NEWS: WizKid & Drake's "Hush Up The Silence"

Starboy's 'Hush up the silence' with Drake shows he is no longer 'Nigerian'

Sorry music patriots, Wizkid is not doing it the way you think he will. He isn’t chasing the ‘Nigerian’ sound’ that you had high hopes that he will.

He isn’t doing ‘Tungba’ music either. What he is chasing is totally different from the sounds that many Nigerians expect him to push. Instead he is going the way of the Caribbean, and creating music that is cool experimentation of their dancehall template.

We saw this happen in ‘One Dance’, where Drake appropriated Dancehall for profit, and Wizkid played multi-faceted role in it. Then he pulled it off with Tinie Tempah on ‘Mamacita’. Before flirting with Justine Skye in a way that is totally not Nigerian on ‘U don’t know’.

But it is ‘Daddy Yo’, his single from 2016, that should have set the alarm bells ringing, or rather, hit you with the resignation in the fact that Wizkid is chasing a different route with his quest for ‘international exposure’.  Wizkid relies on the classic Reggaeton beat as a base, before layering it with a melody that is both forward and immersive. Then there’s the chorus taken by Efya.

On newly leaked song with Drake ‘Hush up the silence’, the Caribbean vibe is on again, with Wizkid owning the riddims from the moment he opens up his mouth.

“Came into the game, no one replace me/Mi love mine and she straight with no chaser/I love my guys, know mi all about mi paper/Mi got mi girls all around me, mi no chaser, yah/Starboy, call me number one/When mi tune drop, the girls, they bounce along/Mi no like nothing come between me and mi paper/So when mi come inna di place, mi undertaker,” he rhymes.

Drake too continues where he left off on the “Views” album. He is all reggaeton and chill on the record. “Too mix up in drama to go outside/Too mix up in drama to free my mind/Jealous people around me, I need to change my life/I just turn colder every time I try/What would I do without you, my chargi?/I don’t feel that way with anybody/Tell me your secrets, I’m not messy/Steady it for me, girl, hold steady,” he spits.

Drizzy and Wizzy continue their chemistry from the smash hit single “One Dance” off Views, which went four times platinum and was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks. And it shows that Wizkid is working on a ‘Caribbean’ strategy to win the US market that he so desperately wants to operate in.

While doing that, he slowly loses the sounds that are closer to home, and comes through as a Nigerian artiste who is embracing the Caribbean template, and giving off his own redefinition of it. That’s a strategy that provides international audiences with a vibe that is both recognisable and proven to work. Only this time, its coming from a different vessel – The 'AS Daddy Ayo Balogun'.

Wiz is currently working on his forthcoming LP Sounds From the Other Side. And has already promised 4 mixtapes in 2017 to set him up for a prolific output. But he continues to embrace the Caribbean for inspiration, rather than the sounds closer to home.

PREMIERE: Ottawa artist Pter P releases his highly anticipated debut LIT album

 Ottawa artist Pter P Releases His Highly Anticipated Debut LIT Album

Ottawa, ON – We’re very excited to announce that we’ve teamed up with Ottawa artist Pter P for the premiere of his highly anticipated debut EP LIT.

“LIT” is an acronym for “Lost In Translation” and serves as a very humbling reminder to listen. Because wires get crossed and communication gets misinterpreted. According to Pter, our generation is so overly reliant on texting and social media that we often misinterpret the messages people are trying to convey. Instead of relying on subliminals or allusions, Pter P gives us a straight-up, easily digestible account of his life story up until this point.

The album’s cover art features the Egyptian god of craftsmen and architects, Ptah, whose name bears a striking similarity to “Pter.” Pter was searching for hieroglyphic images to accompany the “Lost In Translation” concept when he came across an image of Ptah and knew he had to incorporate it into his artwork. This album serves as an introduction to the Ottawa artist (currently based in Toronto) and his signature brand of dark-edged, introspective bars.

Pter has a distinct heaviness to his flow; and a penchant for working with international producers (including Mississippi-based Nikko Bunkin and Italy-based Lytton Scott). Check out the premiere for LIT below, and scope our in-depth interview with Pter P after the jump.

“People need to speak in person more often and recapture the essence of what it means to communicate human-to-human. If you listen to my music, you’ll find this message behind the theme.”

– Pter P

HipHopCanada: Start off by telling how this project all came together for you, and what the significance of it is to you.

Pter P: Man… completing this album was a war of attrition. It truly captured an era of my life including all the ups and downs I’ve been through this past year. It’s hard to define the significance in words and for that reason I would encourage anyone who wants to know more about me to give this album a listen. I poured my heart and soul into this project and in many ways my music will tell my story better then I ever could through words alone.

HipHopCanada: I found it very interesting that you opened up the project with “Go Home.” Explain why you opted to have that record as the opening track. I’d see it as more of a last-track kind of thing.

Pter P: Part of the rational was simple… I had shot a video for the record (available on YouTube now) which got me some recognition. And so logically I wanted people who’ve heard my sound to immediately recognize the single and feel prompted to give the rest of my album a listen. I put a lot of significant emotion into writing the record. The record brought out two different types of styles that best represent me: high-tone singing and monotone rapping. At first when I got the production from Lytton, I almost felt the production was beyond my capabilities. I had the instrumental for two months; doing trial-and-error references to see how I wanted to present myself. It was going to be my first big record. I couldn’t let the producer down… or myself especially. The other reason is because in many ways my journey with this project began when I left home and began coming to Toronto to work with my team at Bøta House. I knew this was start of a very important journey for me and my professional career. And so for chronological purposes I felt like it made sense to have “Go Home” as track numero uno.

HipHopCanada: I don’t know if it’s an intentional thing, but there’s a very distinct heaviness to your sound. I think part of it is the way you sing-rap a lot of your lyrics and use slower BPMs. It weighs heavy.

Pter P: It’s just … well.. haha… that’s just my sound, I guess. There was never a strategy to sound a certain type of way or fit any kind of mould. The beats I’ve chosen and my delivery is a direct reflection of my vibe at the time. I try to let the whole process occur as organically as possible. I started emphasizing more & using my diaphragm more often. Some records will sound dark and some will sound upbeat and that will almost always reflect what’s going on in my life at that time. I always want my music to be a raw and unfiltered glance into the life of Pter P.

HipHopCanada: Talk to me about the significance of the title “LIT” (i.e.: Lost In Translation).

Pter P: If you ask my friends they’ll say it’s ’cause they don’t understand half the shit I’m sayin’. Literally… lost in translation. When I’m excited I tend to talk too fast and rush my words. My friends would always be like “The f**k you sayin?”. But to be honest, it’s much deeper then that. The true significance of the album name is that in many ways – relating to personal relationships – so much of our communication is not interpreted in its true context. Mostly because our generation stays texting, DMing and tweeting. And so real conversations don’t naturally occur the way they supposed to. I’ve had fall-outs with women and friends as a result of miscommunication, and more generally speaking I feel like this whole generation is literally lost in translation. People need to speak in person more often and recapture the essence of what it means to communicate human-to-human. If you listen to my music, you’ll find this message behind the theme.

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

Pter P: Very tough… They all have a special significance to me but if I had to pick one I’d say “Mission.” “Mission” embodies my journey as well as my motivation. Every choice I’ve made – whether if it’s good or bad – my moms always supported me throughout my whole life and I wouldn’t be anything without her. Success is the only option, for her sake. She just wanted me to follow my heart. And most importantly, to be happy.

HipHopCanada: Tell me the story behind your cover art.

Pter P: The cover came together in a super trippy way. I was looking for a good image from Egyptian era of hieroglyphics to represent the title “Lost In Translation” when I found the Egyptian god of craftsmen and architects – Ptah! I couldn’t believe it. I’m like… I’m a craftsman and architect in my own light and my name is Pter so this meant to be. This Egyptian god would be the perfect embodiment of Pter P and LIT.

HipHopCanada: I’m curious as to who you worked with on the production side of things for LIT. Tell me more about that, and how those collaborations came about.

Pter P: This album has no features but I definitely leaned on my production team to help bring this thing to life. I wanted the first project to have no features so the listeners could better understand who I am and my lane. I’m proud to say I always write all my own lyrics. But on occasion I bounce ideas off my team. If something sounded good, they would tell me. What I loved about my team was that they weren’t hesitant to tell me what I shouldn’t do. Big shout out to the most hardworking producers I know – Lytton Scott ([from] Rome, Italy) and Nikko Bunkin ([from] Mississippi) – that helped me on my path towards the creation of LIT.

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INTERVIEW: Swagg News Interview With Canadian Hip Hop Artist JRD CANADA

Swagg News Interview With Canadian Hip Hop Artist JRD CANADA

SN: Who is JRD Canada & how did the name come about. What are you representing, what are you bringing to the world of Hip Hop

JRD: JRD IS A FATHER FIRST, I AM A ARTIST, A ENTREPRENEUR, A HUSTLER. MY NAME STEMS FROM MY DAYS OF HUSTLING,JR WAS THE CALLED ME IN STREETS AND THE D IS THE INITIAL FOR MY GOVERNMENT NAME. THUS JRD. I REPRESENTS AMBITION , THE FATHERLESS KIDS, THE HUSTLE.

WHAT IM BRING TO THE WORLD OF HIP HOP IS HONESTY, EMOTIONS,LIFE, MY LIFE.

SN: Toronto’s a big city with alot of surrounding areas and a lot of upcoming artists, how do you separate yourself from the rest of pack.

JRD: I WOULDN’T LOOK AT IT LIKE SEPARATING MY SELF FROM THE PACK, I FEAL AS CANADIAN ARTIST WE HAVE TO MOVE AS A PACK, WITH EVERY ARTIST BRING TO THE TABLE HIS OR HER STYLE AND CREATIVE INFLUENCE. I THINK IN THIS ERA OF SUCH COPY CATS SOUNDING MUSIC ME BEING AND DOING ME IS SEPARATION WITHIN ITSELF,I AM MYSELF, I DONT FOLLOW TRENDS.

WITH THAT BEING SAID IVE TAKING THE TIME TO LEARN THE BUSINESS ,NETWORKING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AS WELL AS MANAGING ARTIST WITHIN MY AREA AS WELL AS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT.

SN: What’s your writing process like while in the studio, Your 3 must haves while in a recording session.

JRD: MY THREE MUST HAVE WHILE IM IN THE STUDIO ARE GOOD WEED,DARK LIQOUR, AND A MAXIMILLIAN BEAT. 

SN: Where in the world of technology so it’s only right that I ask your preference iPhone or Android

JRD: PERSONALLY I STILL LOVE THE BLACK BERRY KEY PAD, BUT CURRENTLY HANDLING A IPHONE.

SN: Do you have a team management / a team supporting you and pushing you forward.

JRD: CURRENLTY OFFICIAL MANAGMENT DUTIES ARE HANDLED INHOUSE THROUGH AVONT MUSIC CANADA, I HAVE CREATED A SUPPORT SYSTEM I GRUOP OF INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR VARIOUS ROLES. COLLECTIVELY HANDELING MANAGMENT RESPONSIBLITIES.

SN: Being a independent solo artist are you the one making all your final decisions in regards to production, video directors, features etc

JRD: OPERATING AS A INDEPENDENT ARTIST I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST FINAL DECISIONS, BOTH PRE AND POST PRODUCTION. FEATURES ,SHOWS,BRANDING,MARKETING,ECT.BUT LIKE ALL OPERATIONS ITS NEVER JUST ON INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE THE WHEELS TURN.

SN: Coming out of Toronto, Kitchener, London area do you find it hard to get recognized as a hip hop artist or do you feel you get over looked.

JRD: BASED IN CANADA YOU GET OVER LOOKED NEVER MIND KITCHENER THE TRI-CITY AREA. BUT THATS CHANGING WITH THE ARTIST LIKE DRAKE CREATING SUCH A PLATFORM NOT ONLY IN CANADA BUT THE INDUSTRY ON A WHOLE,THAT OPEN DOORS. WITH THAT BEING SAID IT STILL COMES DOWN TO THE WORK YOU PUT IN,WHAT EVER AREA YOUR FROM YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THAT WORK AND MOVE AROUND AND BUILD YOUR OWN AWARENESS, AINT NO BODY OWE ANYBODY SHIT. NETWORK STAY HUMBLE WORK HARD.

SN: Your new record / video Therapy For Him is now on the #Swaggnews.com / Soundcloud page. Whose responsible for the production on the record.

JRD: THERAPY FOR HIM IS ACTUALLY A REMIX JOINT, I WROTE THE SONG WHILE INCARCERATED AS A FORM OF THERAPY THUS THE NAME OF THE SONG.AND WHEN I CAME HOME I HEARD THE BEAT ONLINE AND HAD TO LAY THE VOCALS ON TOP IT FIT ORGANICALLY, THE ORIGIN OF BEAT IS UNKNOWN.

SN: The world knows we smoke good in Canada so it’s only right we ask you your preferred grade of Mary Jane. b) Backwoods, Raw Paper, Zig Zags or Century Sams

JRD: MY PREFERRED GRADE IS PURPLE KUSH, OG KUSH, ALTHOUGH I WOULD NEVER TURN DOWN SOME GOOD SESS. FRESH OF THE PLANE. HAHA.

JRD: ZIG ZAGS, BACKWOODS. OR MY G PEN.

SN: What’s next for JRD Canada Shows, videos, singles, features etc.

JRD: WHATS NEXT WORKING ON MY DEBUT PROJECT F.T.N.C (FREEDOM THE NEXT CHAPTER) SET TO BE RELEASED 2015., THE PROCESS WILL BE DOCUMENTED CAPTURING DAY TO DAY PROCESS OF THE PROJECT AND GIVING INSIGHT TO ME AS A ARTIST AND AS A MAN. GOT PLENTY OF MUSIC ON DECK READY, WITH ANYTHING FOR ME ITS ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT TIMING. THE GRINDING FOR VIDEO IS OUT NOW AS WELL, NEW SINGLE SET TO DROP FIRST QUARTER,(LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION), ERKLE (FAMILY MATTERS),(GOOD GIRLS GONE BAD,) ARE ALL IN THE VIDEO TREATMENT PROCESS. 

SN: How does one get in touch with you for features, production submission, interviews and bookings.

JRD: FOR FEATURES, BEAT SUBMISSION, INTERVIEWS, BOOKINGS, CONTACT, AVONTMUSIC@GMAIL.COM

contact/social media

Twitter:

Http://Twitter.com/jrdcanada

Twitter.com/avontinc

Twitter.com/avontmusic

Twitter.com/dbsstudio

Twitter.com/welcometothek

Instagram:

Http://Instagram.com/jrdcanada

Instagram.com/avontcanada

Instagram.com/avontmusic

Instagram.com/dbsstudio 

YouTube:

Http://YouTube.com/jrdcanada

YouTube.com/avontinc 

Facebook:

Http://Facebook.com/jrdcanada

Facebook.com/avontinc

Blog:

Http://Jrdcanada.blogspot.com

Avontinc.blogspot.com

Welcometothek.blogspot.com

Soundcloud:

www.Soundcloud.com/Jrd-avont

App:

Launchliveapp.com/avontinc

WEBSITE:

Http://Avont.ca

www.bookdbs.com

Watch JRD CANADA – THERAPY FOR HIM REMIX- OFFICIAL VIDEO – AVONT INC

Shoutouts: FIRST FOR MOST,GOD FIRST, FREE MY LIL BROTHER KT, FREE ALL MY NIGGAS ON LOCK DOWN, SHOUT OUTS THE K (KITCHENER) AND THE WHOLE TRI-CITY AREA, TYMA ,DIMEZ (BUSINESS AS USUAL),TWIN,LEX MARCELLO,TESSONE (CUSTOM MY WORLD),ROSS (GRINDTOGRAPHY),DBS STUDIO,

THE WHOLE OF CANADA, AVONT INC BITCH, OUT HERE!