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

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.

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