toronto artist jvden

Through his vocals, writing and flows, Toronto artist Jvden shows star potential on his new project TOXIC TAPE 2 says SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne.

Toronto singer-songwriter, JVDEN, is one of the city’s best kept musical secret. Hailing from Scarborough to be exact, JVDEN has been a part of writing camps for major artists in the United States while finely crafting his sound ahead of his major label debut in 2024. He’s a bit of an anomaly in today’s music industry where artists appear to be rushed instead of being allowed to spend time developing their sound.

While we wait for the album, JYDEN recently treated fans to TOXIC TAPE 2 which he unveiled at a private listening party in Scarborough in front of family and friends. The project features a blend of airy and atmospheric production with some laid back bounce, as JVDEN displays an ease and effortlessness in his vocals and writing.

Some of the standout songs include “POSE” which has hip-hop undertones as JVDEN blends voice control and flows. Another standout song is “VENT” with its contagious hook and melodies. Once again, he blends R&B vocals with an undertone of hip-hop, with some Drake-like minimalism to close out the track.

There’s also “VACATION” which appeared to be the biggest hit at listening party as JVDEN lists “Elisha, Fatima, Anita” and all the girls he met on vacation.

He switches it up a bit with “LOSE FOCUS” AND “1 N DONE”, a pair of stripped down, minimalist tracks with bounce.

What is evident in listening to the tape is JVDEN’s star potential. He has the vocals and ability to write both catchy hooks and compelling content that grab you as a listener. His also music exudes a sense of quality that doesn’t sound rushed. But he also have the look and other intangibles that most of the top artists in music have, that separate the stars from those who are simply talented.

If you’re hearing the JVDEN for the first time, remember it because it definitely won’t be the last.

Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music and film & TV. He was named one of 310 international voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.