T.I. kicks off his Us Or Else Tour in Vancouver

Vancouver, BC – After an intense hold-up at the Canadian border ATL rapper / actor and Hustle Gang boss T.I. made his way on to Canadian soil this past Thursday to kick-off his multi-city Us Or Else: Canadian Promo Tour in Vancouver. Timbre Concerts as been known to throw some of the biggest events in the city and the sold-out Commodore Ballroom show was no different.

Vancouver-based rap newcomer DaamCP opened the show followed by an energetic set from Toronto transplant ninetyfour. Both individually held their own in setting the vibe but the crowd was decidedly more enthusiastic the minute TIP slid on stage.

With his signature swagger and beloved Southern charm T.I opened his set with  “Top Back ” and “Rubberband ” while the crowd was devotedly responsive despite his already low-key performance approach. With his beenie tipped to the side, sporting bright yellow stripes and a calm demeanour T.I took the audience through his catalogued favourites like “No Mediocre”, “Whatever You Like”, and “Live Your Life”.

The Rubberband Man performed tracks from his recent release Us Or Else: Letter To The System eventually closing with “What You Know” and “About The Money” while maintaining relatively the same energy throughout his entire set. No flashy gimmicks or overly ecstatic expressions, which is exactly what could have been expected from the Southern O.G.

T.I continues his Us Or Else Tour in Abbotsford tonight.  

Written by MLD for HipHopCanada

Photography by Jamie Sands for HipHopCanada

Atlanta-based artist Quie speaks about self-producing his debut album, Darkside

Atlanta, GA – Coming through our speakers from Georgia, Atlanta artist Quie has been quietly working away for most of 2016 on his debut album, Darkside. The project dropped on Soundcloud last week, and we recently had the opportunity to get the low-down from Quie on the motivation and inspiration for the album.

Composed of 6 tracks, the project is fully original in its’ approach to the genre, with a variety of atmospheric vibes. The dark instrumentals, and blurry musical definitions help the tracks comfortably seep into the ears of his listeners. Whether he’s smoothly crooning the high notes of “Numb” or bringing a stronger energy on “X Piles”, the arrangement of tracks will appeal to a wide audience.

Check out our conversation on Darkside below, and stream the album.

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Quie: Q&A

HipHopCanada: Thanks for speaking with us on your new release. This project will be your first introduction to most of our audience. What are some things that you wanted to establish with his project in terms of your identity as an artist and producer?

Quie: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak with you guys. It’s an honor. To answer your question, I wanted to establish that I’m that thing that musics missing. A lot of music, mostly directing to hip hop and R&B, that you hear nowadays is similar in every aspect and that’s something I’m not opposed to but I’d rather be different. When I was younger, music was authentic. That’s something I wanted to establish. Authenticity. It’s so easy to make music now, nobody’s trying to be different or authentic. It’s sucks. I feel like I created my own sound and now I want to give it to the world.

HipHopCanada: Why did you name this album Darkside and what kind of things influenced the subjects and content?

Quie: I named the project Darkside because I felt this was a side of me no one has ever seen. I’m an introvert, I keep to myself. This project is the other side of me I never revealed… until now. I was also in a dark place. I just moved to Atlanta, I really don’t have anybody out here. It’s been me and my music. When you’re in such a atmosphere you start to reminisce and think about past events, people that you’ve missed etc. You start soul searching and I think that was a big influence.

HipHopCanada: Congratulations on self-producing the whole project, because that’s a feat in itself. What are some challenges that you face in your creative process when you’re handling both performing and producing?

Quie: The most challenging thing about doing both is staying original and making sure every track is distinct from the other. I want everything I make to be unique. 1 of 1. Starting with production all the way to performance.

HipHopCanada: If I’m correct, you’re originally from New Orleans but relocated to Atlanta. How have both of those places influenced your music, if at all?

Quie: Growing up in New Orleans has influenced my music in ways I wouldn’t even know lol. There’s so much culture going on down there. I add a little bit of everything into my music and New Orleans is probably why. Atlanta’s trap sound has taken over hip hop in today’s world. It’s being incorporated into every genre so I had to incorporate it into my own. Why not.

HipHopCanada: What did this project mean to you, and what did you want your audience to take away from the experience?

Quie: This project means a lot to me. It’s been a long road. I’ve been in and out of different studios all of 2016 constantly creating vibes that I thought people would enjoy. Now I finally have them in one package. I want my listeners to get a dose of something new. I want to be the refreshing breeze.

HipHopCanada: Which track are you proudest of, and how did it come about?  

Quie: “Northern Lights”. It’s just so different and I didn’t expect it to come out like it did. I tried to record it  in 2015 but things didn’t go as planned. In December 2016 I rediscovered the beat and something told me record the song. It’s my favorite track. A lot of people won’t like it, a lot will. I think it’s special.

HipHopCanada: What was your goal with this project, and what kind of approach have you taken with your music this last year leading up to its’ release? 

Quie: Being that it’s my first project, I wanted to just lay a solid foundation for what’s to come after. I wanted to let whoever’s listening know that this is only the beginning. Leading up to the release, I’ve just been promoting and mostly networking, reaching out to people that can either help me or push me in the right direction. I released a few singles to get a buzz going also. 

HipHopCanada: I really love “Numb” and the overall atmospheric sound that you give to the track when you sing on it. How did you get started creating music, and do you enjoy singing more than rapping?

Quie: I started creating music at a young age. My dad was a musician so playing instruments was something that grew with me. I was born with a voice to sing, but I always wanted to be a rapper. I have more fun rapping but it’s not on the same level as singing. It just doesn’t give people the same feeling.

HipHopCanada: The rest of the album seems to be full of vibey, and similarly darker tracks. How close to your personality does the music match up in comparison to the style and persona you take on the album?

Quie: Everything’s vibes. Every track I make starts with the beat. My beats originate from whatever mood I’m in. I’m actually a quiet person so if you don’t really know me, you wouldn’t see the side I portray in my music.

HipHopCanada: What can listeners expect from you in the near future?

Quie: In the future my fans can expect more and even better music from me. I just want to keep getting better and keep giving my fans something to look forward to. A lot of artists aren’t consistent, i don’t want to be like that.

Stream Darkside below.

Create. Define. Release: After more than a decade, CDR Toronto’s support hasn’t wavered

Toronto, ON – On a cold and wintery December afternoon in Toronto’s East End, I met with Gavin Alexander, Gareth Morgan and Ramón Charles – members of CDR Toronto’s brain-trust – to discuss music and culture in Canada, but more specifically CDR. We talked about its inception, the state of CDR and what the future holds. But what is CDR (Create. Define. Release.); and what makes it different from other producer centric events in the GTA? Well the format is simple. CDR sessions offer music makers the opportunity to submit their own songs (burnt onto CD, on a USB key or uploaded in advance) then hear them played in a club environment over a superb sound system.

CDR was started over 10 years ago by Tony Nwachukwu, then a member of Attica Blues. When the group’s run with Sony Music and MO ‘Wax came to an end, he sought to create a safe space where young artists could play their works in progress, develop their sound and find an audience. He soon called upon his friend Gavin Alexander to help get the project off the ground.

“Toronto is a great city for music; with a huge range of sounds created within the GTA. After being here for 2 years I quickly realized I had to bring CDR to Toronto.” – Gavin Alexander

Billed as “The Night of Ideas and Tracks in the Making” the first CDR session was held at the Embassy Bar in 2002.

Gavin Alexander remembers: “The idea of immediacy, creating art and being able to engage with an audience was very appealing to me.”

The word quickly spread from there and the night eventually moved to the place which would become its spiritual home, the legendary Plastic People in London. CDR has since spread its gospel around the Globe with events being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, Pittsburgh, and Paris.

Fast forward to 2012, Gavin now finds himself in Toronto. “Toronto is a great city for music; with a huge range of sounds created within the GTA. After being here for 2 years I quickly realized I had to bring CDR to Toronto.”

His run-ins within the local music and arts community allowed him to cross paths with Ramón Charles, Janine Wright and Koray Özel, like minded individuals who would be instrumental in getting the project off and running.“Before I even approached Ramón he was already sending tracks to me. He was very much an inspiration.”

Since September 2015, CDR has been amassing a growing following all the while building an amazing community of creative people. Not just music makers but also listeners. To put it simply, people who are fans of new music. Over time regular participants like DJ/Producer Gareth Morgan, who goes by DJ G-Spot, and Snafu76, have come into the fold, DJing throughout the night and providing customized mixes of the submitted works.

Ramón Charles says, “We try to make mixtapes in order to spread the word about all the amazing music being made in the city.”

It attracts artists from all walks of life, genres and skill levels. Gavin continues, “I see this every time we do CDR. Just random people immediately connecting with each other, not just vibing but, sharing their creativity and appreciation for each other’s work.”

Ramon Charles adds: “It’s a great playground for producers and musicians to let their songs free.”

All this goes down in the basement at 805 Studio on Dovercourt. It’s a cozy venue with a beautiful dance floor and plenty of seating; an ideal setting for those looking to network, dance or just listen and admission is free. “We were lucky and blessed to have found Studio 805 as a venue… Big ups to Elizabeth and the 805 crew for being so welcoming and taking a chance with us.”

The night starts by digging into the CDR archives, playing and mixing tracks submitted by the participants in previous sessions and prior to the night’s event. Before moving on to “Open CDR” where the latest crop of submissions is played and mixed by Gareth while the artists Name and the Track name are flashed on the big screen.

Gareth: “People are really there to listen and contemplate the music.”

Submitting music to CDR

Participants can submit their music by uploading their track directly to the CDR website by bringing a USB or submitting a CDR at the event itself. By submitting their music participants not only have the opportunity to hear their creations played over a state-of-art sound system but they automatically have their name entered into a draw to win music software.

CDR is not only the night. Ramón has lent his talents as a graphic designer to help create a visual esthetic on par with what is being created sonically. He’s also used his skills as a film editor to create short vox pop vignettes culled from footage recorded at each session. Featured in these vignettes are interviews with participants and members of the audience who are asked to speak on a variety of subjects and give their feedback on the nights proceedings. He’s also done work editing the CDR In-Studio series where members of the CDR community are interviewed within their creative spaces.

After a highly successful run of events in 2015 and 2016, what does the future hold for CDR?

Ramon Charles: “We’re talking about expanding what it is we’re offering. We want to reach out to the community to network and figure out ways we can highlight them or work with them.”

Gavin Alexander adds: “We’re looking to maybe change the process. Have artists talks before Open CDR.”

CDR Knowledge sessions have been held in London, these events offer workshops given by technical experts from companies like Ableton, Apple and Native Instruments. “There are lots of people out there who need help. In terms of understanding what it takes to Mix a track properly, to Master a track properly. There are people within the community who’ve been teaching music making for years.” There is also CDR Live, a concept where the participants are invited to reproduce their works live.

“At CDR we’re obsessed with the creative process.”

CDR has wrapped up its 2016 season after presenting another successful evening of new music on Dec. 22nd. The event will be on hiatus until the spring of 2017. With so much in the works there is a lot to look forward to in 2017 as CDR will be hosting its 10th Session in Toronto.

For more information check out http://cdrtoronto.ca.

Written by Hugues Lamour for HipHopCanada

PostCard: B3auu breaks down his new mixtape from up north in Nunavut

Iqaluit, NU – Nunavut artist B3auu (formerly of the Hamilton, ON based Bo$ Clique crew) recently released his latest solo project, PostCard: YEBO II.

This mixtape serves as the second release in B3auu’s YEBO series, as well as his first solo body of work released since his move up north to Nunavut. After parting ways with his Bo$ Clique crew out in Hamilton, B3auu made the move over to Iqaluit to put a refresh on his life. For this project, B3auu stuck to minimalistic, stripped-down sound.

According to B3auu, the YEBO series serves as platform for expressing his thoughts and struggles. It’s not meant to be “entertainment” rap; it’s supposed to be an honest, raw reflection on where the guy is at. The mixtape was actually recorded and sent out during B3auu’s first week up north (started on a Monday and finished on a Friday).

The nine-track tape takes us through the whole spectrum of feelings. Starting with the title track “Gold”, B3auu injects the introduction with a liberated, freeing mission statement. “Capitalize” is the song about hustle and grind. “Pepe” is the love song. And “Bo$” gives a nod to everything B3auu learned during his days with Bo$ Clique.

The project actually features B3auu’s former fellow Bo$ member Buddah Abusah who mixed and mastered the project, and came on board for a feature on “Only.” Take in the tape below via SoundCloud, and scope our in-depth interview with B3auu after the jump.

Q&A: B3auu

“This album was recorded and sent out the first week I was up here in Nunavut, Canada. So it was a reflection of the life I had experienced and not the one I’m currently in. It was a way to say goodbye to the person I was as I knew a new journey was about to embark.”
-B3auu

HipHopCanada: Start off by talking to me about the significance of this album to you on a personal level.

B3auu: Significance of this album is really in part of setting my mind free of opinions; targeting topics that are sensitive to the people around me [and] that are sensitive to the questions in me. Something that would push the envelope of my thoughts. Some tracks were written three years ago and some a year and a half ago when I moved up north. This album was recorded and sent out the first week I was up here in Nunavut, Canada. So it was a reflection of the life I had experienced and not the one I’m currently in. It was a way to say goodbye to the person I was as I knew a new journey was about to embark.

HipHopCanada: Explain the title PostCard: YEBO II to me, and what that means.

B3auu: YEBO was a solo project I did when I was with the clique, so this is part two of the series. The YEBO series is made – not for entertainment – but for my thoughts; things I am struggling with at that point in time socially, musically, economically. PostCard was just a way of giving people music. I had not released a body of work in a long time. And since I was in Nunavut I thought it be fitting to name it PostCard. And people who knew me would not be able to see me, but be able to read my thoughts through this postcard.

HipHopCanada: I think my favourite song on this is actually the first track “Gold.” It’s a very hopeful track with a very freeing undertone. Why did you choose this track to open up the album?

B3auu: This song is a defining testament to the state I was at while making the album: the brink of a new beginning. You find something new about your being, and people act differently towards you because they don’t yet understand. Some embrace it. Some refuse to see you grow [or] let you go. “Gold” was me finding just that. “Gold” in my existence; learning to be as I am, to love what I love without compromise, and to reflect it in what I create.

HipHopCanada: I don’t know if this is intentional, but your sound as a solo artist is much more minimalistic and stripped-down.

B3auu: It was intentional for this project as I literally started it on a Monday and finished it on the Friday. I had little to work with, and I didn’t let it stop me from creating. The basic tone was to communicate the message in as minimal time as possible because I didn’t want to forget the message I came off the plane with.

HipHopCanada: I noticed you incorporated a lot of elements as a nod to Bo$ Clique. Buddah did the mixing and mastering of the album, and came on for a feature on “Only.” And you also made a song called “Bo$.” Talk to me about all that.

B3auu: Really… I was a solo artist before I joined the Clique. It was just a tip of my hat to how being in that group groomed me to be better. It was all competition – whether good or bad. [And] it helped me reach new horizons in life, have different options, make different music, and also see how three different individuals could affect a city in different ways while also influencing each other. The following projects will all be atop my shoulders. I am still learning to be fully solo and am incorporating what I learned through Bo$.

HipHopCanada: Which song means to most to you on here, and why?

B3auu: My favourite song is “Always Right” because – like you said – it’s very minimalistic. It sounds like I just comprised the drums and said “Let’s go!” Recording vocals on those drums was exciting. It was kind of me lashing out emotionally because some individuals were not fully into what they were doing. You know… going through the motions. “Always Right” is a message to them and a testament to making a sound for yourself that doesn’t have to follow popular culture.

HipHopCanada: Conceptually, how do all of the songs fit into the body of work? What is the significance of the songs as standalone tracks, as well as within the context of the whole album?

B3auu: I would say this is a collage of everything that happened in a span of two years. They only fit together because they’re all targeting my thoughts. The mission wasn’t to make music but to communicate thoughts. The significance as standalone tracks is what I was thinking when I made each and every one. “Gold” for hope and ambition, “Capitalize” for grind and focus, “Presidential” for ego lashing out, “Pepe” for love, etc.

HipHopCanada: I’m curious as to how your process for making an album is different up north. Has your geographical location changed anything about how you approach making a body of work?

B3auu: It hasn’t really changed much. The difference is I have a lot of time and topics are not as easy to come by as it can be really isolating at times. It’s hard to notice on this project because it was made a week after being in the Arctic. You will notice a huge difference in upcoming projects. My mind is different, the production’s evolved… partly because of my surroundings… This life is just different and the music hopefully will reflect this.

Premiere: Check this BaxFam Cypher with Adlib, Pimpton, Brothers Grim & Alpha Omega

Regina, SK – In anticipation of Adlib‘s upcoming Primitive Tomorrow album release (due out later this month), Adlib teamed up with BaxWar affiliates Pimpton, Brothers Grim, and Alpha Omega for this new BaxFam Cypher (shot by Big Shot).

According to Adlib, the cypher happened really organically, following a few weeks on tour with Brothers Grim and Alpha Omega: “We (Brothers Grim and Alpha Omega) had been on the road a few weeks and we’re all vibing already. And Pimpton is one of my favourite artists. So I was gassed to get in the studio with everyone. I had nothing prepared; I just zoned in to the creativity and smoke in the room.”

The squad booked Blue Door Studio in Regina, SK, and spent their time writing their verses and smoking out. Here’s what Brothers Grim artist Pat Grim had to say about the process: “After a few weeks on the road I was presented the opportunity to get on this record with Pimpton, Adlib, and Alpha Omega. With all of us writing on-the-spot, creative and positive energy filling the room; my goal was to hold my own lyrically with a bunch of very talented artists.”

Check out the premiere of the BaxFam Cypher after the jump, and go pre-order Primitive Tomorrow right now via iTunes.

9-0-Nickel’s Peter Jackson is “On A Wave” with hot new single

Toronto, ON – It’s only February, but this could be one of the biggest singles we see in 2017. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to closely witness the growth of countless artists and musicians during their developmental stages. Some have faded out over time for various reasons, and even less have been fortunate enough to see their passion for hip-hop blossom to sustainable careers. And when a career does bloom, it’s often at the hands of one big single that transcends an artist from hobby to business, and tends to be a breakthrough for the artist creatively. Whether it’s finding their voice, or even just figuring out what they represent as a creative force, having the right record is like holding a winning lottery ticket.

I’ve covered Peter Jackson’s growth as both an artist and promoter for over a decade now and have not only been impressed with his development as a recording artist, but also the influence he’s had on the Canadian scene during that time, and the unwavering support he shows his creative countrymen.

PJ’s had big records before – going even further back than the 2010 released “Ma’Ma / Simple Man” featuring Die Mannequin which made me a fan – but this new one is a game changer. As PJ remarks in the interview I conducted with him about “On A Wave,” echoing the exact thoughts I had after first hearing the song: “I was always told by a few close people that once I learned to put my personality on record, I would win in a major way.” PJ learned, and this Sheldon Moore and David Neale-produced banger is the result. And just the beginning of a new stage for the 9-0-Nickel artist and CEO.

The video is on the way but for now we’re celebrating “On A Wave” as our latest Song of the Day as he gears up for the release of the album it’s featured on, Married To Success. Check it out below along with an exclusive Q&A with PJ.

“I thought I knew it all before, but I didn’t… I thought I worked hard before but I wasn’t… she is my whole world.” – Peter Jackson

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Q&A: Peter Jackson

Interview conducted by Jesse “Dutchy” Plunkett

HipHopCanada: PJ, first off congrats on your hot new single! Incredibly catchy with big lines through and through. I swear I’ve had “we on our way, we on our way, we on our way now” in my head since first hearing the track. You’re making new records all the time. What inspired this one in particular and did you expect the positive response you’ve been seeing?

Peter Jackson: Honestly this record is really my life, and it’s where I am actually at in my life. I am just turning 30-years-old now, I have a beautiful wife and two kids under 2. The up’s and down’s of the music industry and the fight to make a living doing what I love. I was always told by a few close people that once I learned to put my personality on record, I would win in a major way. I’m not surprised with the great response because this is not just my story, it’s a lot of people’s story.

HipHopCanada: No doubt, just looking at the track credits, you can tell you really went in to this one to win. Produced by Sheldon Moore and David Neale, mixed by Grammy Award-winning producer and Chainsmokers engineer, Jordan “DJ Swivel” Young and mastering by another Grammy-winning engineer, Chris Gehringer. Can you touch on how the track came together?

Peter Jackson: I was working on my new project Married To Success with DJ Marley Waters – who wrote and produced some of the biggest records in the world right now – and we came up with this at Sheldon Moore’s studio. My managers Askia and Chad are close with Marley and Jordan so it just worked out great. I have been working with DJ Swivel on a lot of music lately as well so timing just worked out perfect to be honest.

HipHopCanada: One line that really stands out to me is “I’ve got a daughter on the way I need to win.” We both had our first kids around the same time and while your reputation for being a hard worker precedes you, I noticed fatherhood seems to have kicked you into high gear. What has fatherhood taught you about yourself?

Peter Jackson: Everything. I thought I knew it all before, but I didn’t… I thought I worked hard before but I wasn’t… she is my whole world. I never grew up rich, but my parents worked so hard to make sure me and my sister had every single opportunity in the world and we never wanted for nothing. I feel like I need to do exactly the same. I’ve never had a 9 to 5 job last more then the probation period (laughing), so I have no choice but to work 100 times harder and smarter right now. I am a better person because of her, and my wife is unbelievable. She is the one behind me making sure I am working as hard as possible and taking care of home the correct way.

HipHopCanada: I’ve been lucky enough to see a sneak peak of the video and have no doubt it will be as well received as the song itself. You enlisted up-and-coming director (and actress) Cat Hostick to get it done. Was there something particular about Hostick’s style that you were drawn to?

Peter Jackson: It’s crazy that you say that because there really was. Her boyfriend and business partner, who was the Director of Photography on set, Russ De Jong, is amazingly talented and he did the We The North campaign for the Toronto Raptors. I was a big part of watching that like any other fan and I loved it. I literally had 4-5 other directors send treatments, and I even picked another director that I love to do the video but then I remembered what Russ showed me with Cat and that was the look I wanted. She captures real life in real time and that’s what I wanted. They are an unbelievable team and super talented.

HipHopCanada: What can people expect from the video treatment, and when can people expect to see it?

Peter Jackson: It’s really my life, it’s the path I am on. It’s my story of a strong woman behind me supporting my dreams, the family, the houses, the cars, the struggle, the glory, everything. It’s my come up, and my reality check.

HipHopCanada: Kardi was pictured with you on set of the video. Does he make a cameo and do you guys have anything in the works?

Peter Jackson: He came through to show support and love like a real one. I am about to do everything he did and accomplished plus more from learning from people like him. Hopefully we can cook something up soon as well.

HipHopCanada: Congrats again on your deal with Timeless Music Management. Now that you’ve officially announced you’re working with Askia Fountain, have you ironed out any plans for the foreseeable future, aside from getting this single everywhere possible?

Peter Jackson: Yes, I’ve been with him for about 3 months. We finished a full EP about a week ago with six singles, and we are shopping it and taking meetings as we speak with all the majors in the US. He has been a great asset to our team.

HipHopCanada: You’ve always been surrounded by a strong team. I wanted to give you a chance to plug the fam and mention any other projects coming through 9-0-Nickel or your other ventures.

Peter Jackson: Much love. I still work close with Zaze and Flex The Antihero, who are both doing solo projects. Flex has a project out now that he is pushing that is incredible and Zaze is busy making that raw hip-hop music. My brother and artist, Bandit, is away for a bit right now but when he’s back he will be right with us at every party and tour stop, working like normal. He is the one that told me to do the Maino tour because they have a single together. If he was home that would have been his first Nationwide tour.

DJ Young Legend is also a strong part of 9-0-Nickel and he is running the club scene right now in Toronto. He’s also my tour DJ. DJ Tyco is now over at Real Sports working as a DJ and Maximum FM as well. He’s played a major role in our live shows, and my sets as well when I was in between DJs. We also work very close Chance of Royals Promotion who handles a lot of the street promotion for 9-0-Nickel’s live shows, and he runs a music series called Royal’s Music Series with local up and coming artists, which is very dope. He has been a huge part of 9-0-Nickel’s success.

Most recently, our brother and Boxer, Brandon “BadBoy” Cook is 18-0 and #1 in Canada. That’s who I do all my charity work with and we support him 100% in everything he does. I then work with Eyes of Parma Media / Media Music studios, and him and I run a company called Tyme Mgmt (which is owned by 9-0-Nickel and Media Music) which holds an unreal roster of artists, producers, singers, songwriters, and now directors with the addition of Fatty Soprano and Shutter. The producers, writers and singers are Ryan Metcalfe, Pilot Beats, Kal Miller, SoundSmith, BYDK, Scrwg Scrilla and more. My management team, assistants and brother companies round off this unbelievable company that is truly on the rise.

HipHopCanada: One thing I respect about the song and video – and we touched on this before – is it really emphasizes how much your girl means to you and how much of an impact she’s had on your come up. The part where you appear speechless at seeing the view count on the video, and she grabs you like “you got this” is especially touching. I also mentioned to you before that I was feeling the cameo you gave your kids in the video, really making it a family affair. How involved is your immediate family with your music career? How did they react to hearing the new single?

Peter Jackson: My wife is everything to me. I mean, she’s known me since I was like 14-years-old. She understands this better than anyone in my eyes. She really gets it, and really wants to see us win. That’s our relationship, she knows it’s real because it pays the bills and puts food on our table, but before that, she was really in my corner at my shows just supporting. I love my daughter and son so much so it meant a lot that they are part of this new record.

HipHopCanada: Speaking of big records, the JUNO Award nominees were released today including Rap Recording of the Year. How do you feel about the nominees and who do you think is walking away with the hardware?

Peter Jackson: I think Drake or Tory Lanez will win. Drake had the biggest album in history last year. Makes sense. Tory had an unreal year as well.

HipHopCanada: Anyone who knows you knows you’re a huge fan of the Toronto Raptors. The team is sitting in third in the Eastern Conference. How do you feel about the season so far? Any plans to cook up a new anthem should they make it to the post-season, as expected?

Peter Jackson: Yes, we are in talks with MLSE right now to make it work. I think we’ll end up in second in front of Boston and behind Cleavend, and we’re going to fight through the playoffs again. We need one pick up though!

HipHopCanada: Last but not least, we couldn’t do an interview with you without at least discussing some upcoming tours, since you’ve always got at least one or 2 on the go. What’s next and and what’s coming?

Peter Jackson: I’ll be back on the road with RiFF RAFF in a few months for half the year and my company is about to announce three Canadian tours this month. So stay tuned!

Interview conducted by Jesse “Dutchy” Plunkett for HipHopCanada