TLO
Along with being Shad’s DJ, Toronto’s TLO is also a producer, Canadian DMC Supremacy champ and the latest Scribble Jam DJ battle winner…
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!
Along with being Shad’s DJ, Toronto’s TLO is also a producer, Canadian DMC Supremacy champ and the latest Scribble Jam DJ battle winner…
Calgary emcee Ricca Razor Sharp discusses his new album ‘Causeways and C-trains’ along his label home, Neferiu Records.
We link up with two of the most active Backburner crew members, discussing “The Les Kils EP” and more…
A collection of photos from the 3rd annual Manifesto Festival, which took place in Toronto September 16-20, 2009.
When he isn’t spending time with his daughter or rapping, Lazarush is a school teacher on a reserve near Nordeg, Alberta. His new album “Pali Ola” is the sum of his evolution…
A battle rap icon and founding member of the Stronghold crew; Breez has been rapping for well over a decade, but just released his 2nd LP.
A rapper and poet from Edmonton and perhaps Alberta’s answer to Pigeon John. Joe created the new independent rap imprint Old Ugly…
It’s refreshing to talk with a rapper who possesses a healthy dose of perspective and experience…
Edmonton rapper AOK’s debut album was released a year ago and it’s called “If You Don’t Buy this CD the Terrorists Win”…
Marco Polo’s story is a hip hop fairytale: make beats, go to recording school, score an internship at a studio with some of the biggest names in rap.
A collection of photos from Edmonton’s Second Annual Hip Hop in the Park, which took place May 23, 2009.
Vancouver’s Snak The Ripper has a new album ‘Sex Machine’ set to drop in June and a Western Canadian tour planned for the spring.