[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….

[MP3] Mysonne Featuring Dave East, Fabolous & Raekwon – That’s How We On It (Remix)

Unlike some sites who take pride in remaining staunchly conservative and narrowly focused as to what they like and what they consider hip-hop, y’all know we keep it open-minded here at The Kitchen as far as where the genre goes as it changes and evolves (that actually goes for all music but we’re trying to make a point here!)

That being said, when we hear a classic sounding boom-bap banger that’s not just the same ole’ or just knocks a little harder or better than the average record of its ilk, it does a put a smile on our face. “That’s How We On It (Remix)” by underground general Mysonne featuring Wu vet, Raekwon, the seemingly ageless Fabolous and buzzy newcomer, Dave East is one such record. Get your neck brace on then hit play….

[MP3] Listen to Three Tracks from Allan Kingdom’s New Lines Album*

Allan Kingdom is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota now but he’s actually a Canadian rapper originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He just released his latest album, Lines today.

Dig what you heard? Listen to Lines in FULL: TIDAL | Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music

(* “Beauty” not actually from Lines but it would’ve made the post headline too complicated to point that out…)