Maine x Suspect, Lyrical Assassins, "The Last" LP & Interview

Seasoned artist hailing from Pennsylvania, Maine The Medicine recently linked up with Canadian emcee, Suspect for the highly anticipated album, "The Last."  The lyrical assassins deliver an epic dose of ear milk and lyricism authentic to traditional Hip-Hop flawlessly blended with unique rhyme schemes. I had the opportunity to meet with Maine to discuss the album. 

MJ: I'm eager to dive right into the album to give fans and listeners a personal inside look. First tell us how you linked up with Suspect?  In creation mode did you already have him in mind for the album.

Maine: We met at a show in Scranton PA, when Suspect and Marmel were performing on the Adlib Tour. The respect was mutual once we both hit the stage. We stayed in contact, knocked out some collaborations and tossed around the idea of putting together a project, which makes sense because we both share the same taste in Hip-Hop. We decided it would be dope to put out a Mercy Gang and Marmel Mixape “Cross Border Connection” which would turn out to be Hefty’s (rip) last project with all of us. In honor of Hefty we agreed to release the mixtape and dedicate the Canadian Tour to the memory of Hefty.  

Suspect: Maine is one of the most lyrical artists I know. So that there was enough of a challenge for me to create the best of bars. Since the whole concept of the album “The Last” is about real Hip-Hop becoming extinct, it only made sense for us to deliver it out. Working with Maine before I knew our chemistry was bananas and we also share the same music influences and styles.

Maine: We named the album “The Last” because we truly believe we are a last of a dying breed. Last also stands for Lyrical Assassins Stay True.

MJ: Share the story line behind the cover art and album title. 

Maine: The cover was a way to display the unique bond between the US and Canada in the Hip-Hop world. We also wanted to show the history of our projects with our respective groups. 

MJ: Artists strive to top previous released albums to display growth and versatility. What was your expectation with this album? Through your eyes and mind what were you aiming to convey to listeners? Do you feel that's been achieved? 

Maine: We wanted to bring back that gritty boom bap, Hip-Hop. I feel like we really pushed each other's pen which brought the best out of both of us. We wanted the listeners to indulge into some great beats and dope ass lyricism along with raw energy we bring to the tracks. 

MJ: Let's talk about some of the tracks. Do you have a personal favorite, or one record that speaks to your heart a bit more than the others?  You know MJ well enough that I'm sure you can pinpoint one of my favorites. Although I must say it was difficult to choose just one as this album carries timeless tracks with no skipping. But l do want to talk about "Hip-Hop" and how you define that record. 

Suspect: My personal favorite is “Behind Every Smile.” My verse specifically is very important. I wrote it as it was a letter to my son who I have been going through custody battles with for the past 4 years.  “Hip Hop” is basically everything we feel about the culture of Hip-Hop, the likes and dislikes, that we have seen throughout the years.

Maine:  I love the raw in your face tracks like “Rough Shit” and “Blah Blah” with U.G. The tracks close to my heart are “Close To You” and “Behind Every Smile.” “Behind Every Smile” is a special track for both of us. I talk about my health and as he mentioned, he talks about his son. The track was produced by Nate Williams and the beat just brought out raw emotions from both of us. “Hip Hop” was produced by Will Sully. I felt some real nostalgia with that beat, it made think of some real Hip-Hop moments in my life. We are very proud of “The Last” and both the producers and artists who contributed to the  project, from Real Wolf, Snowgoons, Native Seals, Know It, legendary U.G. of Cella Dwellas, to features with Adlib, Marmel, Holla Da scholar, Khali Hustle, Lucas Hex, and more.  

MJ: On a more personal note, can you share a little bit on the adjustment of creating music without Hefty (rip)? I'm sure there must be an overwhelming sense of different emotions. 

Suspect: Speaking for myself knowing Hefty and creating music with him was a blessing, he had such a strong love and drive for it, and to have him part of our first project “Cross Border Connections” was amazing and you can see the strong bond with his fans and Mercy Gang brothers still to this day . 

Maine: For me, it’s still hard making music without him here. I've learned a lot of things from him that I still use now. I think he would love the music were making now. Hefty will always live on in our music. 

MJ: Is there anything else you would like the world to know about "The Last"? 

Suspect: This will not be the only or the last time u will hear “The Last”!!!!
Maine has grown to be more than an artist I work and tour with he is family. I am super proud of this project and think it’s some of my best work I have released to date!! Look out for much more to come from “The Last.”

Maine: I want to mention we will be joining The Last Tour in Canada with Steve Sxaks and Kohn of M.A.D.E and we are excited to perform hits off the album.  

Watch the official video for "Rough Shit" off "The Last" LP below.

Thorobread and Don Q Drop "Plaga"

The hot new single "Praga" is generating lots of buzz online and media outlets everywhere. Toronto's Thorobread joins up with Bronx emcee, Don Q, for this track found on his upcoming EP, Trust is a Legacy. 

Thoro claims his collaboration with Don Q couldn't have happened at a better time.. and once he heard the beat (produced by Trouble Trouble), he knew Q was the perfect fit. Thoro's upcoming EP will also feature Tory Lanez. Check for it coming soon.

Toronto's Thorobread 'F the Politics'

Toronto based Thorobread lays out a smooth flow on an equally mellow beat, that's simple enough, to let listeners hear his talented wordplay. The video was directed by Matt Delovino and it doesn't channel the typical materialistic over indulgent rap video. 

Instead, it shows Thorobread in his element. Thorobread will be releasing more singles with the anticipation of his full-length EP titled "Trust is a Luxury." Content-wise this album will focus on his struggles, current, and future aspirations

GNA Drops Girl Anthem "Love Me"

"Love Me" was actually written and first recorded in 2012. GNA co-wrote the single with songwriter, Myles. She immediately loved the song and what it stood for. The track is about being a confident woman who knows herself, her worth, and above everything, will love herself first. 

We are seeing this trend and theme in pop culture right now, with women loving themselves and banding together. Perfect timing with "Love Me" and it's girl power message. The song was produced by T-Nyce, Seth Dyer, and Josh Francois.

DillanPonders Releases "NO MANS LAND" @DillanPonders

Toronto’s young free thinker has had a strong 2017, which saw him perform at SXSW, support Pouya and Fat Nick throughout Canada and earn his first MuchFACT grant. NO MANS LANDS’ first singles — “DOUBTS” and “XANNY MAN” — are two of his most-streamed tracks ever, landing him the cover of Spotify’s Northern Bars playlist and a feature on Complex Magazine’s top tracks of spring 2017.

NO MANS LAND follows Ponders’s debut album, ACID REIGN, which has been streamed over 1 million times in a few months. It showcases an angry, reflective, yet hopeful Ponders, and showcases his unique vocal range, wordplay, and diverse flows.

NO MANS LAND features menacing production from multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Daniel Worthy, best known for his work on Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, as well as Chef Byer, BatmanOnTheBeatz and buzzing producer Jacobi of GlitchRealm.

Have a listen to the entire project below. You digging the Toronto lyricist?  

Heatwave "Balmain" ft @WilliamxWilson @TheRealHeatwave

Vancouver/Atlanta artist, Heatwave, returns with new visuals entitled "Balmain" after the release of his blazing single, "Young Motsami." Featuring William Wilson and shot by Ledoox, Heatwave gives listeners another taste of his new project The Masses Volume 3 due out July 1st. Switching up the pace from his first release "Balmain" is a certified street banger with an infectious hook to go with it. From the trap to the Balmain store, Heatwave continues his rise to success with another quality release, with more in the bag. Turn up to the new visuals for "Balmain" and catch up on "Young Motsami" if you missed the first single from The Masses Volume 3 - available worldwide July 1st!

WATCH: Heatwave - Balmain ft William Wilson

The Black Steve Jobs (@nate_husser) releases first video "Can't Blame 'Em"

Husser aka The Black Steve Jobs releases his first single from his forthcoming debut album Geto Rock For The Youth on Cult Nation. Known for his lyrics and fiery stage presence alongside indie rap darlings The Posterz, Husser's early solo outings have proven to be extremely successful. His collaboration with label-mate Charlotte Cardin, “Like it Doesn’t Hurt”, has been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify, and the accompanying video (in which Husser co-stars) has already amassed over one million views.

Furthermore, his guest spot on Black Tiger Sex Machine’s “Crazies” has also been met with fanfare on SoundCloud where it has racked up over 300k plays. His first solo single and video "Can't Blame 'Em" flips the typical Apple new product launch on its head, as only a dreadlocked Black Steve Jobs from the 'hood could.

Clairmont The Second "A Declaration"

Teenaged Toronto-based rap phenomenon Clairmont The Second, whose Quest for Milk and Honey album, was recently voted one of the top 25 Canadian albums of 2016 (#17), by CBC Music, has been spreading his unique rap stylings across North America, since January 31st, as part of the No Warm Up tour, with SonReal. As a prelude to the forthcoming release of new music and visuals, with new label partner, Black Box Music (Shad, Classified, SonReal), they re-issued and co-directed "A Declaration,"

A Declaration is one of those cinematic must-see music videos, that plays out more like a short film than a music video and contains a clever build-up and killer climax (literally). Highly respected on the Toronto music scene, as a prolific one man, music-and-multi-media army, who shoots and edits his own video content, while writing, producing and mixing his own work, this song and video, leave no question as to where the future of Canadian rap creativity and resourcefulness lies. When he raps "me on a mic, that’s a problem” on this buzz track, he really means it.

Do you feel Canadian Hip-Hop is on the rise to compete with U.S. Hip-Hop? Let us know below in the comment section or on social media.

@ladysaintmusic Just Released Her "Brainstorm" Project

Lady Saint's debut album "BRAINSTORM" has everyone buzzing for the vibes. From a small town in Alberta, Canada she is spreading her word and vibe worldwide. Brainstorm is a unique but equal mix of hip-hop, gospel rap, and originality. Saint's album is not what you would expect and it's for everyone. From spoken word, acoustic vibes all the way to hip-hop/trap waves. 

You can really tell that Lady Saint has found her voice and is more than comfortable using it to express her thoughts. Saint states that there's something on the album for everyone. If you haven't yet, check the album available on iTunes, GooglePlay or Spotify.

Have a look at the official video for "Agenda" below. 

@KonFiiDent - "Famous" (Audio)

Nigerian born, Canadian raised rapper KonFiiDent debuts a new audio track that touches on the topic of being loved based off of social status on "Famous". This follows up his prior releases "Schemin" and "What You Know About Love" featuring Tory Lanez. With a hint of Auto-tune, Kon confronts those that seem to only come around now that he's made a name for himself within the music industry. When you're on the way to the top, you've got to keep both eyes open and the grass cut low to keep the snakes away. Listen to the the melodic sounds of "Famous" below.
 

(New Video)-@yngblitz and @ScoobyBlacks "Count On It"

Get Familiar with Toronto street spitter Young Blitz as he collaborates with Scooby Blacks to whip up a powerful hustler anthem titled "Count On It". In conjunction with Kushdup Filmsz, the duo deliver a crisp visual that furthers the strength of the single. With Henny in hand, YB lays the lit down with the squad backing him up. The gas mask prop used in some of the shots and other effects give it a post-apocalyptic vibe. Scooby plays the closer position in the video, as he shuts the scene down with his brash delivery.

  Young Blitz made some serious noise in hoods throughout North America in 2015 with back to back collabs alongside Sheek Louch on "Toe Tags" and then with King Louis on "Again". With songs such as "Count On It" and the two aforementioned releases, the Canadian D-Boy is pretty much proving why he's an artist to keep an eye on in 2016.

[NEW SINGLE] - @ladysaintmusic "New New" - Fort McMurray, Canada

With the release of her debut single "New New" and working closely with Keith Clizark, CEO of Team Mashn Entertainment, Lady Saint has progressed in a unique way and is slowly being noticed worldwide. Lady Saint, hailing from Canada, has proven and still continues to show everyone what else she has to offer. Based out of the Oil City of Fort McMurray, Canada, where there are very little opportunities for music exploitation, the hip-hop artist/songwriter works with what she has to create raw, chill vibes.

Lady Saint, also known as Michela Perry, has been growing a solid base, with dedicated fans, that like her music, and can relate to her message. As CEO and founder of Boxx Head Records, the main lady never stops working and strives to make it to the top. Starting her music career in early 2015, knowing nothing about the music industry, Lady Saint has stepped up in such a short time. It’s only the beginning of seeing her name. Lady Saint is looking to create a movement and keep on making chill vibes. She tells her story through her music and that others can relate to.

You can purchase or stream the single on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Lady_Saint_New_New_Single?id=Biaiwtkbb7n4uogukodmzabfm44

(New Audio)-@ChazDeFranco "Me Engañarás" - Montreal, CA

French-Canadian recording artist Chaz DeFranco premieres his latest release in his #songsunday series with the deeply emotional "Me Engañarás" ("You'll Deceive Me"). The Montreal serenader opens up to speak harsh truths about a past relationship he experienced during his trips to Mexico years back with a woman that didn’t have his best interests at hand. This song follows suit with his previously released single "Torreón" that spoke about his feelings for one-time girlfriend and Mrs. Mexico finalist, Angela Del Río. On this particular release however, we find Chaz finding solitude and bringing closure to these particular chapters of his life thru music. DeFranco chooses to use his acquired Spanish dialect for the chorus line meshing R&B with a South American Pop flare that’s highly addictive, a sure hit among the ladies. With excellently executed vocal arrangements and a perfectly produced R&B instrumental, Chaz DeFranco bears all on his latest, "Me Engañarás". 

(New Audio)-@yonatanworld "Afraid" - Montreal, CA

Montréal recording artist Yo Natan is back on the scene with a follow up to his highly praised Hip Hop single "Green Clouds" and in doing so, he takes on a more international approach with "Afraid". If the song sounds familiar, it may be because Natan found creative inspiration from Lupe Fiasco's "Superstar" single. However, the Jewish emcee takes the process one step further by meshing a melodic chorus over a very powerful instrumental provided by YucBeats. Although the song has a strong Pop vibe, Yo Natan tackles trying issues such as being scared of the unknown and personal doubts. This is yet another solid release from the Canadian resident. Press play and experience "Afraid".

(New Audio)-@ChazDeFranco "I'm On It"

Chaz DeFranco releases his sixth consecutive week of his #songsunday series with the sultry "I'm On It". We find the Canadian artist proclaiming to do whatever it will take for his music to be received by the masses. With his trademark raspy voice, the Montreal singer also provides a promise to his main lady of more face time after accomplishing the feat. Check out the start of verse two (1:20), DeFranco goes into great detail of his masterplan and recommends to Complex and Billboard to take notice and "plug that". Stream and download "I'm On It" below.

 

(New Audio)-@ChazDeFranco "Torreón"

Montreal R&B singer Chaz DeFranco has been very busy these past 4 months. With his last two singles (“Better Off / New Girl” & “Train Wreck”) fairing quite well on both Soundcloud and iTunes, the Canadian crooner officially kicked off a new music campaign titled #songsunday on July 12th that will have it’s eighth and final entry released on August 30th.

 Which brings us to this week’s entry and fifth installment in the series and it’s by far his most personal release to date. The song is titled “Torreón” and what a back story it has. During his extensive travels to Mexico in his early twenties, Chaz developed a relationship with a woman by the name of Angela Del Río that ultimately ended on a sour note. Though some time has passed, the relationship has always weighed heavy on his heart.

 After reconnecting with Angela via social media and telephone and finding out about her becoming a Miss Mexico finalist, DeFranco hit the studio with producer Penacho and long-time collaborator and friend Bobby John to create an audio track that revolves around that past relationship. It's quite a powerful song to say the least, give it a listen below.

 

(New Audio)-@yonatanmusic "Green Clouds"

Montréal, Canada emcee Yo Natan releases a killer Hip Hop joint titled "Green Clouds" in which he spent months fine crafting to perfection. From first listen, we're taken on a trip back to the nineties era style of Hip Hop with gritty pianos, Boom Bap drums and some clever vocal edits that really make this record stand out. Check out what all the buzz is about and it's also available for free download.