Epic & Rob Crooks introduce "Sad Rapper Jack"

 

Epic & Rob Crooks present “Sad Rapper Jack”, the second single from their forthcoming album, Nassau Manor, on Hand’Solo Records. Writing to the melancholy, ethereal beat by Rob Crooks, equal parts soulful and jazzy, Epic was thinking of a good friend of his that was sad all the time when he realized Jack was part of a much larger sad rapper movement. Were The Smiths to blame? Using Jack as a surrogate for this phenomenon, Epic delivers his message with a dry sense of humour and in his unique folk rap flow. “Sad Rapper Jack” was recorded at the Nassau Manor apartments in Winnipeg, MB in a closet padded with a cut-up used cubicle bought at a surplus sale. That’s a different kind of sad.

Written and performed by Epic 
Produced by Rob Crooks

The video was filmed and edited by Rob Crooks, featuring Epic rapping around a wintery Edmonton, AB at landmark sites such as the West Edmonton Mall, the Starlite Room, and his own basement and backyard. Also includes cameos by local rappers Touch and Emprime.

Epic & robcrooks "Hold It Down" for the culture

 

It’s the return of Epic! “Hold It Down” is the first single from Epic’s first new album in 15 years. He uses the song to proclaim he is still down for hip hop culture while also touching on other topics that are important to him, such as action on the climate crisis and support for the Canadian hip hop scene. The concept was also influenced by a 9-month deep dive into reggae culture via U.S. east coast college radio shows in his late-40s. Epic lays down his train-of-thought rhymes in his unique folk-rap delivery over groovy, jazz-soul production from collaborator robcrooks, who he is teamed with for the full Nassau Manor album. In an age when many collaborations are done online, Epic flew on WestJet to Winnipeg to recorded it at Rob’s apartment near the banks of the Red River.

Written and performed by Epic

Produced by robcrooks

The single is accompanied by a video shot by Epic and Kelley Dunfield while on vacation in Rome, Italy, and was edited by robcrooks. The video captures Epic rapping in front of iconic spots such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Coliseum at night. Even on vacation, Epic holds it down for the culture.

Mickey O'Brien - "The Medicine (Uncle Fester Remix)"

 

With a vibe reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Gang Starr, Mickey O’Brien’s “The Medicine”,  has everything that is good about positive 90s hiphop. The remix by Uncle Fester adds a touch of jazz and a g-funk flare while DJ Versatile’s turntablism brings that DJ Premier flavour. On this first single from his upcoming Orebody - The Remix Album, Mickey raps about overcoming struggles and living life to the fullest with hope as the medicine to carry on and persevere against all odds. As he says on the chorus, he’s “all in, all in”.

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien

Remixed by Uncle Fester

Original produced by Fresh Kils

Cuts by DJ Versatile

The video, shot by Green Boots in Sydney, Australia during Mickey’s first overseas tour in December 2023, portrays the artist as a James Bond-style character living that 007 life. The video also stars model/actress Annabelle Austin and fellow artists and tour companions Ghost Attack and Ash, who appear courtesy of Rah Records.

Fortunato & Sean One travel the "Long Road" with new single

 

“Long Road”, the fourth single from Fortunato & Sean One’s Blue Collar 2 album, examines Fortunato’s extensive experience in the music business and how it’s shaped him as a person. Perseverance is the overlying message. One must forge ahead despite distractions and hopelessness as the only way to reach our goals. Sean One's quirky boom bap beat blends guitar stabs and plinking piano over a solid drum loop punctuated with cymbal hits, all of which serves as a fabulous accompaniment for Fortunato The video was shot in Sudbury by Koncept and features several iconic landmarks and a pitbull co-star. It’s a beautiful capture of Northern Ontario nature. 

Written and performed by Fortunato 

Produced by Sean One

Mickey O'Brien enlists Canadian MC legends Adam Bomb & D-Sisive for "Alchemy"

 

Mickey O’Brien enlists the aid of rap super duo Low U (aka Adam Bomb and D-Sisive) to tackle the subject of anger on “Alchemy”, the third single from his upcoming album, Orebody, a collection of concept songs, each about a different emotion. For this powerful posse cut, the trio of MCs rage over a big, banging beat by Juno-nominated producer and MPC master manipulator Fresh Kils and co-produced by O’Brien. Beefing up the beat even more is Geoff McCauslan on violin, Zach Clement on keys, and DJ Versatile’s crazy cuts on the hook. The combination of all this talent results in a track that is truly epic! But for those who need more, prolific producer Factor Chandelier provides a deeper, darker remix that emphasizes the bass, brings in elements of reggae and electronic music, and replaces the hook between rappers with an intro and outro toasting from additional guest Xoolu. The accompanying video was shot in and around Toronto’s iconic Play De Record and features a cameo from its legendary owner, Eugene Tam, an instrumental figure in the Toronto urban music scene. The black and white grittiness of the video along with the chaotic camera work and frenetic editing of Boom Shoal’s Dan Jardine adds perfectly to the intensity of the song. The video also serves as Act 2 in a 3-part series that features an angelic female spirit guiding the artist and helping him navigate life. 

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien, Adam Bomb and D-Sisive 

Produced by Fresh Kils 

 Co-produced by Mickey O’Brien 

Violin by Geoff McCauslan 

Keys by Zachary Clement 

 Cuts by DJ Versatile 

 Remix by Factor Chandelier 

 Mastered by Dorc

Mickey O'Brien - On Guard (video/single)

 

For “On Guard”, the second single from Mickey O’Brien’s upcoming album, Orebody, the MC delves deep into his psyche to tackle the emotion of fear. The anxiety of the artist is made palpable through his mind-splitting lyrics, taking your brain to another dimension. The banging boom bap beat from Juno-nominated producer Fresh Kils is further enhanced by eerie guitar strumming, frantic fiddling, and a haunting piano, while DJ Versatile’s precise cuts on the intro and chorus increases the intensity of the song. The accompanying remix from The Dirty Sample trades the Fresh Kils production for a boom bap beat of banging drums and soaring strings.

The video for “On Guard” is the first part of a three act series of videos from Orebody born from Mickey O’Brien’s obsession with Tarot cards, directed and shot by long-time collaborator Dan Jardine (Boom Shoal) and produced by O’Brien over three days at several locations throughout the GTA. Act 1 is The Fool, and it examines the consequences of ignoring the signs from the universe on the journey of life, doomed to repeat the lessons of the past.

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien 

Produced by Fresh Kils 

Co-produced by Mickey O’Brien 

Guitar by Fresh Kils 

Keys by Zachary Clement 

Cuts by DJ Versatile 

Remix by The Dirty Sample 

Mastered by Dorc

Ultra Magnus x Taco Supreme - Consistency (video + single)

 

About “Consistency”:

For their latest outing, MC Ultra Magnus drops a pair of politically charged verses with a delivery that is equally influenced by the old school and the new over a smooth cloud rap beat from Taco Supreme that is heavy in bass, the song concluding with an epic psychedelic guitar solo. In the accompanying efx-heavy video, Ultra Magnus sports a balaclava while rapping and dancing in a TTC subway station. You can’t hang.

Written and performed by Ultra Magnus

Produced by Taco Supreme

Guitar by Zach Mazurkawitz

About Ultra Magnus:

Ultra Magnus is a weirdo who grew up in an extremely isolated part of Canada, but thanks to the advent of the internet he discovered hip hop decades ago and obsessed over it. Now based out of Toronto, he lives like a homeless grifter, drifting from city to city performing his rhythmic bleating to the uninitiated. Three albums in and Ultra Magnus is about four months away from becoming cynical because he’s old, washed up, and his albums never really blew up.

About Taco Supreme:

Taco Supreme is a mixed media artist, audio engineer and video tech based out of Tennessee. The Ambassador of The Southern Demon Herd, 1/3 of the So Fxcked Up Squad, and hip hop producer extraordinaire.

Sensational x The Dirty Sample - The Game (video)

 

“There’s something going on…” Legendary Brooklyn MC Sensational breaks down how to play the game and achieve longevity on the latest single from his new album, The Spot Rocker, a collaboration with Calgary veteran producer The Dirty Sample, who provides a quirky, throwback boom bap beat dominated by violin and stuttering drums. The lo-fi, self-produced video features a few of Sensational’s many loves: filmed in his newly acquired home studio with big bills on the walls, the video opens with his cat and features him smoking a joint while rapping. Neither flashy nor gimmicky, the bare bones video is exactly what one would expect from this uncompromising artist.

Written and performed by Sensational

Produced by The Dirty Sample

Video by Sensational

Fortunato & Sean One - It's You (video)

 

Fortunato & Sean One continue the uplifting positivity on “It’s You”, the second single from their upcoming album, Blue Collar 2. Sean One combines a thick drum track with synth bass and keys for a chill boom bap backdrop on which Fortunato presents his philosophical life lessons. Overflowing with inspirational musings that include “be satisfied with what you got, enjoy the life that you live”, “life is precious, so defend it”, and “Only one like you, so breathe and be true”, a callback to their previous single, the central message of “It’s You” is that the one who controls your fate and can change the world is you. When you’re feeling down, this is the song that will lift you back up.

Written and performed by Fortunato

Produced by Sean One

Video by Creative Imbalance

Ultra Magnus makes slam dunk with "Kobe"

Ultra Magnus returns with his first new jam since he dropped Muziki Mzuri in summer 2019, and “Kobe” features production from Boogie Belgique, who heavily contributed to that album. Over the chill groove, Magnus opens with a high speed delivery before slowing it down for the listener’s sanity, but throughout he remains both energetic and invigorated. Littered throughout the lyrics about death, mortality and loneliness are numerous basketball references as Ultra Magnus proves he’s the rap Kobe Bryant, DJ SLAM!’s cuts further reinforcing that reality. Working to the theme, the video sees the rapper slam dunking rhymes at the basketball court in African-inspired attire while the director of the video, Taco Supreme, gives the video a hallucinogenic vibe through the use of a variety of effects. “I’m nothing like what you wanted,” raps Ultra Magnus, “but everything you need.”

Written and performed by Ultra Magnus

Produced by Boogie Belgique

Cuts by DJ SLAM!

Video directed by Taco Supreme

AzraelRapsGood x The Dirty Sample - One Size Fits All (video/single)

 

On second single “One Size Fits All”, AzraelRapsGood invokes the hip hop mantra most associated with Too Short: get in where you fit in. “I’ve never blended in with the mix”, raps Azrael as he demonstrates his desire for individuality. Rather than go with the flow, he just says no to the pre-packaged, commodified way our lives (and music) are structured nowadays. Azrael’s anti fake it to make it sentiment is delivered over a chill, moody beat from The Dirty Sample, his plodding boom bap drums combined with piano, violin and bass, plus this one repeating inquisitive Scooby Doo-like “huh?” sample that is way too infectious. “One Size Fits All” proves AzraelRapsGood x The Dirty Sample might be weird, but they think you normal people are even weirder.

The accompanying video takes up a line from the song—“stuck inside feeling like an outsider”—and runs with it. Filmed in Toronto by MadMax and produced by ARGVidz, the video has the Vancouver, BC MC watching the world pass by outside while inside intercut with him wandering around on the outside. Always all alone.

Written and Performed by AzraelRapsGood

Produced by The Dirty Sample

Fortunato & Sean One - Breathe (official video)

 

Watch Fortunato rap this summer jam in the freezing cold of a Canadian winter...

AzraelRapsGood x The Dirty Sample - Dirty Drops of Mud (single & video)

For the first single for his upcoming album, Content, partnered with The Dirty Sample on production, AzraelRapsGood has updated his software and is wired in. “Dirty Drops of Mud” is a gritty ditty built on witty wordplay and multi-layered punchlines that are delivered rapid fire, each concept evolving effortlessly into the next. The song is a lyrical showcase, and it’s immediately evident Azrael raps good. And The Dirty Sample’s beat is also true to his name and the song’s, opening with a muddy bass line beneath a dominating few repeated guitar notes as if someone might be tuning their instrument, and then the drums kick in—heavy!  With their first single, the duo make a splash and now you have dirty drops of mud on your nice outfit.

The accompanying video produced by ARG Vidz has Azrael late night loitering, kicking his raps at some of his favourite 24 hour spots on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC. Premieres Jan 31 at 3pm EST...

DLabrie Release "UP" Visuals (Filmed in Japan) x Blak Sean

DLabrie releases the official video for "UP" produced by Sean Blak (The Beat Dealaz). Filmed in Japan, the single/video is taken from his album 'Mr NETW3RK pt. 2.'  Over infectious upbeat tempos DLabrie delivers catchy punchlines and metaphors while strolling Japan's city nightlife surrounded by a sea of people. The hook vibrates through the video and is sure to have everyone putting their hands up, raising the roof, and living it up. Watch the video and stream the single below. 
 

 

"UP" is Part 1 of Triple Audio/Visual Single filmed during Asia Tour During the Pandemic

Stream “UP”

https://dlabrie.bandcamp.com/album/up-from-album-mr-netw3rk-pt-2-coming-summer-2022

Mickey O'Brien - Hubris (video) + tour

 

“If I talk about God my record won’t get played,” goes the opening and closing refrain of this spiritual ditty unlike most. On new single “Hubris”, the fifth from his new album Shift Change, Mickey O’Brien reveals his spiritual awakening and expresses his belief in, and worship of, God, but he also calls out those blasphemers who distort religion for selfish and self-serving reasons. Accompanying the bluesy album version with its live instrumentation is a new remix from original producer Fresh Kils, a sample-heavy boom bap beat with soulful male vocal replacing the jazzy hook of the original, while the cuts from DJ SLAM! remain a central focus. Both of these records talk about God and surely both should get played!

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien

Produced and remixed by Fresh Kils

Cuts by DJ SLAM!

Download the DJ Pack:

And if you're in one of these cities, check out Mickey O'Brien live along with Ultra Magnus and legendary Freestyle Fellowship emcee Myka 9!

Mickey O'Brien - Grace (official video)

“Grace”, the fourth and final single from Mickey O’Brien’s upcoming Shift Change album, is a melodic masterpiece with a genre-bending sound that pushes musical boundaries, as any good hip-hop song should. O’Brien belts out a common sense manifesto that breaks down the state of the world and his journey documenting it musically. ”Making art and being in the studio is our safe place from the chaos of the outside world,” according to O’Brien, “and it’s how we deal with all our problems, our saving grace.” The music is constructed by Juno-nominated producer and star MPC button-masher Fresh Kils, but also features further live instrumentation from many of O’Brien’s usual collaborators: Sarah Craig (keyboards, and additional vocals in the background and on the chorus), Zachary Clement (keyboards), Dany Laj (guitar and percussion) and Tommy Fyfe (harmonica). An epic slow jam that fits the format of Top 40 radio as much as a college radio hip hop show, “Grace” is a timely track that ultimately manifests the positive message we all need right now.

The video for “Grace” continues that positive vibe and musical documentation as it depicts a carefree day in the studio with O'Brien and some of his musical family cooking up the sounds at Fresh Kils’ studio, the Kiln, in downtown Toronto. Shot by Dan Jardine of Boom Shoal Enterprises, and fashioned to resemble a 1970s music documentary, it captures the creative process and true friendship of the artists, mirroring the message of the music.

Credits:

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien

Additional vocals by Sarah Craig

Produced by Fresh Kils

Mickey O'Brien - Bagloops (official video)

The official video for “Bagloops”, expertly crafted by Dan Jardine for Boom Shoal Enterprises, is straight out of Miller’s Crossing or Peaky Blinders. An assortment of sketchy characters—played by friends and collaborators, including producer Fresh Kils, rap artist Max Moon, and Hand’Solo Records label-head Thomas Quinlan—clash as they compete for control of a criminal empire.

Explore this shady and thrilling world with Mickey O’Brien and Premrock on “Bagloops”.

About “Bagloops”

Mickey O’Brien demonstrates his uncanny ability to tackle a variety of topics and tempos with “Bagloops”. The beat, the lyrical references, and the cinematic video, are a larger-than-life, action-packed nod to O’Brien’s Celtic heritage. Juno-nominated producer and MPC button masher Fresh Kils (Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Buena Vista Social Club) lays down a wall of glitched-out, chopped bagpipe loops and rock drums, while DJ SLAM! assists in the cacophony with the addition of a rowdy sea shantey sing-along for the chorus. O’Brien’s raps project a sense of victory and reflect a man familiar with his strengths re-emerging with a new sense of vigour and purpose. Guest rapper PremRock, a disciple of NYC’s vanguard record label Backwoodz Studios (billy woods, Armand Hammer), delivers his vast collection of words, anecdotes, and recollections in his abstract rap format that has been steadily impressing critics and heads alike.

Written and performed by Mickey O’Brien and Premrock

Produced by Fresh Kils

Cuts by DJ SLAM!

Wax: "Reborn"

Song is off the album "The Cookout Chronicles" which you can listen to on Spotify here:  https://open.spotify.com/album/3lumObxzH6YVhxwOsgKXTF?si=psV6MdetSQ2CaQjtdueXlA