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.

July 22nd, 2025

Max Moon’s “Scrawlings” featuring Ultra Magnus

“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

July 18th, 2025

Mickey O’Brien is playing overseas

Mickey O’Brien has a couple of upcoming dates next month overseas… First Dublin, Ireland and then Paris, France!

July 12th, 2025

Love Always Wins If You Let It is a Cups N Cakes Quick Pick

“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.

July 11th, 2025

Word Is Bond reviews “Anthem”

“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.

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

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