DJ For The People 10/13/23 DJ For The People 10/13/23

The History of Hip-Hop in Toronto

Toronto's hip-hop scene has a rich history, dating back to the early 1980s. Some of the early pioneers of Toronto hip-hop include Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, and Ghetto Concept.

In the early 1990s, Toronto's hip-hop scene began to gain international attention, thanks to artists like Kardinal Offishall and Choclair. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Toronto became a major hub for hip-hop music, with the rise of artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and Tory Lanez.

Toronto's hip-hop scene has a rich history, dating back to the early 1980s. Some of the early pioneers of Toronto hip-hop include Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, and Ghetto Concept.

Today, Toronto's hip-hop scene is more vibrant than ever. There are a number of talented artists making music in the city, and Toronto is home to a number of successful hip-hop labels and businesses.

Here is a brief timeline of some of the key moments in the history of hip-hop in Toronto!

1981: Maestro Fresh Wes releases "Let Your Backbone Slide," one of the first hip-hop songs to be recorded in Canada. Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

1983: Michie Mee releases "If You Don't Know," the first rap song by a Canadian woman to be played on national radio.
1989: Ghetto Concept releases "Certified," the first Canadian rap album to be certified gold.
1991: Toronto Hip Hop Pioneer, Kardinal Offishall releases "Naughty Dread," his debut single!

1993: Choclair releases "What It Be Like," his breakthrough single.
2011: The Weeknd releases "House of Balloons," his debut mixtape.
2012: Drake releases "Take Care," his second studio album, which wins a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

2015: The Weeknd releases "Beauty Behind the Madness," his second studio album, which is nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
2016: Tory Lanez releases "I Told You," his debut studio album, which is certified platinum in Canada and the United States.

These are just a few of the many milestones in the history of hip-hop in Toronto. The city's hip-hop scene has been influential on the global stage, and it continues to produce talented artists and businesses.

To learn more about the history of hip-hop in Toronto and the city's current hip-hop scene, visit DJFTP.ca.

DJ For The People 10/12/23 DJ For The People 10/12/23

Toronto's Hottest Hip-Hop Artists

Toronto is home to a number of talented hip-hop artists, and many of them have gone on to achieve international success. Here are a few of the hottest hip-hop artists from Toronto:

Toronto is home to a number of talented hip-hop artists, and many of them have gone on to achieve international success. Here are a few of the hottest hip-hop artists from Toronto:

Drake:

Drake is one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time. He's won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards. Drake is known for his catchy melodies, smooth flow, and ability to appeal to a wide audience. With the release of his new album “For All The Dogs” Drake has once again evolved catering his sound to a younger generation with help from industry heavy hitters Yeat, Lil Yachty and BNYX

The Weeknd:

The Weeknd is another successful hip-hop artist from Toronto. He's known for his dark and atmospheric music. The Weeknd's music has been featured in a number of films and television shows, and he's won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards.

Tory Lanez:

Tory Lanez is a versatile artist who can rap and sing. He's also known for his collaborations with other artists like Kehlani, Meek Mill, and Jack Harlow . Tory Lanez has released a number of successful albums, and he's won numerous awards, including a BET Award and a Juno Award.

Nav:

Nav is a superstar artist from Rexdale, Toronto. He's known for his melodic beats and catchy hooks. Nav has released a number of successful singles, and he's collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Lil Baby and Travis Scott.

Pressa:

Pressa is a young rapper who's making a name for himself with his Toronto drill street music. Drill music is a subgenre of hip-hop that's characterized by its dark and violent lyrics. Pressa has released a number of successful singles, and he's collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip hop music, such as Coi Leray and Lil Uzi Vert.

These are just a few of the many talented hip-hop artists from Toronto. The city's hip-hop scene is vibrant and diverse, and there's something for everyone. So be sure to check out some of these artists and discover new music to love.

To learn more about Toronto's hip-hop scene and find out about new releases, visit DJFTP.ca.

DJ For The People 10/11/23 DJ For The People 10/11/23

Toronto's Best Hip-Hop Clubs

Toronto is home to a vibrant and diverse hip-hop scene, and there are plenty of great clubs where you can catch a show or dance the night away. Here are a few of the best:

Toronto is home to a vibrant and diverse hip-hop scene, and there are plenty of great clubs where you can catch a show or dance the night away. Here are a few of the best:

Lost and Found:

Lost is one of the most popular hip-hop clubs in Toronto, and it's known for its energetic Saturday and Monday night parties that you never know who will show up to!

Century:

Century is another popular hip-hop club, and it's known for its upscale vibe and diverse music selection including Hip Hop, Drill, Latin, Afrobeats and House.

Early Mercy:

Early Mercy is an after hours style bar on King West and on Saturdays becomes one of the most popular parties in the city. With its patio in the summer and 4AM last call most night, the best place to extend your night has to be Early Mercy.

Club Lux:

Club Lux is a dancehall and hip hop club in the downtown area, and it's known for its rowdy atmosphere, large crowds and impeccable selection of dancehall and hip hop music

Apt 200:

Apt 200 is a smaller hip-hop bar with a more intimate vibe. It's a great place to catch a show by up-and-coming DJs and hear everything from throwbacks to new bangers!

If you're looking for a great place to catch a hip-hop show or dance the night away in Toronto, be sure to check out one of these clubs. You won't be disappointed!

To learn more about Toronto's hip-hop scene and find out about upcoming events, visit DJFTP.ca.

DJ For The People 1/16/23 DJ For The People 1/16/23

Top 3 Tips for DJs Starting to Do Gigs Outside

As a DJ, there's nothing quite like the excitement of playing at a new venue or event. But if you're just starting to do gigs outside, it's important to be prepared and ready for any challenges that may come your way. Here are my top 3 tips for DJs starting to do gigs outside:

Say hello to everyone: When you're playing at a new venue, it's important to be friendly and approachable. Take the time to say hello to everyone you meet, from the event staff and security to the guests and other DJs. Building relationships and connections can go a long way in the music industry.
Build up your library: Before you start doing gigs outside, it's important to have a strong and diverse library of music to draw from. Take the time to curate your collection, and be sure to have a variety of genres and styles to fit different crowds and events.
Hope for the best, but plan for the worst: When you're playing at a new venue, it's important to be prepared for anything that might come your way. Always have backups on hand, including extra cables, USBs, and CDs (depending on the age of the CDJs at the venue). This way, you'll be ready for any unexpected issues that may arise.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as a DJ starting to do gigs outside. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, these strategies will help you be prepared and ready for any challenges that may come your way.

For more tips and just all around great content follow me on Instagram and TikTok!

DJ For The People 1/9/23 DJ For The People 1/9/23

My DJing Schedule in Toronto: Where to Find Me

As a DJ in Toronto, I have a packed schedule playing at some of the city's hottest clubs and bars. If you're looking to catch a great DJ set in Toronto, here's where you can find me: