September 10th, 2025

New video from Max Moon + Listening Party!

Max Moon drops the video for “Scrawlings” featuring Ultra Magnus, the second single from his upcoming album, The Grand Howl. 

Max Moon continues to do it on his own terms with “Scrawlings”, the second single from his upcoming debut record, The Grand Howl, out September 26, 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 new visuals for “Scrawlings” include scenes of Max Moon rapping in his natural habitat: the back streets and trails of the Nickel City. The great time Moon and videographer Johnny Bizness had cruising around the city shooting this thing is apparent in the video. Unfortunately, Ultra Magnus couldn’t make the shoot but his presence is undeniable as soon as you hear his voice over the beat. We hope you enjoy this exploration of the Great Sudbury area!

Written and performed by Max Moon and Ultra Magnus
Produced by Max Moon
Video by Johnny Bizness for Gritty Nickel Media

And if you’re interested in checking out The Grand Howl ahead of the official release of the album on September 26, 2025, you can hit up the Bandcamp Listening Party on September 21 at 7:00 PM EST.

September 6th, 2025

A pair of reviews for “Mr. Proteus” and “DEAD END$” by Folded Waffle

“Taken together, “Mr. Proteus” and “DEAD END$” remind us that art’s sharpest edges are often forged outside the spotlight.” – Folded Waffle

Folded Waffle has provided a pair of reviews for two singles that are pushing at the boundaries of hip hop with their experimental outsider art…

September 2nd, 2025

Introducing “Mr. Proteus”

The first single from Proteus x Black Art Ninja is out now…

With an abundance of lo-fi singles and videos under his belt, Proteus should need no introduction, but that’s what you’re getting anyway for the first single from his upcoming album, Hey Motherfucker, with frequent collaborator Black Art Ninja on production. “Mr. Proteus” reveals an MC with a dense delivery of braggadocio raps that reference everything from anime through comics and sci-fi to the supernatural in a mix of written and freestyle flows. BAN’s uptempo beat is a catchy Motorik Volca 303-style bassline with an 808 and Volca drum pattern. A squealing improvised Electrolobotomy custom synth line drops in throughout along with backing vocals by Peachy Tickles, Misty Beavers, and the BAN Choir singing the praises of—and sometimes insulting—Mr. Proteus. The single also contains a shorter radio edit that flips around the order of the lyrics to create a song that is significantly different from the original album version. Welcome to the weird world of Proteus!

Written and performed by Proteus
Produced by Black Art Ninja

August 30th, 2025

Word Is Bond reviews Max Moon’s “DEAD END$”

“[A] brutal and candid track that will keep listeners locked in from start to finish.” – Word Is Bond

New review by Word Is Bond of “DEAD END$” featuring ShrapKnel, the third single from Max Moon’s upcoming album, The Grand Howl…

August 29th, 2025

Zillions reviews Max Moon’s “DEAD END$”

“With “DEAD END$”, Max Moon cements his reputation as a fearless new voice in alternative hip-hop, while reminding us that the genre’s most exciting artists are born from risk, reinvention, and unbridled collaboration.” – Zillions

Zillions provided an excellent review of Max Moon’s new single, “DEAD END$”, which features guest vocals by Shrapnel’s PremRock and Curly Castro.

August 26th, 2025

Max Moon – “DEAD END$” featuring ShrapKnel

The new single from Max Moon is out now – and it features ShrapKnel (PremRock & Curly Castro)!

Canadian rap artist Max Moon delivers another fresh and captivating take with “DEAD END$”, the third single from his upcoming debut record, The Grand Howl, out September 26, 2025 on Hand’Solo Records. For this raw and moody self-produced joint, Moon taps in Philly/New York duo ShrapKnel, made up of Curly Castro and PremRock. On billy woods’ vanguard label Backwoodz Studioz, ShrapKnel has become venerated for their distinctive approach to lyricism and unorthodox production choices. The team-up is an instant fit. The result is an alluring, driving, stream-of-consciousness cypher, intersecting human relationships, culture and perception. The beat shifts from dark boom bap to loose, distorted breaks, and a blitz of drum and bass flavour supports Castro’s ever-unique, blazing delivery. 

The single is accompanied by an esoteric reconstruction of the song with a bold remix by electronic experimentalist Emilio Portal, a past Max Moon collaborator. “DEAD END$” also receives the visual treatment with an animated lyric video incorporating stop-motion by Max Moon himself.

Written and performed by Max Moon, PremRock, and Curly Castro
Produced by Max Moon 
Art by Apdtum

August 18th, 2025

Chadio interviewed on Word Is Bond Rap Radio

On August 1, Chase March interviewed Chadio about his new album, Root Sellers, with The Gumshoe Strut for Word Is Bond Rap Radio. It’s a damn fine interview, but they don’t talk about the new Superman movie! Click to check out the show.

July 25th, 2025

Cups N Cakes review of A library called Calder

“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…

July 24th, 2025

Zillions reviews “Scrawlings”

“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.

July 23rd, 2025

Folded Waffle reviews “Scrawlings”

“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.

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