CANADIAN MUSIC VIDEO ROUNDUP | JUNE 2021

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for June includes videos from Belly, Dax, Roy Woods, Majid Jordan, Haviah Mighty, Pressa, Jazz Cartier, Emanuel, Booggz, Kevy!, Lindasson, Hueso, IAMTHELIVING, Teon Gibbs, Eva Shaw, Nate Husser, and more!

Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country from June.

Now, last month you voted and crowned “Bad News” by Cholocash and “Out of Touch” by Shad and pHoenix Pagliacci as your Videos of the Month with a first place tie.

Who will win for July?

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Hueso feat. J King
No Kizzy
Release date: June 1, 2021

We start off our roundup with the latest from Ottawa rapper and singer Hueso who released the visuals for “No Kizzy” featuring J King. while the video is pretty simple, the acoustic guitar heavy track has some 90’s R&B vibes contrasted with Hueso’s smooth yet slightly gritty vocals and J King’s equally smooth flow.

IAMTHELIVING x Teon Gibbs
Where Do We Go From Here
Release date: June 1, 2021
Directed by: Darion Trotman
Produced by: Bernardo Covarrubias Villarreal

Now we head over to Vancouver for the latest video from IAMTHELIVING x Teon Gibbs who have been killing it so far in 2021. Their June release “Where Do We Go From Here” is actually a 13-minute Darion Trotman directed short film with a lot of creativity, symbolism, and emotion. Where their previous releases have been up tempo dance tracks, “Where Do We Go From Here” is a laid back and contemplative hip-hop track and that blends IAMTHELIVING’s strong vocals and Teon Gibbs’ abilities as a lyricist. Overall, a very thoughtful song and video from the Vancouver duo.

Sammy Keys
Paranoia
Release date: June 2, 2021
Shot and edited by: Sanders Prduxn

Back to Ottawa for the latest from Sammy Keys. In June, he returned with the video for his new single “Paranoia” directed by Sanders Prduxn. In the video, we see the Maserati riding Keys enjoying a life of luxury and beautiful women. Keys doesn’t drop very often, but when he does he gives us some good laid back vibes and quality visuals that continue to show his potential as an artist.

Booggz
Sorry For Tha Wait
Release date: June 3, 2021
Shot by: King Bee Productions

After spending some time in jail, Toronto rapper Booggz returned with two new videos in June — “Auto Theft” and “Sorry For That Wait”. In “Auto Theft” we get to see some of Booggz’s acting skills along with a comedic storyline, while “Sorry For Tha Wait” features expensive cars, women and boats. While the video is more simple, the track is straight fire so it deserves a spot on the roundup. Over his career, his beat selection has been on point and he shows that again on this track.

Kevy! and Lindasson
Rosetta Flow
Release date: June 4, 2021
Shot by: Ben Telford

Now back to the capital for some visuals from Kevy! and Lindasson — two Ottawa artists that we’re very excited about at SHIFTER. In June, they dropped the video for “Rosetta Flow” off of Kevy’s project “Soul 4 $ale” which we called the best hip-hop project to come out of Ottawa in 2021 so far when it was released in late April. The video features some subtle yet cool effects and shots of Kevy! and Lindasson in different environments, from the hood to the gas station. Overall, their sound is so polished and they look like stars on the rise. When it comes to my kids I don’t have any favourites, but I can’t say the same when it comes artists. These guys are among my favourites. Sorry (not sorry).

Pressa
Second Hand Smoke
Release date: June 4, 2021
Directed by: Michael Vincent and Connor Rathbone

After the success of “Attachments”, Pressa has followed the same formula with “Second Hand Smoke”. The track features a similar bounce and he has a similar flow and we’re not made at that. With the success of his latest releases, the growing acceptance of his signature voice and sound, and his high profile relationship with Coi Leray, it’s official — after Drake, The Weeknd and Tory Lanez, Pressa is next up out of Toronto.

In the video for “Second Hand Smoke” we see Pressa at the trap house with the crew with underlying story about life in the streets. We get the occasional shot of Pressa at the casino with beautiful women, living the life of a hip-hop star. Wishing him much success.

Smiley
Moving Different
Release date: June 4, 2021
Directed by: David Del Rosario

The video opens with a nice drone shot of L.A. revealing that Smiley is now living the good life. His girl then asks him if he misses his old life to which he responds, “No. Never”. He’s surrounded by beautiful women, hanging in his bed and next to the pool, and is even getting a line up in the backyard.

I don’t care what anybody says—I love this man’s voice and flow, and his beat selection is on point. The song is a banger is the video is well done. I don’t usually put fire emojis in articles, but if I did there would be one right here.

EverythingOShauN feat. Kayo
Wylin’
Release date: June 4, 2021
Directed By: Marcus Letts

In his latest music video “Wylin’”, EverythingOShauN takes us to a family gathering, reminding us that family will be there through it all.

Featured in Marcus Letts directed video are Xpress, Wilbert Plummer, Aaliyah and Xavier Charles, social media influencer, Sasha, who recently released a brand collab with Shein, and of course Kayo who features on the track.

“This song, especially the hook, is really just talking about the way that me and all the people that rock with me are persevering in everything no matter all the distractions and detractors that come along the way”, he told SHIFTER. “It’s talking about how we are gonna keep fighting and keep wylin’ out despite what anyone else thinks. It’s a anti follow the rules song. Peep the opening line.”

Belly feat. Moneybagg Yo
Zero Love
Release date: June 9, 2021
Directed by: James Larese

It’s nice to see Belly back in full form after taking some time away from the game. While he gave us straight bars on “IYKYK” and “Money On The Table” featuring Benny The Butcher, on “Zero Love” featuring Moneybagg Yo he shows he can still give us some vibes.

The James Larese directed video is set in a desert and features some unique and seemingly Middle Eastern inspired dance sequences. Great show of versatility from the Ottawa native.

Roy Woods
Touch You
Release date: June 9, 2021

There’s a lot to love and appreciate about this song and video. His falsetto is on point. The beat is clean and the video is simple yet well done.

Although Roy Woods has been around for a while, “Touch You” is a reminder that his ceiling is still so high and that he’s only scratched the surface when it comes to his potential. He’s already getting an early start with the live shows, coming off a big performance in Calgary. My bold prediction is he’ll have one of the biggest post-COVID rebounds in the Canadian music scene. We’re expecting a big level up from Woods as the industry rebounds and with releases like this, we know he won’t disappoint.

Haviah Mighty feat. Yizzy
Protest
Release date: June 11, 2021
Directed by: Kit Weyman and Chris Lowe

One Canadian artist who didn’t seem to fall back during COVID was Haviah Mighty. From live stream performances, Tik Tok and engaging Instagram content to releasing singles, music videos, and behind the scenes videos, she kept herself visible and on our radar.

In June, she released the video for “Protest”, a socially conscious drill track featuring UK rapper and singer Yizzy which once again brings attention to the issues facing Black people. The highlight of the video is a dance sequence in a Black beauty supply store—a unique and creative location you’ve probably never seen in a music video before. Tizzy also makes an appearance in the video with shots of the streets in London. Great work from Kit Weyman and Chris Lowe.

Tory Lanez feat. DaBaby
SKAT
Release date: June 14, 2021
Directed by: Christian Breslauer
Edited by: Tory Lanez

The biggest Canadian hip-hop video to come out in June was “SKAT” which caused a little back and forth between DaBaby and Megan Thee Stallion on Twitter.

There’s so much to say about this video. It’s goofy as hell, with parodies of Cars, The Exorcist, and Thriller, and really shows off more of Tory Lanez’s personality and humour. These two also play off each other so well, both sonically and on camera. They need to get back in the studio together ASAP and drop some more music because they bring out the best in each other.

Emanuel
Worldwide
Release date: June 16, 2021
Directed by: Kit Weyman

One of Canada’s most promising musical acts is R&B/Soul artist Emanuel who rose from Canada’s underground music scene to mainstream prominence during the pandemic.

In June, he released the video for “Worldwide” off of his highly anticipated album Alt Therapy. Aside from being artistic and tranquil, the video also showcases the beauty of Black women. Great video from one of Canada’s more unique and exciting talents.

Rueben Young feat. Buddy
TNT
Release date: June 17, 2021
Shot and edited by: Seabass Studios

In June, Calgary-raised, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ruben Young released the visualizer for his latest single “TNT”. Although it’s only a visualizer and not an official music video, it’s so dope it deserved a spot on our list.

Shot and edited by Seabass Studios, the visualizer shows Young driving the streets of L.A. in a convertible alongside a beautiful woman. Adding to the West Coast flavour is Compton rapper Buddy who has been making noise since signing with music legend Pharrell and collaborating with heavyweights like Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and more recently Tinache on their single “Pasadena”.

“In May, I flew to LA – the same city where I dreamed up this chapter of my career, to meet Buddy and finish ‘TNT’ together in the studio”, he explains. “It was one of those sweet serendipitous moments where hard work and luck finally connect, and dreams become real. After a long year in lockdown, ‘TNT’ reminded me how much I love this music life, and it refilled my tank to leave my mark on the world through it. From Calgary to Compton – this song is for the dreamers.”

Dax
Forgot About Dre Remix
Release date: June 22, 2021
Directed by: Logan Meis

Dax dropped three music videos in June, including this one for his “Forgot About Dre Remix”, his next salute to Eminem after “Rap Demigod” and “The Next Rap God”. On the song he addresses his haters letting us know he’s aware of the shade he’s been getting on social media and in hip-hop.

The video, directed by Logan Meis, has a lot of movement and subtle effects conveying the emotion of the track. Dax doesn’t miss with his videos. He gives us raw emotion and a story every time.

Nate Husser, Jean Deaux and Eva Shaw
Sleep Like A Baby
Release date: June 22, 2021
Directed by: Gabrielle Laïla-Tittley (PONY) and Alexandre Pelletier

Next, we go over to Montreal and Toronto for the Nate Husser and Eva Shaw video for “Sleep Like A Baby” featuring Chicago native Jean Deaux. Now, this is an Eva Shaw video so you know this is going to be creative as well.

The video is a throwback to the visual aesthetic of 90’s music videos before it switches to shots of Baby Nate and Jean Deaux as a sexy weather girl. Overall, the video is funny and shows of Husser’s acting and humour. Very unique video from Gabrielle Laïla-Tittley and Alexandre Pelletier.

Jazz Cartier & Buddy
Two of Em
Release date: June 22, 2021
Directed by: Jon Primo

Compton rapper Buddy makes a second appearance on our roundup; this time alongside Jazz Cartier on “Two of Em”. Although these two are from two completely different coasts, the chemistry between them is clear…and contagious. They looked like they had a lot of fun working together. Everything about this video is poppin’, from the colours to the lighting. It’s a quality video from the quietly confident Toronto rapper and director Jon Primo.

Majid Jordan
Waves Of Blue
Release date: June 24, 2021
Directed by: Matthew Daniel Siskin

To close out our roundup we have some more representation from OVO—this time from Majid Jordan with their video for “Waves of Blue”. The video opens with the duo watching onto a sound stage before we literally see them in different waves of blue. There’s nothing complicated. Both the song and lighting are simple yet soothing, giving us a two-minute escape into Majid Jordan’s world.

Inquire about sponsoring next month’s roundup at [email protected].

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