would be easy to wonder what a one hour performance from one of the world’s hottest producers would look like. Well, he was anything but quiet. He even invited the crowd to make a mosh pit throughout his set, from beginning to end. Murda’s performance was basically a DJ set where he alternated between the front of the stage, engaging with the crowd, and taking his place behind the DJ table. He played some of his biggest hits, including Drake’s “Portland” and “Nice For What”. He…

Tonight, Logic, the first of the big name hip-hop artists to take the stage at RBC Bluesfest 2019, performed in front of thousands of fans at Lebreton Flats. The show actually started a few minutes early which caught the crowd of guard as fans were still approaching the stage. As the show started, one thing was clear. Unlike other hip-hop artists today, and as a throwback to the Golden Era rappers of the 90’s, Logic didn’t rely on backtrack vocals to help him deliver his performance. Also clear was the fact that Logic is an about average lyricist and has…

RBC Bluesfest, Ottawa’s largest annual music festival, is just around the corner and SHIFTER will be there! Although there’s not much local hip-hop scheduled for the 10-day festival, unlike previous years, there are still some great shows to look forward to. Here the shows we’re looking forward to at RBC Bluesfest 2019. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ Prosper (@djprosper22) on Nov 6, 2018 at 6:01pm PST DJ Prosper⎹ July 9-10 Ottawa Senators DJ and “crowd motivator”, DJ Prosper, was added to the schedule after support from the fans and he won’t disappoint. He’s…

Last night, Marial Shoyak made history becoming the first Ottawa player to ever be drafted into the NBA. The Iowa State product and former St. Pat’s student was selected 54th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers at last night’s NBA Draft. He is the second player from the capital region to be drafted into the NBA. Aylmer’s Olivier Hanlan, who is currently playing overseas, was selected 42nd overall in the 2015 draft by the Utah Jazz and was soon after traded to the San Antonio Spurs, winning a G League championship in 2018. It was a record breaking night for Canada.…

Hip-hop artist and host of CHUO 89.1FM’s Bring Ya Eh Game, Dynamic aka Ya Favourite Lightskin, recently dropped his latest project “On A Quest” – a collaboration with Hull, Quebec producer Quest. The Ottawa rapper recently held listening parties in Ottawa and Toronto, where he lived for a number of years, and the reception has been positive. The eight-song project includes a feature from Kassidy Mackinnon. Standout tracks include “I’m Great” and “My Throne” which created some buzz at the Ottawa listening party. Born into the low-income housing projects in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood, Dynamic has seen his share of hardship. After…

Ottawa hip-hop/R&B artist and songwriter Steph Marcantonio, aka queenyy, recently released her new single “Pretty Young Thing” alongside First Nations Cree producer and choreographer Chev Cheechoo, aka chevdot. The pair are collaborating on a series of single and video releases in 2019. For queenyy, her music is about relatability and sharing her perspective and experiences with the world. “My inspiration when it comes down to writing lyrics for this project is the struggle in relationships with different situations and different kinds of people. They are all based on things that have happened to me personally and are relatable to any gender…

The Ottawa music video roundup for May is our biggest to date with 18 videos! This month’s list includes Hueso, Chaz Dean, Chrissy Spratt, Dax, RBLx, and more! We’re continuing to ask you, the fans, to vote for the capital’s Video of the Month. Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the city for May. Hueso feat. JKing Popular Demand Release date: May 1, 2019 Shot by: FVCKROH Productions In May, artist and CFL player, Hueso, dropped “Popular Demand”, the first video off his debut project OfFsZn. Shot at Real Studio…

As Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors’ magical playoff run continues into the NBA Finals, Canadian hip-hop artist Hevve has released a surprise single “Klutch”. The song features fellow rapper Bullyzone. “‘Klutch’ is about being clutch in all aspects of life just like Kawhi Leonard has been clutch in the NBA playoffs. ‘It’s a lifestyle. It’s how we move”, Hevve notes about the concept. “There was such a vibe in the studio in making this song. Quest literally put the beat together in 10 minutes and a few hours later the song was done. We put the whole thing together…