Artists-CA

Shadrach Kabango, known as Shad or Shad K, is a Canadian rapper and broadcaster, born on July 18, 1982. With seven albums and three EPs since 2005, he won a Juno Award in 2011 and garnered five Polaris Music Prize nominations. CBC Music hailed him as the second-greatest Canadian rapper, and he hosts “Hip-Hop Evolution” on HBO Canada and Netflix. Raised in London, Ontario, to Rwandan parents, Shad’s socially conscious music resonates globally. Albums like “TSOL” and “Flying Colours” showcase his diverse talent. Beyond music, Shad hosted CBC’s “Q” and explored hip-hop’s roots, earning awards like the Peabody and International Emmy. Fluent in English and French, he holds degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University and Simon Fraser University. Shad married in 2016 and has two daughters, embodying a versatile artist with a deep commitment to his craft and community.

Raynford Avery Humphrey, professionally known as Preme (formerly P Reign), is a versatile Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, born on January 8, 1986. He gained prominence through guest appearances on 2011 singles “Alone Again” and “Invincible,” both achieving top 20 positions on the Canadian Hot 100. Signing with RCA Records, Preme released his debut EP “Dear Summer” in 2014, featuring popular tracks like “DnF” with Drake and Future. In 2018, he underwent a rebranding as Preme and established Reps Ups Entertainment in collaboration with Columbia Records. Notably, he collaborated with Tiësto and Dzeko on the single “Jackie Chan,” which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Preme’s career encompasses a variety of mixtapes, EPs, and collaborations with prominent artists like Drake and Post Malone, showcasing his enduring influence in the Canadian music scene.

Kevin Brereton, known as k-os (“chaos”), is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, born on February 20, 1972. His stage name, with a lowercase “k,” contrasts with the uppercase pseudonyms common in hip-hop, symbolizing “Knowledge of Self.” While incorporating rap, funk, rock, and reggae, his music conveys a positive message, critiquing mainstream hip-hop’s focus on materialism and violence. He’s acclaimed for his live performances with a band, unusual in hip-hop. K-os gained recognition with singles like “Musical Essence” in 1995. Despite initial dissatisfaction, his albums, including “Joyful Rebellion” and “Atlantis: Hymns for Disco,” achieved platinum status in Canada. With six albums released, k-os remains a significant figure in Canadian hip-hop.

Jahron Anthony Brathwaite, professionally known as PartyNextDoor, has left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene as an R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on July 3, 1993, Brathwaite was the inaugural signing to Drake’s OVO Sound label in 2013, unveiling his talents to the world with his eponymous debut EP to critical acclaim.

The release of his debut studio album, “PartyNextDoor Two,” in 2014, highlighted by the hit single “Recognize” featuring Drake, catapulted Brathwaite into the limelight. This success paved the way for subsequent albums like “PartyNextDoor 3” and “Partymobile,” which produced chart-topping singles such as “Come and See Me” and “Loyal.”

Beyond his solo endeavors, Brathwaite has made significant contributions to the music industry through his production and songwriting for various artists. Notable collaborations include Rihanna’s “Work” and DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts,” both of which dominated the charts.

Born to a Jamaican mother and Trinidadian father in Mississauga, Ontario, Brathwaite draws inspiration from his multicultural background and diverse musical influences. His journey from a young talent signing a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell to becoming a prominent figure in R&B underscores his dedication and artistry.

As PartyNextDoor continues to evolve and innovate, his impact on Canadian music remains profound, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the genre.

Khalil Tatem, famously known as Killy, is a Canadian rapper hailing from Toronto. Born on August 19, 1997, to a Bajan father and Filipino mother, Killy’s multicultural upbringing infused his music with diverse influences. Growing up in Toronto before relocating to Victoria, British Columbia, Killy navigated different cultural landscapes, shaping his perspective and artistry.

His musical journey began as a hobby during his time at Agincourt Collegiate Institute in Toronto. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that he immersed himself in rap and the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. Killy’s breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of “Killamonjaro,” a viral hit certified Platinum in Canada. This success led to notable appearances on platforms like Adam22’s “No Jumper” podcast and Drake’s OVO Sound Radio.

In 2018, Killy dropped his debut album, “Surrender Your Soul,” garnering critical acclaim and spawning hits like “No Sad No Bad.” Subsequent releases, including the EP “KILLSTREAK” and albums like “LIGHT PATH 8,” solidified his position in the rap scene.

Throughout his career, Killy has continually evolved his sound and storytelling. His latest ventures, including “KILLSTREAK 3” (K3), showcase his versatility, with tracks like “Mind” delving into personal themes of loss and introspection.

As Killy’s star continues to rise, his journey from Toronto’s underground rap scene to international recognition epitomizes the resilience and creativity of Canada’s hip-hop culture.

Luke Boyd, known as Classified, is a Canadian rapper and record producer from Enfield, Nova Scotia. Here’s a brief overview of his musical career:

1995–2004: Early Beginnings:
Founded Half Life Records and released debut LP “Time’s Up, Kid” in 1995.
Signed distribution deal with URBNET Records in 2003.
Released “Trial & Error” album, gaining recognition in Canada’s rap scene.
2005–2007: Nationwide Buzz and Recognition:
Released “Boy-Cott-In the Industry” album in 2005, featuring collaborations and achieving Top 20 hits on MuchMusic and MTV Canada.
Won MMVA for Best Rap Video and received Juno Award nomination in 2006.
2008–2017: Mainstream Breakthrough and National Success:
Signed major label deal with Sony Music in 2008.
Achieved mainstream success with hit singles like “Anybody Listening” and “Oh…Canada.”
Released acclaimed albums like “Self Explanatory” (2009) and “Classified” (2013), the latter debuting at #1 on Canadian Albums Chart and earning Platinum certification.
Won Juno Award for “Rap Recording of the Year” in 2013.

2018–Present: Longevity and Latest Projects:
Released singles like “Powerless,” “Changes,” and “She Ain’t Gotta Do Much” in 2018.
Dropped EP “Tomorrow Could Be…” in June 2018 and album “Tomorrow Could Be the Day Things Change” in October 2018.
Released EP “Time” in 2020, featuring Gold-certified single “Good News.”
Released acoustic album “Retrospected (Acoustic)” in 2022, featuring acoustic versions of hit singles.