Styles of the Illest

The One - JD Era

2008-05-26T13:27:00.008-04:00

You remember JD Era don't you?
Of course you do...he's the one who keeps that money comin' in!
Well, I was just watching him at the Ecko Battles and he impressed the shit out of me. You have to check out this tight new joint, "The One". I'll have to post some of the other hot tracks of his that I like. He's got some very fine tunes floating around, I'm telling you. Prince of the North, JD Era, reppin' TDot, What.

Nem-S-Iss & Baby Grhyme - Old School

2008-04-03T02:02:00.005-04:00

This is a tight joint from two of Toronto's greatest up-and-comers. Nem-S-Iss is currently doing time in the pen for getting caught with weed and a heater in the car...rumors are neither were his. Either way, he's doing the time but when he gets out boi look out. Some hot shit is about to drop. Baby Grhyme lays it DOWN in this track too! She is tight and needs to stay in the rap game and put out some more shit for sure. Illest Styles supports you anyway Baby Grhyme. One love to Black Creek.

Califate & The Scartown Militia - Headz Up

2008-03-31T15:25:00.008-04:00

"There comes a point in everyone's life when they must stand up." And Califate's done just that. He kills this track. It finally looks like he's got some money and some peoples with dedication to the music. This is the highest quality video that he's put out and he's flossin' the highest quality threads since he's come up. I expect Califate to step up the grindin' in the future. Just check out how this video ends..."They call me Ricochet Slug"....it's tight man. One love to TDot, Scartown and all them other mens on the block.

Black Creek All Day Every Day - Nem-S-ISs - Whattup

2008-03-26T02:05:00.004-04:00

Another little video that I made up with an intro, freestyle and outro...all by Nem-S-Iss. It's on YouTube and my YouTube channel (cpro2002).

Nem-S-ISs has a few other videos that I'll review and he's sure to be coming out with lots of more good tracks and thumpin tunes for us to blog about so keep it locked.

Kidd Blitz Album Dropping soon

2008-03-18T16:40:00.005-04:00

Kidd Blitz aka Yung Carter.

Everyone wants it and soon they will get it. New Album expected to hit stores next year with some hot new solo tracks.

Can't wait KB!

Peep the new tracks on: myspace.com/hiplifecanada

Young Tony Spittin' the Real Shit

2008-03-17T23:23:00.005-04:00

This is how Young Tony does it. Down in some guys basement, spittin' story-tellin' style about what ever he wants. It's hilarious. Don't test Toronto. I hope to see more of this guy, he needs our support and so do the other rappers out there who are grindin'. The guys in Canada have it a little tougher than those down south. Less exposure and fewer labels to sign them. So post your supporting comments to all your favourite hip-hoppers and show some love.

Belly featuring Kurupt - I'm The F#$kin' Man

2008-03-17T23:07:00.006-04:00

Reppin' TDot, here's Belly with the one and only Kurupt. Sweet video and that's a sweet deal for Belly, getting Kurupt on the track, so hopefully he takes this and uses it as a springboard into bigger and better things. Keep doin' what you're doin' Belly.

Califate, Aristo, Young Tony, C4 & Mayhem comin' together for the 100 Strong Arms collabo!

2008-03-17T11:38:00.008-04:00

This is Toronto coming together. Doesn't matter the race or colour or creed, they drop it anyway. There will be much more Young Tony poppin' up around here after seeing this. He's got some sick tracks on his MySpace page that deserve some attention, not to mention he's got the flow of a master. Too bad he doesn't think rhyming is his calling....maybe we can convince him otherwise. Seen. All in all, this is a hot joint that proves Toronto has talent and proves these guys are here to stay.

Califate - My Environment

2008-03-11T23:49:00.004-04:00

This is a hot joint from Califate, ScarTown Entertainment off the RapSheet DVD. Sorry about the quality, that's the only one I could find. Post a link for a better quality and I can replace this. Scartown baby, takin' ova!

Kidd Blitz Is At It Again

2008-03-11T19:25:00.005-04:00

Here's is the Dollars Entertainment hit track, "Me Boto Ne Nye," set to a slideshow of Kidd Blitz that I just whipped together. The Ghana lyrics that you hear are his boy, Maphia, also of Dollars Entertainment. These guys are huge over in Ghana, being played on radio stations and everything.

Stay tuned for more of Kidd Blitz.

CPro's YouTube Channel

2008-03-11T18:02:00.003-04:00

...is now live. I've got the two videos I made from the last two days on there for now. Every new video I make goes on there too, so just hit subscribe.

YouTube Username: cpro2002
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/cpro2002

Califate from ScarTown Entertainment

2008-03-11T16:38:00.007-04:00

Here's another video I made with clips from The Real Toronto.
It's a quick intro followed by a freestyle from Califate.
He's reppin Scarborough, much respect.

I'll be posting a few more about this guy, he's been on the come up for a while now so keep checking back or subscribe to Illest Styles in the right-hand column.

Ricky Dred AKA King Friday

2008-03-10T21:39:00.007-04:00

I made up this video with clips from The Real Toronto.
It's a quick intro followed by a freestyle by Ricky Dred AKA King Friday.
Reppin Parkdale, Toronto.
One Love

JD Era Keeps That Money Comin' In

2008-03-10T16:17:00.006-04:00

If you haven't heard of JD Era by now...get a life. He's already taken TDot by storm in an almost Soulja Boy fashion with that catchy hook from his hit, The Paper Chase. I've been listening to his other tracks on his MySpace and there's good stuff there too. You may have seen him on a Juice DVD or even on Much Music TV...and if you STILL don't know who I'm talking about, check out his new blog. This guy deserves much respect. Styles of the Illest will follow JD Era's music and will make sure that the masses know what he's up to.

Now I'll leave you all with his great hit and definitely a Canadian hip hop classic for the decade, Paper Chase.

Nem-S-Iss is Reppin' TDot to the Fullest

2008-03-02T06:37:00.005-05:00

He's got new tracks, new money, new ladies and a new following that is sure to take him to the top. Nem-S-Iss, from Toronto, is pumping out sick tracks like this one that are sure to stick around. You may recognize him from such films as, The Real Toronto...

In loving memory of Frankie AKA Black I

2007-12-18T20:05:00.001-05:00

From the record label Team Bravo Records, Black I is one of the greatest rappers to come out of Toronto. With Hits like "Neva Stop" and "Where I'm From," he engineered the hip hop movement in the T-dot.

R.I.P

Reppin B-Town
Black I

(1972-2006)

Some thoughts from Maestro Fresh Wes:

IT WAS APPROX. A YEAR AGO TODAY (May 7, 07) WE HEARED ABOUT THE PASSING OF ONE OF TORONTO'S ILLEST BROTHERS. THE ONE KNOWN AS FRANKIE AKA EXHIBIT F AKA ACT ONE, AKA BLACK I....
HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE SHARED SOME GREAT, AND HISTORIC TIMES COMING UP TOGETHER IN THE LATE 80'S AND EARLY 90'S AND HE WAS ALWAYS THE TRUTH. HIS WHOLE ESSENCE RADIATED HIP HOP.

WE STILL MISS HIM AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.!!!!
MAY HE REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE

WES WILLIAMS AKA THE MAESTRO FRESH WES

Logikal Ethix chillin in Cali

2007-12-17T17:21:00.002-05:00

When he's not making tunes in Tdot, he's filming his latest video in Cali:

Kidd Blitz a.k.a Yung Dada Ba Carter

2007-12-17T16:38:00.001-05:00

Born in Ghana, this playa now reps Jane & Sheppard, Toronto ON, Canada.

Kidd Blitz is still relatively new to the scene, but he's rising quickly.
Having hooked up with Dollars Entertainment already, this kid could go the distance.

Check out his MySpace profile to hear the latest....and there's much more of that to come soon!

Rochester - The Toronto Rapper

2007-06-20T01:54:00.001-04:00

Check out the hit, "Pull Up" on his MySpace HERE.

A new wave of Toronto-based rap talent is positioning itself to make a dent on Canadian music charts. Rochester aka Juice has emerged as one of the leaders of this new school. Dont believe the hype? You dont need to. Prominent press outlets, commercial radio and TV stations have already stepped in to cement the hoopla, and the stage is set.

Born Jason Rochester, the emcee grew up in the Islington/Finch corridor of Toronto and demonstrated a unique artistic gift as a young teen that had dreams of becoming a comic book illustrator. Influenced by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Dennis Brown and Jay-Z, Juice casually dabbled in the art of rhyme slinging in his old neighborhood, at one time joining rap clique The STC (Street Terrorist Clique).

Years later when Canada's first urban radio station (FLOW 93.5 fm) held their inaugural Soul Search talent contest (in 2002), he graduated with honours from occasional hood cipher contributor to centre-stage entertainer. A charismatic performance coupled with an ability to paint candid pictures through his rhymes crowned Rochester the Soul Searchs inaugural first prizewinner for his original composition Young Luv - an animated ode to early childhood romance, kicked Juices career into overdrive.

Peep some more tunes and vids at his homepage: http://www.rochesterakajuice.ca/

"I'm Ready" - Music Video

Page - Get to know the guy...

2007-06-20T01:45:00.001-04:00

He's new to many, but this man is no stranger to the music industry. He's learned what he needs to do in order to make things happen in Canada and his next moves will bare witness to that. Page is about to release his compilation/mixtape Two Sides To A Story which features his single “Ballin’ Is My Hobby”. Not holding back with any of his point of views, Page is a real straight up individual who tells it how he sees it. With his honest and powerful story-telling lyrics, Page is definitely an original when it comes to the delivery of his music. Signed to Smoke 'N’ Mirrors, Page also is self-sufficient and has created a company that has already made a bold statement in the industry. With a new mixtape, album, DVD, video games, and so much more, Page surely has a lot in store for the rest of 2007. If you want to know why Page says, “Ballin’ Is My Hobby” read below, and know that the story has just begun for this young artist.

Interview at HipHopCanada.com

The Staircase Diaries - Logikal Ethix & Unknown Mizery

2007-06-20T01:26:00.001-04:00

A short documentary-type video from these two Toronto hip hop soldiers. Check it out, Stolen From Africa & Mutescreamz.com

Logikal Ethix & Unknown Mizery - "Ain't No Good Life"

2007-06-20T01:16:00.001-04:00

Comin' from Toronto, from their 2004 street release, It Will Fall, comes Logikal Ethix and Unknown Mizery's video debut of their hit single, "Aint no Good Life." The real video starts about 1:24 into it, so be patient...or skip forward.

Track produced by Arkeoloogists.
Video Directed by Jake Kovnat of TWiNkViBE Productions.

"Things Change" - Logikal Ethix of Stolen From Africa

2007-06-20T01:04:00.001-04:00

Song by: Logikal Ethix of Stolen From Africa
Produced by: Tha Biz of Soul 4 Hire Productions
Directed by: Logikal Ethix of Mutescreamz Mentaltainment Inc/Stolen From Africa Movement

Logikal Ethix and Unknown Mizery are Toronto based artist who speak from their soul. Co-Founders of Mutescreamz Mentaltainment Inc., their mission is to help provided a voice for oppressed youth through the expressive context of art.

Although Logikal & Miz are solo artists, they have been recording and performing together as a duo for the past 5 years. In 2001 Unknown Mizery was featured on the Juno nominated album "Dim Sum" Produced by Dj Serious which received international recognition. In 2003, Logikal Ethix released a self-titled street album that received attention on Much Music's MuchNews for persistent CD selling in the downtown streets of Toronto. In 2004 the Duo recorded the street release album entitled "It Will Fall" which has sold over 10,000 copies Canada wide. In the spring of 2005 they released the Poor Man Militia album P.M.M and has developed a loyal fallowing in the U.K Australia and in various part of the U.S.

In 2004 The duo developed there own clothing brand "Stolen From Africa" which has been used as an alternative tool to promote cultural awareness alongside the music. The response has been so great that they have received the support of Toronto Mayor David Miller, and they are planning a high tour in the spring of 2006.

www.STOLENFROMAFRICA.com
www.LOGIKALETHIX.com
http://www.mutescreamz.com/

Growing Up in Toronto - Lost in The Struggle

2007-06-20T00:40:00.002-04:00

The Fifth Estate (CBC) wanted to know why young men in some neighbourhoods of Canadian cities are drawn to a culture of violence. A culture where drug sales are often a source of income, friendships are defended with weapons, and a deadly dispute can start with a disrespectful glance.

Rather than accessing this world through the police or social workers, producers wanted to document the lives of the young men in their own voices. To learn what options are available to a young person who grows up in a culture where loyalty is determined by whom you're willing to protect. And to understand how they get left behind by the systems of education, social services and justice that are supposed to protect them.

To get the access needed to tell this story, producers enlisted two young filmmakers. Paul Nguyen and Mark Simms grew up in Toronto's Jane and Finch neighbourhood, an area that has waged a decades-long battle against a reputation for violence and hopelessness.

Chuckie and Burnz met through their common love of rap music. Simms and Nguyen introduced producers at the fifth estate to three young men who have all lived with violence, at times as the victim, at times the perpetrator. Phong Nguyen, aka Chuckie, Andrew Burnett, aka Burnz and Albi Aziz, aka Freshy, all grew up in Jane and Finch. One has lived by the gun from a young age. Another desperately wants to get out of the cycle of violence and retribution but doesn't know how. The other aspires to a criminal life despite the better options available to him.

The Fifth Estate, together with Simms and Nguyen as film crew, spent 10 months following Chuckie's, Burnz' and Freshy's lives, from their criminal exploits and encounters with the justice system to their relationships with family, friends, and each other.

The turns their lives took, the dilemmas they faced and the decisions they made formed the narrative of the story. The stories that unfold are of struggle: to succeed when poverty, lack of education and opportunity pull you down; to escape from the only life you've known; and to make positive choices in the face of anger and aimlessness.

YouTube User - thegoldenrich
Check out the Soundtrack to this Fifth Estate special HERE.

Comin' Straight Outta Toronto - PAGE

2007-06-19T23:18:00.001-04:00

This one is called "Ballin' Is My Hobby" by Toronto's up-and-coming rap star, Page. It's his premier video. Pretty decent, check it out: