Canada is a North American country that borders the United States, the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many Hip Hop artists in Canada, but the potential for mainstream success is not near the same level as in its southern neighbor, the United States. The two major centers for Canadian Hip Hop in English are Toronto and Vancouver. Montreal is the hub for French-language Hip Hop from Canada. It's not plausible to name all of the emcees who deserve mention here.

Hip Hop emerged onto the mainstream scene in Canada in the late 1980s. Maestro Fresh Wes (Myspace page, Wikipedia), from Toronto, led the charge with his hit single "Let Your Backbone Slide." His music has an old school sound. He shortened his name to Maestro in the late 1990s and is also an actor. The Dream Warriors (Wikipedia), also from Toronto, were another popular group in the late 1980s. They rap over jazz samples. Here are their videos for My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style and Wash Your Face in My Sink. Devon (Wikipedia) grew up outside of Toronto and was popular during the early 1990s. Michie Mee (Myspace page, Wikipedia) began her Hip Hop career in the late 1980s and was on the Canadian pop charts during the 1990s.

Hip Hop from the province of Quebec is very strong. Emcees from Quebec rap in French. Dubmatique (Wikipedia) is one such popular group from Montreal. They sold sold more than 170,000 albums from 1997-1999. K-Maro (Myspace page, Wikipedia), originally from Lebanon, has since outsold Dubmatique and is popular in Canada and France. His lyrics include a mix of French and English, and sometimes Arabic. Sans Pression (Wikipedia) has harder beats and lyrics. Here are their videos for Star Système Québecois and Derriere Mon Sourire, and Nouvelle Page. Yvon Krevé (Myspace page, Wikipedia), now known as Von Von, is from Montreal. Muzion (Myspace page) is also from Montreal and infuses a Caribbean flavor into his music. Imposs (Myspace page) and 83 are two more French-speaking artists. Thanks to United States of Africa for info on Hip Hop from Quebec.

The Rascalz (Wikipedia), from Vancouver and formed in 1989, reignited the fledgeling Canadian Hip Hop scene with their 1998 single "Northern Touch," which featured several up-and-coming Canadian emcees. One such artist, Kardinal Offishall (Myspace page, Wikipedia), from Toronto, is one of the most well-known Canadian emcees. He's had trouble with record labels, but is still trying to find success in the United States. He is a member of the Toronto collective Black Jays (Wikipedia) with Solatair (Myspace page) and Ro Dolla (Myspace page), among others. In addition to Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates (Myspace page, Wikipedia), also from Toronto, is leading the Canadian Hip Hop movement. And much like Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates has had trouble finding success in the United States.

Now, a lot of Canadian Hip Hop beats feature soul samples. However, there are quite a few artists with a unique sound. K-os (Myspace page, Wikipedia) is one them. He's an emcee and singer from Toronto, who utilizes positive and meaningful lyrics. K'naan (Myspace page, Wikipedia) is from Mogadishu, Somalia and moved to Toronto. He has toured with Mos Def and Talib Kweli. His music features a variety of influences including those of his African heritage. His wise lyrics speak about his life's trials, but always with an underlying sense of hope. The Sweatshop Union (Myspace page, Wikipedia) is a Vancouver collective with seven members. Their lyrics ponder the problems in the world. Swollen Members (Myspace page, Wikipedia) are also from Vancouver. The are a group of three members, Mad Child (Myspace page), Prevail, and Rob the Viking (Myspace page). Moka Only (Myspace page, Wikipedia) was a founding member of the group, but left to pursue a solo career.

other sites:

Canadian Hip Hop on Wikipedia.

An article: Border Block: Canadian Hip Hop vs America.

Hip Hop Canada ("choice cuts" a vast collection of Canadian Hip Hop songs to sample).

HHQC.com (in French) Hip Hop from Quebec.

Feedlynks.com.

RapProject.tv.

Toronto Hip Hop myspace page.

more artists:

Buck 65 (Myspace page, Wikipedia) was in the Sebutones with Sixtoo (Myspace page, Wikipedia). Both were from the Halifax area; Sixtoo has relocated to Montreal. Choclair (Myspace page, Wikipedia) appeared on the song "northern Touch," and lives in Toronto. Eternia (Myspace page, Urbnet) is from also Toronto. Classified (Myspace page, Wikipedia) is from Enfield, Nova Scotia. Jellestone (Myspace page), Slangston Hughes (Myspace page), and Theology 3 (Myspace page) are all from Toronto. Promise (Myspace page) is another rising artist. DL Incognito (Myspace page) is another Canadian emcee. BrassMunk (Myspace page) is from Scarborough.