“A library called Calder is a love letter to hip-hop, a love letter to Canada, and a great example of artists creating art based on their love of art.” – Cup N Cakes
An awesome new review of Epic & Deadly Stare’s A library called Calder from Cups N Cakes…
“You get the feeling that this is more than just rap, it’s survival, scribbled in the margins of a sleepless night.” – Zillions
Another excellent review of Max Moon’s “Scrawlings” single featuring Ultra Magnus, this one done by Zillions.
“In a time when many artists are cracking under the weight of their own personas, Max Moon offers a rare portrait of vulnerability masked in sharp edges.” – Folded Waffle
Max Moon received an excellent review from Folded Waffle for his new single, “Scrawlings”, from his upcoming solo debut, The Grand Howl.
“Scrawlings”, the second single from Max Moon’s upcoming new album, The Grand Howl, is out now…
Max Moon continues to do it on his own terms with “Scrawlings”, the second single from his upcoming debut record, The Grand Howl, out August 2025 on Hand’Solo Records. The self-produced song pushes into new territory with trap and bongo drums and crackly vinyl loops. It is a blazing lyrical barrage although Max still hits introspective notes and touches on down and out themes, while featured fellow Hand’Solo compatriot Ultra Magnus enters like a cannonball with the dynamic energy he’s become known for. “Scrawlings” is a barstool banger and a synthesis of two unforgettable characters in the Canadian rap landscape. The single also includes a self-produced remix that is a complete switch of vibe with eerie violins and big beat boom-snap drums.
Written and performed by Max Moon and Ultra Magnus
Produced by Max Moon
Art by Apdtum
Mickey O’Brien has a couple of upcoming dates next month overseas… First Dublin, Ireland and then Paris, France!
“Positive vibes in beat-form, I’m loving this offering from The Dirty Sample.”
– Cups N Cakes
The Dirty Sample got a very excellent short review of his beat tape Love Always Wins If You Let It on Cups N Cakes’ list of Quick Picks.
“Ultra Magnus … shows love to the true North, the culture and the game of Hockey, with an unapologetic performance laced with patriotism and a bit of tongue in cheek.” – Word Is Bond
Word Is Bond provides a short but awesome review of “Anthem”, the first single from the upcoming album from Ultra Magnus, And Nero Played.
The video was released on Canada Day, but a week later we now have the release of the single for “Anthem”, the first single from And Nero Played by Ultra Magnus.
“Anthem” is the patriotic first single from And Nero Played, the upcoming new album from Ultra Magnus dropping this summer on Hand’Solo Records. The song is a rallying call for Canucks worldwide who value our sovereignty over servility. Ultra Magnus delivers a crowd-pleasing sing-a-long chorus and Canada-centric lyrics over a chill beat heavy on piano. The video features shots of the politically-charged final game of the National Hockey Leagues’s 4 Nations Face-Off combined with further footage that highlights the content of the lyrics. Oh, Canada, I think we have a new national anthem! Elbows up!
Written and performed by Ultra Magnus
Produced and mastered by Myer Clarity
Co-produced by Scott Stevenson
Piano by Scott Stevenson
Sample of “Good Morning Scarecrow” by Seabear used by permission
On the weekend while in Toronto, Mickey O’Brien spoke over the phone with old friend Dani Star for his Sudbury Interviews podcast. This is a good dive into the history of Mickey O’Brien as a rapper and music artist. Hear him talk about his evolution as a young upstart rapping over live punk to internationally touring rap star.
Ultra Magnus is set to drop his new single, “Anthem”, on July 8, but for Canada Day he provides a special treat with the release of the video. Happy Canada Day!
Released on Canada Day, “Anthem” is the patriotic first single from And Nero Played, the upcoming new album from Ultra Magnus dropping this summer on Hand’Solo Records. The song is a rallying call for Canucks worldwide who value our sovereignty over servility. Ultra Magnus delivers a crowd-pleasing sing-a-long chorus and Canada-centric lyrics over a chill beat heavy on piano. The video features shots of the politically-charged final game of the National Hockey Leagues’s 4 Nations Face-Off combined with further footage that highlights the content of the lyrics. Oh, Canada, I think we have a new national anthem! Elbows up!
Written and performed by Ultra Magnus
Produced and mastered by Myer Clarity
Co-produced by Scott Stevenson
Piano by Scott Stevenson
