Hand'Solo Records

July 8th, 2025

Ultra Magnus releases pro-Canada “Anthem”

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

July 2nd, 2025

Mickey O’Brien interviewed by Sudbury Interviews podcast

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.

July 1st, 2025

Ultra Magnus goes elbows up on “Anthem”

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

June 30th, 2025

Root Sellers review by Folded Waffle

“…a study in soul, grit, and grounded rebellion.” – Folded Waffle

The first review of Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut’s Root Sellers album is here, and it’s a great review from Folded Waffle…

June 27th, 2025

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut – Root Sellers

The collab album from Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut, Root Sellers is out now!

Chadio returns with Root Sellers, a grounded and richly layered hip-hop album that digs deep into life, lyricism, and the spaces in between. Produced entirely by The Gumshoe Strut, the record delivers a warm, sample-heavy sound that cradles Chadio’s unmistakable voice — sharp, reflective, and rhythmically effortless. From the dusty head-nod of “Bring It Back”, to the meditative pace of “Peace With The Pace” (featuring AzraelRapsGood), to the timeworn honesty of “Been A Minute”, each track feels like a page from a well-traveled notebook — lived-in, personal, and real. There’s growth here, but no gimmicks. This is Chadio as you know him: honest, thoughtful, and never out of step with the beat.

Written and performed by Chadio and featured guests
Produced by The Gumshoe Strut

June 26th, 2025

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut interview with I2G

In the days just before Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut release their collab album, Root Sellers, they discussed the album and other things with Illuminati2G. Read the interview below or check it out here.

June 24th, 2025

RapReviews reviews A library called Calder

“…the rhymes and production on this joint album have a debt to both Kool Keith and Anticon…” – RapReviews

I missed this review from a few weeks ago by RapReviews of Epic & Deadly Stare’s A library called Calder. It got an average rating of 5/10, which isn’t great, but I appreciate that they took the time to review the album. Epic isn’t to everyone’s tastes, but if you like weird and experimental hip hop like Kool Keith and the Anticon collective, you’ll probably enjoy this album.

June 22nd, 2025

The Dirty Sample’s “The Children Sing” on Trans Vinyl Express

Rabbit of Indie Rock Mag put together an episode of Trans Vinyl Express that includes The Dirty Sample’s “The Children Sing”, one of the more experimental songs from his beat tape Beats To Murder Rappers 2. The mix also includes a song from our good friend Fresh Kils! Check it out here!

June 19th, 2025

Epic & Deadly Stare interview with Indie Music Discovery

Epic and Deadly Stare recently answered some questions for Indie Music Discovery. The discussed their new album, A library called Calder, music memories, dream collabs, and more. Check it out below or read it here.

June 18th, 2025

Root Sellers Listening Party

Chadio & The Gumshoe Strut will be on hand to answer your questions in the chat during their Bandcamp Listening on Friday at 8 PM EST. Come by and check out the album a week before the release date. RSVP here.