“We have to continue to question our democracy, our leadership, our capitalism. If hip-hop isn’t addressing these issues, then (perhaps) it’s time to create a new kind of music.”
Had a deep chat with hip-hop artist, poet, actor, writer and singer Saul Williams for CBC Music. Fascinating brother. He’s in town later this week for his Chorus: A Spoken Word Tour.
Excited to be officially announced to the Grand Jury for this year’s Polaris Music Prize. Now myself and 10 other Canadian music writers/critics get to select the best Canadian album of the year (regardless of genre). No pressure.
Seriously though, I’m pretty excited about it, especially being this is my first year on the actual jury (and the fact that there are 200+ Canadian journalists to choose from). Selecting the top album from this years’ shortlist – Cadence Weapon, Cold Specks, Kathleen Edwards, Feist, Fucked Up, Grimes, YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN, Handsome Furs, Japandroids, and the always controversial Drake — won’t be easy. But I’ll manage.
The Polaris Music Prize Gala goes down September 24 at the Concert Hall Studios at Masonic Temple.
Connected with R&B’s Tamia (remember her?) for CBC Music recently, discussing her comeback album “Beautiful Surprise” and what she’s been up to in the past few years….
“She’s married to an American – pro basketball star Grant Hill– and has been living in the U.S. for years, but R&B songstress Tamia is still a Canadian gal at heart. “I still claim it,” the talented singer says over the phone from New York City. “I do come up a lot. My family and roots are all still there.”
Read the rest here.
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