Noblonski & Nolto "Dandy Lions" (feat. The Gumshoe Strut) [SINGLE]

 

What makes the lions dandy is their devotion to dress and appearance. But, “Dandy Lions” abandons pretence and presentation. It answers the door in a bathrobe. In the evening. “Dandy Lions” is a pleading justification for letting things go, for procrastination, and for experimenting with different ways of living. Noblonski's beat provides a peaceful and relaxing scene, in which Nolto promises he'll simply continue to monitor the results of his dereliction, and The Gumshoe Strut struggles to balance and prioritize his time and attention. The result is a call to inaction: give up the things that don't matter, and see what happens. Go gather more data.

The Dirty Sample's remix abandons the peacefulness of the original and replaces it with a "sick day" spent in a dark basement playing video games, giving a new perspective to what data may be gathered.

Written and performed by Nolto and The Gumshoe Strut

Produced by Noblonski

Pasquale - "I Might Be Gone Fishin'" with Chadio

 

The intro track for Kamloops beat maker Pasquale’s second iteration in the Chadiohead series takes Chadio‘s vocals from his original song “Gone Fishin’” off his debut solo album, Underestimated Raindrops, and pairs them with the main guitar sample from Radiohead’s “I Might Be Wrong”. The result is “I Might Be Gone Fishin’”, featuring Chadio’s classic braggadocio and rapid fire staccato over hypnotic guitar and haunting crooning in the background courtesy of Mr Yorke, plus Pasquale layers in some boom bap flavoru to tie it all together. Another fine mashup to prepare you for the upcoming Chadiohead 2.

Raps by Chadio

Production by Pasquale

Max Moon - "DEAD END$" featuring ShrapKnel

 

 

Canadian rap artist Max Moon delivers another fresh and captivating take with “DEAD END$”, the third single from his upcoming debut record, The Grand Howl, out September 26, 2025 on Hand’Solo Records. For this raw and moody self-produced joint, Moon taps in Philly/New York duo ShrapKnel, made up of Curly Castro and PremRock. On billy woods’ vanguard label Backwoodz Studioz, ShrapKnel has become venerated for their distinctive approach to lyricism and unorthodox production choices. The team-up is an instant fit. The result is an alluring, driving, stream-of-consciousness cypher, intersecting human relationships, culture and perception. The beat shifts from dark boom bap to loose, distorted breaks, and a blitz of drum and bass flavour supports Castro’s ever-unique, blazing delivery. 

The single is accompanied by an esoteric reconstruction of the song with a bold remix by electronic experimentalist Emilio Portal, a past Max Moon collaborator. “DEAD END$” also receives the visual treatment with an animated lyric video incorporating stop-motion by Max Moon himself.

Written and performed by Max Moon, PremRock, and Curly Castro

Produced by Max Moon 

Art by Apdtum

Max Moon - "Little Do They Know"

 

For the first single off his debut solo album, Nickel City MC Max Moon teams up with Toronto MPC & production heavyweight Fresh Kils, one of only two guest producers on his mostly self-produced The Grand Howl. On “Little Do They Know”, Max barrages the listener with reflective art rhymes across a warped canvas of gitched-out jazz-rap. He expresses a pride in modesty and a focus on the essential’s of life, or as describes it: “Don’t need much, a hand to hold, some skin to touch”. He also asserts his individual and singular approach to the genre. “Little Do They Know” is bound to leave heads spinning as Max Moon shows the world that he does things in a way all his own.

Written and performed by Max Moon

Produced by Fresh Kils

Art by Apdtum

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut present "Flow State"

 

On “Flow State”, Kamloops-based MC Chadio sinks deep into the zone — pairing effortless delivery with a beat that shuffles, swings, and hypnotizes. Producer The Gumshoe Strut laces the track with jazzy textures and lo-fi grit, creating the perfect space for Chadio to do what he does best: glide. This one isn’t just about rhyming — it’s about tapping into something meditative, focused, and fluid. If you’ve ever found yourself locked into a creative rhythm or lost in your own momentum, “Flow State” is your soundtrack. A perfect follow-up to the head-nodding “Bring It Back,” this track expands the Root Sellers soundscape — still grounded, still raw, but with an introspective twist.

Written and performed by Chadio

Produced by The Gumshoe Strut

Cuts by Chaps

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut "Bring It Back"

Now based in Kamloops, BC, veteran MC Chadio returns with “Bring It Back”, the second single from his forthcoming album, Root Sellers. Dropping this summer via Hand’Solo Records, the project marks a new chapter — rooted in experience, sharpened by time, and driven by purpose. Over gritty, soul-infused production from acclaimed beatmaker The Gumshoe Strut, Chadio blends clever wordplay, lived-in perspective, and a deep respect for the craft. It’s a boom-bap burner that feels equally at home on dusty speakers or in fresh playlists. Already known to many through his “Sunday Bars” live rap sessions on Instagram, Chadio continues to carve out space for thoughtful, grounded hip-hop that hits hard without shouting.

Written and performed by Chadio

Produced by The Gumshoe Strut

The Dirty Sample declares Love Always Wins If You Let It

 

The Dirty Sample has been through it all only to realize it was an illusion. And love sits at the core. If you can remember what it is like to tap into that feeling, that cosmic warmth, it will win. It always does. You just have to let it. 

The Dirty Sample

Mickey O'Brien & Lee Reed fight "Plutocracy"

 

Sudbury-based rapper Mickey O’Brien returns with a searing new single that cuts through the noise with unflinching social commentary and raw energy. Fusing gritty boom-bap with razor-sharp verses, “Plutocracy” confronts economic injustice and corporate power with an urgency that speaks to the times. O’Brien and politically-charged lyricist Lee Reed trade bars like battle cries, while Uncle Fester’s surgical scratching and the cinematic production of Danny Miles, drummer for the Juno-winning rock band July Talk, elevate the track into a protest anthem built for the underground. 

Written and performed by Mickey O'Brien and Lee Reed

Produced by Danny Miles

Cuts by Uncle Fester

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut - "Been A Minute"

    

"Been A Minute" pairs veteran wordsmith Chadio with longtime collaborator and producer The Gumshoe Strut, delivering a track that’s equal parts introspection and head-nodder. Chadio’s bars cut with quiet confidence, tracing themes of distance, reconnection, and personal evolution, while The Gumshoe Strut lays down a dusty, soul-laced groove that feels lived-in and cinematic. It’s a smooth listen with bite—proof that underground doesn’t mean undercooked. If this is the tone-setter, the album’s about to hit deep.

Written and performed by Chadio

Produced by The Gumshoe Strut

Cuts by Chaps

Epic & Deadly Stare serve up "Chickpeas"

 

After living in the inner city for most of his life, Epic retired from his career and moved away from the centre of the city, a change that provided some unexpected time to take a look back at his life and the little details that define who we are. The inspiration was unexpected and Epic soon discovered that Northside life was in sharp contrast to life in the decaying Edmonton centre. Surprisingly, the shining Christmas lights on the many neighbourhood bungalows were most noticeable. With a beat from Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music) that underscore life’s rhythms and precious moments, “Chickpeas” invites us warmly into Epic’s world.  

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and Mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Epic & Deadly Stare drop their Turntables in the Van

 

Capturing the dizzying buzz of the road and the excitement of nightly shows with horns, claps, and raps, "Turntables in the Van" cranks up the boom bap and takes us along for the ride. Inspired in part after witnessing Fugazi’s tour van washing machine routine and realizing the need to tour smartly, especially when traversing Canada’s vast landscape. Epic and Deadly Stare cram the band into the van to bring their music to the people. What is a band without turntables, anyway?

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Artwork by Shauna Doris

Tachichi - "At The Top" (produced by Classified)

 

Born out of a catchy chorus that is both melodic and meaningful, and not just vapid pop, "At The Top" is a semi-autobiographical song about a regular working-class individual and their struggles to make it in the music industry. Just surviving, paying bills, and trying to find the funds to get an album done. But striving for greatness out of pocket guarantees trials and tribulations. Almost at the top of the mountain, but being rich and glamorous isn't necessarily the success they're striving for. Juno-winning producer Classified contributes a beat of bass-heavy drums and plentiful piano while Sipset teammate LXVNDR lays down the crucial chorus and a dope second verse. 

Written and performed by Tachichi & LXVNDR

Produced by Classified

Epic & Deadly Stare have "So Much Class"

“So Much Class” is the first single from Epic & Deadly Stare’s album A library called Calder.  What happens to old legends when time pulls them away from the game? After more than a decade, Epic returned to a local freestyle night in Edmonton, AB to find an alien landscape. Unlike the warm welcome he had found in the past, the new denizens of the cipher were on a whole new tip. Unshaken by their apparent hostility, Epic did what he has always done and cut through the noise with dope raps and so much class. Featuring gut-rattling production from Deadly Stare (Triune Gods, Endemik Music), Epic is back with a sharp reminder that legends never die.

Written and performed by Epic

Produced and mixed by Deadly Stare

Cuts by Deadly Stare

Mastered by W.C. Spicer

Cover art by Shauna Doris

Kaboom Atomic x The Dirty Sample - Are You High?

 

Look, these kids are delulu if they say they're in the GOAT conversation when they still got grape juice mouth. Kaboom is their father, The Dirty Sample is their grandpappy. The last thing we want is our last days to be tainted by these white labs who keep barking when the doorbell rings. They are an embarrassment to our gated community. 

Written and performed by Kaboom Atomic

Produced by The Dirty Sample

The Dirty Sample delivers Beats To Murder Rappers 2

Calgary producer The Dirty Sample goes darker for volume 2 in his horrorcore beat tape series. Beats To Murder Rappers 2 is a horrendous, spine-tingling thrill ride through 20 tracks built upon a foundation of boom bap drums augmented by  only the finest notes and strings plucked from Halloween soundtracks alongside vocal samples from horror b-movies. While the digital album drops on Halloween, the cassette tape dropped early as an official Cassette Week 2024 release. MCs beware as you enter the horrifying world of Beats To Murder Rappers 2.

Produced by The Dirty Sample

Magick Show - Morning Star

 

For the second single from Magick Show’s sophomore EP, the Nickel City supergroup delve deeper into their explorations of the dark arts with this ode to witches and warlocks. Produced by Max Moon, the beat is dominated by ominous organ notes and plodding drums on which original members Mickey O'Brien and Max Moon each drop a verse while new member Johnny Bizness is relegated the rookie role of cursing the soul with a catchy chorus. Welcome the Morning Star into your life with the wordplay wizardry of Magick Show.

Written and performed by Mickey O'Brien, Max Moon, and Johnny Bizness 

Produced by Max Moon

Mastered by Dorc

DJ Moves presents Bass, Breaks & VHS Tapes

 

About Bass, Breaks & VHS Tapes

Bass, Breaks & VHS Tapes is the latest beat tape from DJ Moves, providing him with an outlet for his output of faster beats—ranging from 107-130 BPM—that none of his usual MC collaborators were selecting. And as the album title suggests, Moves raided his massive VHS collection for music and vocal samples to create these songs.  Primarily instrumentals, Bass, Breaks & VHS Tapes does havre a few guest appearances, with features from frequent vocal contributors Tachichi and Buck 65, plus a fair share of singing from Electric City Underground’s Kirk Comstock, who was working on some of his own faster sing-song electro songs around the same time. The result is an album of funky, uptempo hip hop and electro ideal for both cardboard and dance floor.

About DJ Moves

With 60+ albums under his belt, and at least half self-released on his own Low Pressure label, Moves is a living legend and true Canadian classic. A DJ since ’91 and producing by the following year, he’s also known to kick the occasional R-Tard rap. Moves cut his teeth as a founding member of Truro, Nova Scotia rap group Hip Club Groove, best known for their video for “Shootin’ the Gift,” an early blueprint for Trailer Park Boys by director Mike Clattenburg, and later toured extensively as the DJ for wonderful one-hitters Len (“Steal My Sunshine”). Along the way, he touched down for significant stays in Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver, before ending up back in his hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia. But wherever he puts down roots, he and his Halfway House Studio proceed to have a heavy and positive impact on the local hip hop scene. Any list of rappers for which he has produced albums must include Tachichi, Fatt Matt, Cee!!!!!!!!, Birdapres, Josh Martinez, and Governor Bolts, plus his own consistent compilation output.

Swim the depths with The Dirty Sample and "Die in the Deep"

For the second single from his upcoming instrumental album, Beats To Murder Rappers 2, The Dirty Sample gets deep. But he’s no longer underground, he’s underwater. You don’t want to get too close to the water’s edge or you’ll be dragged down into the depths of this dark, murky beat to be toyed with like orcas with their prey. Dragged to the bottom to “Die in the Deep”. And you thought it was finally safe to go near the water!

Magick Show create a "Massacre" with their return

 

“Massacre” is the first single from Magick Show’s long-awaited second EP, Samhain, scheduled for release just in time for Halloween. This single not only signals the return of the Nickel City horrorcore super group, but also introduces to the fold new member Johnny Bizness, who produces this uptempo, sample-heavy funk beat on which the trio of MCs—Mickey O’Brien, Max Moon, and Johnny B—trade bars in a bloody orgy of horror-inflected punchlines and murderous metaphors. A minimal vocal hook is given heft by machete sharp cuts from DJ Uncle Fester. The result is a bouncy boom bap track bound to get the heads nodding and the monsters mashing on the dance floor.

Written and performed by Mickey O'Brien, Max Moon, and Johnny Bizness 

Produced by Johnny Bizness 

Cuts by Uncle Fester 

Mastered by Dorc

Mickey O'Brien - "Gina" single and video

 

The second single from Mickey O’Brien’s Post Cards EP is “Gina”, a love-at-first-sight story set in the birth place of hip hop. On a trip to the city, Mickey and Gina encounter each other, feel the mutual electricity, and decide to explore the feeling despite the limited time they have together. The soundtrack for this tale of romance is a groovy boom bap beat by Fresh Kils beefed up with live keys by Zachary Clement throughout, a guitar solo by Petr Balaz for the outro, and a soulful blues hook courtesy of Sarah Craig and Annie Q. “Gina” is an excellent rap song for anyone who has ever been in love, no matter how fleeting. 

The accompanying video was filmed on location in New York City by Dan Jardine for Boom Shoal Enterprises. It’s an accurate visual depiction of Mickey’s story while also perfectly portraying the giddiness experienced in those early days of love. 

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien

Produced by Fresh Kils

Keys by Zachary Clement

Guitar by Petr Balaz

Remix by Uncle Fester