Jon B

My name is Jonathan "Jonb" Balazs a writer, photographer and filmmaker here at ugsmag. Originally a long-time forum poster and terribly naive rap head, I first visited the site in 2001, but didn't start speaking my piece until 2006 with a "gizmo review" on Lomography's Fisheye camera. Since then, I've tried to interview only the dopest rappers, producers, DJs and hip hop icons throughout Canada and the United States – or at the very least, shining a light on those artists who have made a significant mark in their respective territories. Hailing from Ugsmag's original prairie home of Edmonton, these days Toronto is where I lay my head at. I am always curious about new music and I encourage legitimate rap folks to email me the new sounds, but there is a very good chance I will not get back to you – I'm terribly grumpy and have very little patience for biters, whiners, posers, toys...as well as overt displays of sexism, homophobia and bigotry. But I love damn good hip hop!

http://www.jonb.ca

Featured Articles:

• MuneshineAug 2011 in Video Feature
• Truth UniversalAug 2011 in Interview
• DaedelusJul 2011 in Interview
• DibiaseMar 2011 in Interview
• Make Some Noise: A 1994 Canadian Hip Hop DocumentaryFeb 2011 in Interview
• ThrustJan 2011 in Video Feature
• CopywriteJan 2011 in Interview
• FactorJan 2011 in Interview
• Ras GDec 2010 in Interview
• JaykinDec 2010 in Interview
• MF GrimmAug 2010 in Interview
• AdvokitFeb 2010 in Interview
• TLOJan 2010 in Interview
• Ricca Razor SharpNov 2009 in Interview
• More Or Les & Fresh KilsOct 2009 in Interview
• Manifesto Festival 2009Sep 2009 in Photo Mission
• LazarushSep 2009 in Interview
• Breez EvahflowinSep 2009 in Interview
• The JoeSep 2009 in Interview
• Masta AceSep 2009 in Interview
• AOKJul 2009 in Interview
• Marco PoloMay 2009 in Interview
• Hip Hop in the Park 2009May 2009 in Photo Mission
• Snak The RipperMay 2009 in Interview
• This is the LifeMay 2009 in DVD Review
• Dragon Fli EmpireMar 2009 in Interview
• Cam the WizzardFeb 2009 in Interview
• King of the Dot: Put Yo Money Where Yo Mouth Iz Vol. 5Feb 2009 in Photo Mission
• KazMegaJan 2009 in Interview
• MantrakidJan 2009 in Interview
• BirdapresDec 2008 in Interview
• Corvid LoraxNov 2008 in Interview
• KaigenOct 2008 in Interview
• Hand’Solo Records: Hokey Religions & Ancient Weapons Release PartyOct 2008 in Photo Mission
• JunkyardSep 2008 in Video Feature
• Noah23Sep 2008 in Interview
• Mr. ComplexAug 2008 in Interview
• ShadJul 2008 in Interview
• Anonymous TwistJul 2008 in Interview
• American Drug War: The Last White HopeJul 2008 in DVD Review
• ArtchildJul 2008 in Art Feature
• E-dotJun 2008 in Interview
• BaracudaJun 2008 in Interview
• EGRJun 2008 in Art Feature
• BrailleMay 2008 in Interview
• DJ WeezlMay 2008 in Video Feature
• Ava DuVernay: This is the LifeMay 2008 in Interview
• Nomar SlevikMay 2008 in Interview
• Modulok (Red Ants)Apr 2008 in Video Feature
• Off Centre DJ SchoolMar 2008 in Video Feature
• Benny EMar 2008 in Interview
• EpicFeb 2008 in Interview
• Jesse DangerouslyJan 2008 in Interview
• Modulok (Red Ants)Dec 2007 in Interview
• WordburglarNov 2007 in Interview
• ChadioNov 2007 in Interview
• PoizunusOct 2007 in Video Feature
• Cadence WeaponSep 2007 in Interview
• Low Budget AffiliatesAug 2007 in Interview
• Side Road Records + FriendsJul 2007 in Video Feature
• Fritz Tha CatJul 2007 in Interview
• ConspiracyJul 2007 in Interview
• TouchJun 2007 in Interview
• MindbenderMay 2007 in Interview
• Lomography Fisheye CameraApr 2006 in Gizmo Review