[MP3 + Music Video] Toronto Rapper, Robin Banks: More Than Just A Local Shooting Victim Headline!

I will admit I was not familiar with local Toronto rapper, Robin Banks when his name appeared in the news as the unfortunate (but thankfully, not fatal) victim of a shooting incident recently.

I did kind of roll my eyes skeptically when he was described as a rapper though. Nevertheless, I decided to check out his music anyway, especially when a couple folks whose knowledge and taste I really respect, cosigned his music grind and was happy to hear that he was indeed a legit talented artist and not just someone mixing it up in the streets with delusions of rap life grandeur. In fact, he’s already been influencing the ‘6ix God’, getting well wishes from Drake nemesis, Meek Mill and is part of a burgeoning Somali-based hip-hop scene in the city so here’s to Robin’s speedy recovery and return to the recording studio to build on his promising career.

[MP3] Listen to Two Tracks from Toronto Rapper, ShaqisDope

Another (pun intended) dope rapper from The 6ix on the come-up. True to the first track here, ShaqisDope‘s flow is vaguely reminiscent of ‘King Push’, Pusha T but he’s definitely his own man on the mic.

[MP3] Listen to Three Tracks from Toronto Rapper, VNCHY

This dude’s been around for a minute but I missed the start of his come up. I’m gonna try and do a better job staying on top of the new talent coming out of my home town and Canada in general. Frankly, I could probably turn this blog into a Canada-only focused one without affecting the quality of the content in any way. Hmmm….

[Event TONIGHT] Lal Live at Adelaide Hall in Toronto with Just John and Eyeda

Big night in the 6ix for shows tonight. Nav making his live performance debut at The Mod Club for a sold out show and long time underground electronic artist/activists, Lal headlining a show at Adelaide hall promoting their current album, Find Safety, also featuring Just John and Eyeda on the bill which is definitely worth checking out if you didn’t score Nav tickets. Click HERE for more info and details if interested and hit the jump for tracks from John and Eyeda….

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[MP3 + Music Video] NAV – Some Way Feat. The Weeknd (plus bonus tracks)

If you’re over 25 and live like a grown up, you might have missed the ascent of Rexdale, Toronto rapper-producer, Nav over the past couple years unless you still stay in the clubs or are trying to keep up by reading The FADER. Quick cheat sheet though: he’s the man behind hits by Travis Scott, Drake, Belly and The Weeknd. Intrigued? Don’t even bother trying to hit up that Mod Club show, his first ever, advertised in the flyer above this Thursday. It’s been sold out. Your best best might be to ante up for a trip out to Coachella to his US and festival live debut instead!