Hello readers! How have you been? I hope you guys are doing well. Today I have come up with another intriguing topic named “Canadian Rappers”.
To begin with, Canadian rappers have gained recognition for their unique style and diverse cultural influences. However, there are plenty of reasons why people admire these Canadian rappers. Let’s know that in detail. The primary reasons are:
- Authenticity: yes, these rappers are true to themselves as they share personal stories and experiences which makes their music relatable.
- Creativity and lyrical ability: Canadian rappers are superbly creative and innovative with their music. They always come up with some unique sounds that set them apart from the rest. However, they are often praised for their lyrical ability to narrate stories.
- Social consciousness: yes, this is the most beautiful thing about Canadian rappers as they use their platform to raise awareness about a plethora of social issues.
- Collaborative spirit: You will always find these rappers working together and holding each other’s back, this creates a sense of community within the industry.
In this article, I have combined a list of the 20 greatest globally known Canadian rappers of all time.
Although, there is no doubt that these rappers bring a unique perspective to the hip-hop genre, and have gained recognition for their diverse and innovative contributions to the music industry. Hence, without any further delay, how about diving straight into the list?
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1- Drake
Drake is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur. However, he was born in Canada, and he first released his first mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which helped to launch his music career.
Furthermore, He has since released numerous successful albums, including “Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” “Views,” and “Scorpion,” and has won four Grammy Awards.
Moreover, Drake is known for his unique style of blending rap and R&B and his introspective lyrics that often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth.
2- Classified
Classified is one of the famous Canadian rappers and songwriters from Canada. However, He was born on December 13, 1977, and his real name is Luke Boyd.
Moving on, Classified is known for his socially conscious and introspective lyrics and has released several albums over the course of his career.
Furthermore, Some of his most popular songs include “Inner Ninja,” “No Pressure,” and “3 Foot Tall.” He has a net worth of $5 Million.
3- Kardinal Offishall
Kardinal Offishall is a Canadian rapper, record producer, and record executive who was born in Canada. However, He is considered to be one of the pioneers of Canadian hip-hop and has been active in the music industry since the mid-1990s.
Furthermore, the Canadian rapper has released several albums following his musical careers, such as Eye and I, Fire and Glory, etc. Moving on, He is known for his unique style of rapping, which blends elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop.
In addition to this, He creates music that is soothing and has already collaborated with several notable musicians namely, Akon, Rihanna, and The Black Eyed Peas.
He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including four Juno Awards, which are the highest honors in Canadian music.
4- Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez, the real name of this Canadian rapper and songwriter is Daystar Peterson. Furthermore, He started his music career in 2009 and gained recognition for his mixtapes, which he released independently.
In addition to this, Tory Lanez’s music style blends different genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and rap. Although, He has released several successful albums such as,
- I told you
- Memories don’t die
- Love me now
Later, he collaborated with other famous artists as well namely, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, and Drake.
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5- Roy Woods
Roy Woods, the real name of this Canadian rapper is Denzel Spencer. However, he is also a singer and songwriter. Furthermore, Roy Woods first gained recognition in 2015 with the release of his debut EP “Exist” and was later signed to Drake’s OVO Sound record label.
Moving on, he has also released several successful albums such as,
- Waking at Dawn
- Say Less
- Nocturnal
In addition to this, Roy Woods’ music style is often described as a blend of R&B and hip-hop, and he has collaborated with several prominent artists in the music industry such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and PartyNextDoor, etc.
6- Maestro Fresh Wes
Maestro Fresh Wes, speaking of his actual name, is Wesley Williams who is a Canadian rapper, actor, and author. You might be surprised to know that he is considered to be one of the pioneers of Canadian hip-hop.
However, he has released several other successful albums over the course of his career, including “Black Tie Affair”, “Naaah, Dis Kid Can’t Be from Canada?!!”, and “Ever Since”.
Furthermore, He has also appeared in several films and television shows.
7- PARTYNEXTDOOR
PARTYNEXTDOOR, do you know the real name of this Canadian rapper? It is Jahron Anthony Brathwaite. He is a singer and a songwriter as well. However, PARTYNEXTDOOR is known for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop music.
In addition to this, he has collaborated with various prominent artists such as Drake, Rihanna, and DJ Khaled. Some of his popular hits are:
- Come see me
- Not nice
- loyal
8- Killy
Killy, the real name of this Canadian rapper is Khalil Tatem. However, to date, the artist has released several hit singles such as
- No Romance, and
- Anti Everybody
In addition to this, Killy has collaborated with other artists such as 21 Savage and Yung Bans. Furthermore, Killy’s music style is often described as a blend of trap, hip-hop, and rock music. Not just that, his lyrics often touch on themes of street life, love, and personal struggles. Undoubtedly, this kinda music resonates with people around the globe.
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9- k-os
K-os, his real name is Kevin Brereton. However, he is one of the most famous Canadian rappers and songwriters. Furthermore, K-os gained recognition in the early 2000s with the release of his debut album “Exit,”. He is also known for his dynamic live performances and has performed at several music festivals across Canada and internationally.
Moving on, He has since released several other successful albums such as,
- Joyful Rebellion
- Atlantis: Hymns for Disco
- Black on BLonde
Additionally, his music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop, rock, and reggae, and his lyrics often touch on themes of spirituality, politics, and personal struggles. Although, he has collaborated with other popular musicians as well.
10- Preme
Preme, the real name of this Canadian rapper and songwriter is P. Reign. Furthermore, Preme gained recognition in 2014 with the release of his mixtape “Dear America”.
Speaking of his musical style, he is great at mixing hip-hop and R&B. However, his lyrics often touch on themes of street life, relationships, and personal struggles. He has collaborated with various artists, including PartyNextDoor, Post Malone, etc.
Furthermore, Preme has also worked as an entrepreneur, having founded his own record label, Reps Up, in 2010. Albeit, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts for the welfare of society.
11- Shad
Shad is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. However, Shad gained recognition in 2005 with the release of his debut album “When This Is Over,” which was nominated for a Juno Award for Best Rap Recording in 2006.
Furthermore, Shad’s music style is often described as conscious hip-hop, and his lyrics often touch on themes of identity, social justice, and personal struggles.
Apart from this, He has collaborated with various artists such as Lights, Tanya Tagaq, Kaytranada, etc.
12- Haviah Mighty
Haviah Mighty is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. However, Her music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul, and her lyrics often touch on themes of identity, social justice, and personal struggles.
Furthermore, Haviah Mighty has collaborated with various artists, including Canadian musician and producer Classified and fellow Toronto rapper Clairmont The Second.
In addition to this, Haviah Mighty is also an activist, using her platform to raise awareness of social issues and advocate for change.
13- Sean Leon
Sean Leon is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. However, to date, he has released several other successful mixtapes and albums, including “Black Sheep Nirvana”, “I Think You’ve Gone Mad (Or the Sins of the Father)”, and “Sean Leon (The Death Of).
Furthermore, Sean Leon’s music style is often described as experimental hip-hop, and his lyrics often touch on themes of personal struggles, mental health, and social issues.
In addition to this, Sean Leon is also a visual artist, having directed and produced several of his own music videos. Apart from this, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts.
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14- Saukrates
Saukrates is everyone’s favorite Canadian rapper for numerous reasons. Not just a rapper but also a singer and producer. However, his music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul, and his lyrics often touch on themes of personal struggles, relationships, and social issues.
Furthermore, He has collaborated with various artists, including Redman, Nelly Furtado, and K-OS, among others. Apart from this, he has produced and co-produced various albums for other artists as well.
15- Pressa
Pressa, the actual name of this Canadian rapper is Armani Gardner. However, he is a songwriter as well. In addition to this, Pressa gained recognition in 2016 with the release of his debut single “Novacane,” which quickly gained popularity on social media platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube.
Furthermore, his music style is often described as a blend of drill and trap, and his lyrics often touch on themes of violence, drugs, and street life.
Apart from this, he has used his experiences to shed light on issues facing inner-city youth and has been involved in various community initiatives aimed at helping young people in his community. Isn’t that great?
16- Michie Mee
Michie Mee, A globally known Canadian rapper, singer, and actress. However, Michie Mee gained recognition in the 1980s as one of the first female rappers in Canada.
Furthermore, She released her debut single, “Elements of Style,” in 1987 and went on to release several successful albums. Speaking of her musical style, it is often described as a blend of hip-hop and reggae, and her lyrics often touch on themes of social justice, identity, and personal struggles.
17- K’naan
K’naan, the real name of this Canadian rapper is Abi Warsame. However, he is a singer and songwriter as well.
K’naan’s music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop, folk, and world music, and his lyrics often touch on themes of social justice, personal struggles, and his experiences growing up in Somalia and Canada.
Furthermore, K’naan has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts such as promoting education, health, and social justice in Somalia and other parts of Africa.
Apart from this, he has also served as Global Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2011.
18- Honey Cocaine
Honey Cocaine, this famous Canadian rapper is a singer and songwriter as well. She gained recognition in the early 2010s with the release of several successful mixtapes such as:
- Thug Love
- Like A Drug
However, Honey Cocaine’s music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop and pop, and her lyrics often touch on themes of personal struggles, relationships, and empowerment.
Furthermore, Honey Cocaine as a Canadian rapper has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including initiatives aimed at helping young people in her community.
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19- Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez, his real name is Daystar Peterson. Apart from being a rapper, he is a singer and songwriter. Tory Lanez gained recognition in the early 2010s with the release of several successful mixtapes, including “Sincerely Tory” and “Chixtape III”.
Furthermore, his music style is often described as a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall, and his lyrics often touch on themes of love, relationships, and personal struggles.
Apart from this, He has collaborated with various artists, including Drake, Chris Brown, and Meek Mill, among others.
20- Night Lovell
Night Lovell, the real name of this Canadian rapper is Shermar Paul. He is a singer and songwriter as well.
However, he gained recognition in the mid-2010s with the release of several successful mixtapes, including “Concept Vague”, and “red teenage melody ”. Later he came up with his debut studio album named “Goodnight Lovell” and it was an instant hit.
Furthermore, Night Lovell has also been involved in various fashion projects, including launching his own clothing line. Apart from this, his creative music videos and visuals often feature dark and surreal imagery and that is bound to draw applause.