The importance of local collaborations and features, which have led to Atlanta’s ascension to the new mecca of hip-hop, is something that hasn’t been lost on Ottawa hip-hop artist Lindasson. Just over a year after giving us one of Ottawa’s biggest collabs in “A Lot” alongside Night Lovell and FTG Reggie, he has teamed up with fellow Ottawa artist TwoTiime on “Eighties (Remix)”. We had heard rumours of a Lindasson and TwoTiime track over the past and we’re happy to say it’s finally here. Originally released in 2020 as a solo record, the track, which has already been placed on…
Author: SHIFTER Staff
New York radio DJ and hip-hop staple, DJ Kay Slay, has passed away on Easter Sunday at 55 years old after a four-month battle with COVID-19. Born Keith Grayson, the known to many as the “Drama King” was a radio host with Hot97 and Shade 45, and CEO/Owner of Straight Stuntin Mag. Kay Slay was a champion for bars and real emceeing releasing tracks like “110 Rolling Deep”, “50 Rolling Deep” and “Back to the Bars” featuring the most iconic lyricists in hip-hop history, including Jadakiss, Raekwon and Joell Ortiz. He crossed generations and stayed relevant releasing new material consistently…
SHIFTER recently did a Q&A with rapper turned clothing designer and Pvstlife founder, Bobby Brugal, about his clothing line and whether he’s retired from music. Here’s what he had to say. SHIFTER: When did you launch Pvstlife and what made you want to start a clothing line? Bobby Brugal: First and foremost thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on business, it’s kinda like my first in this capacity. Pvstlife was born in May 2019 while I was still working my 9-5 gig at Footlocker. My brother Neeco has DSGM & was pushing me to create my own…
Russom Woldemichael, owner and founder of shoe and leather goods company Barcon Getta, knows that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a great pair of shoes. After being expelled from Ethiopia in 1998, during the Eritrean-Ethiopian war, Russom and his family were scattered throughout Africa. He and his brother Seare fled to Kenya before moving to Johannesburg, South Africa in the height of the Nelson Mandela presidency. There the Woldemichaels hustled clothing for three years as street vendors to make ends meet and avoid imprisonment. “I was introduced to entrepreneurship based on a life skill, not a theory…
Hip-hop has seen some memorable “First Day Out” freestyles. Ottawa hip-hop artist FTG Reggie dropped one of his own titled “Silent Prayers”. In recent years, hip-hop has been treated to some memorable “First Day Out” freestyles from rappers like Tee Grizzley, Gucci Mane, and more recently JT from City Girls. “First Day Out” freestyles have become a staple in hip-hop as an artist’s way to celebrate a recent release from prison, while getting some things off their chest. Yesterday, Ottawa hip-hop artist FTG Reggie dropped a “First Day Out” freestyle of his own titled “Silent Prayers”. True to his signature…
Months after adding the expansion Scarborough Shooting Stars to the fold, the CEBL has announced that the launch of the long-awaited and rumoured Montreal franchise. Dubbed the “Alliance”, the Montreal squad is set to begin play at the Verdun Auditorium in 2022. The move builds on the growing number of NBA and international talent coming out of Montreal in recent years, including the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Luguentz Dort and the Toronto Raptors’ Chris Boucher and Khem Birch. “Montreal has evolved into one of the strongest regions for basketball in the country, and we are very excited to fuel that growth…
Weeks after premiering Bachelor In Paradise Canada, Citytv is back in its reality TV bag announcing the host and judges for their new talent competition show Canada’s Got Talent. Among the judges are artist, label executive and A&R Kardinal Offishall, YouTuber turned writer and late night talk show host Lilly Singh, WWE hall of famer Trish Stratus, and long-time America’s Got Talent’s star Howie Mandel. Meanwhile, holding down hosting duties will be Calgary country music star Lindsay Ell, who in just a few years has a #1 U.S. single, two #1 Canadian singles, a GOLD certified record in “wAnt me back”…
Fresh off of wowing crowds at Manifesto in Toronto and Cranium in Ottawa with her signature soulful voice and dance choreography, Mississauga-based R&B artist Liyah has dropped her debut project Forevaliyah. The seven song project features strong, soulful and polished vocals from the young artist, on top of equally strong production. Her sound is a throwback to that good old 90’s R&B, featuring upbeat tracks like “What Would You Do” and more laid back traditional R&B vibes like “Good Loving” and “Next Room”. She even offers listeners a little bop in “Usual” featuring fellow Toronto area artist “Tia Bank$. Closing…
After months of waiting, the winner of the prestigious Polaris Prize was announced last night during an online celebration. The event was hosted by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, host of CBC Music’s The Block. The winner is none other than Edmonton native Cadence Weapon for his 2020 release Parallel World. The album was awarded the prize by an 11-member jury based on artistic merit. Along with the prize, Cadence Weapon will take home $50,000. He was previously shortlisted for his 2006 release Breaking Kayfabe and his 2012 release Hope in Dirt City. Inspired by a mid-COVID walk along Queen Street West in…
Ottawa rapper Hueso is back with a brand new single “Misfits” and to say it’s fire would be an understatement. Produced by his go-to producer and engineer, Vctr, the uptempo track is one big flex as he talks about his success with music, money and the ladies, as well as his pursuit of greatness. The single, a follow up to his 2021 EP Legacy, also comes with some visuals shot and directed by his frequent collaborator EK Visions. The video shows Hueso cooking in the studio with his crew with some red lighting to create a mood. The single has…
On the heels of the release of his previous single “Did A Lot”, Ottawa rapper and singer TwoTiime is back with his latest single “Juice”. The single was released under a new deal with WorldStar Distribution making him the first Canadian artist to sign with the label. This is his second single released through Worldstar. On the Almighty Nate, VVS Melody and Glory Gainztrack produced track, the Ottawa rapper tells us about the things he’s going through and how he copes with the pressure; something many deal with, even in his own neighbourhood. “If you listen to the lyrics, it…
