Local Hip Hop - It was all a dream...

In my PR program, whenever we talk about the media and what they are doing to satisfy their audiences, local content is always one of the main points. So, for my first post I thought it would be best to start off with hip hop from the place I have grown up. The Niagara region, specifically St. Catharines, has its own hip hop movement that many might not be aware of. The thing I love most about the hip hop here is there are so many different styles and not everyone is the same. I want to give you readers a taste of some of the talent that exists in my city. I can’t post everyone, but I want to give a shout out to all 905 artists and thank them for keeping hip hop alive in our city. 

Hip Hop/R&B artist Zay:

Zay has already put so much work into where he is today and this is just the beginning of what is to come. He has the confidence, determination and sound that will make him successful. The 4D Music group, includes Junior Endless and Zay, and has worked with Canadian artists including Rich Kidd, JRDN, Arthur McArthur and Belly. Zay has performed at many venues in Niagara and Toronto, as well as opened for artists, such as Redman.

Endless Records artist Zay, also known as Zak Ali, recently released his first music video shot in Toronto. It is a story about an artist who is building his career and a strong relationship deteriorating as a result. The song was produced by Arthur McArthur (Toronto's rising production star) and the video was directed by Chris Strikes. Watch the video for 'Don't Say It's Over' here:

You will hear this on the radio soon, just wait! and it's available on iTunes.

"I feel the viewer might appreciate it more because it has a story line and a decent amount of dialogue to draw them in emotionally." - Zay

Video release party Wed. Feb 8^th at Sutra on St. Paul St., St. Catharines 10:00 p.m. 

Event info
Follow on Twitter: @zayitsfire

Website

And if you don't know, now you know

Hey everyone and welcome to my blog. Hip Hop, as most of you know, is very popular in Canada and the United States. Everyone at some point has been a part of its culture, whether you have heard a song, seen someone dancing or emceeing and have walked by a piece of art.

It was in high school I began having a real appreciation for music and discovering my taste, especially hip hop and its culture. Since I started university it has been my goal to work in the entertainment industry. I have decided to focus on this goal and combine it with my love for hip-hop, but all things hip-hop (music, break-dancing, graffiti, emcee’s) both underground and mainstream.

I want to open your eyes to something you may not have much care for or reintroduce you to something you may have forgotten about and better yet help expand a love you may already have. There are several blogs out there strictly about hip-hop, but I hope mine brings you recent news and info about today’s hip hop, while never forgetting the influences of old school hip hop. I will be posting videos, photos, music and information related to hip hop not only from North America, but also other countries. I am not an expert, I don’t make beats and I can’t bust a good rhyme, but I have a passion for real music and lyrics, art and dancing that I want to share. So don’t be afraid to leave your comments, ask me questions or add to my discussion. 
Peace, love and hip hop.

"I start thinking, how many souls hip-hop has affected

How many dead folks this art resurrected

How many nations this culture connected." - Common, The 6th Sense