Canada has a thriving hip hop scene, and there are many talented Canadian rappers who have made a name for themselves both within the country and internationally. Here are just a few of the standout Canadian rappers who you should definitely check out:
List of the Best Canadian Rappers
1. Drake
Undoubtedly one of the most well-known Canadian rappers, Drake first gained fame with his breakout mixtape “So Far Gone” in 2009. Since then, he has released numerous albums and singles that have topped charts all around the world. Drake is known for his smooth flow, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics.
2. Tory Lanez
Toronto-based rapper Tory Lanez first gained fame with his mixtape “Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story” in 2013. He has since released multiple albums and singles, including the hit “Luv,” which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lanez is known for his energetic and catchy music, as well as his versatility as an artist.
3. Nav
Navraj Singh Goraya, known professionally as Nav, is a rapper and producer from Toronto. He first gained fame with his debut single “Take Me Simple” in 2015, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Nav is known for his trap-influenced beats and introspective lyrics.
4. Jessie Reyez
Colombian-Canadian singer and rapper Jessie Reyez first gained fame with her EP “Kiddo” in 2017. She has since released multiple successful singles and won several awards for her music. Reyez is known for her powerful and emotive vocals, as well as her socially conscious lyrics.
5. SonReal
Vancouver-based rapper SonReal first gained fame with his single “Everywhere We Go” in 2013. He has since released multiple successful albums and singles, and has won numerous awards for his music. SonReal is known for his upbeat and catchy music, as well as his relatable lyrics.
6. k-os
K-os, also known as Kevin Brereton, is a rapper, singer, and producer from Toronto. He first gained fame with his debut album “Exit” in 2002, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. K-os is known for his eclectic style, which incorporates elements of hip hop, rock, and electronic music.
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7. Classified
Classified, also known as Luke Boyd, is a rapper and producer from Enfield, Nova Scotia. He first gained fame with his debut album “Time’s Up, Kid” in 2002, and has since released numerous successful albums and singles. Classified is known for his socially conscious lyrics and smooth flow.
8. Shad
Shad, also known as Shadrach Kabango, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from London, Ontario. He first gained fame with his debut album “When This Is Over” in 2005, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Shad is known for his intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics, as well as his smooth flow and versatility as an artist.
9. Mad Child
Mad Child, also known as Shane Bunting, is a rapper and producer from Vancouver. He first gained fame as a member of the hip hop group Swollen Members, and has since released multiple successful solo albums and singles. Mad Child is known for his aggressive and hard-hitting style, as well as his introspective lyrics.
10. Saukrates
Saukrates, also known as Derek Kevin Sahulata, is a rapper, singer, and producer from Toronto. He first gained fame with his debut album “The Underground Tapes” in 1996, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Saukrates is known for his smooth flow and socially conscious lyrics.
11. Jean-Michel Blais
Jean-Michel Blais is a pianist and producer from Montreal who has gained a following for his unique blend of classical music and hip hop. He first gained fame with his debut album “Il” in 2016, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Blais is known for his emotive and introspective music, which incorporates elements of classical and electronic music.
12. Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Snotty Nose Rez Kids are a hip hop duo from Haisla Nation, British Columbia. Comprised of Yung Trybez and Young D, the duo first gained fame with their debut album “The Average Savage” in 2017, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Snotty Nose Rez Kids are known for their socially conscious lyrics and energetic live performances.
13. Haviah Mighty
Haviah Mighty is a rapper and producer from Brampton, Ontario. She first gained fame with her debut album “13th Floor” in 2019, which won the Polaris Music Prize. Mighty is known for her powerful and emotive lyrics, as well as her energetic and innovative production.
14. The Weeknd
The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, is a singer, songwriter, and rapper from Toronto. He first gained fame with his mixtapes “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence” in 2011, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. The Weeknd is known for his emotive and introspective lyrics, as well as his smooth and soulful vocals.
15. Arkells
Arkells are a rock band from Hamilton, Ontario who have gained a following for their blend of rock and hip hop. Comprised of Max Kerman, Mike DeAngelis, Nick Dika, Tim Oxford, and Anthony Carone, the band first gained fame with their debut album “Jackson Square” in 2008, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Arkells are known for their energetic and catchy music, as well as their socially conscious lyrics.
16. Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Oshawa, Ontario who has gained a following for his blend of R&B, soul, and hip hop. He first gained fame with his debut EP “Praise Break” in 2014, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Caesar is known for his emotive and introspective lyrics, as well as his smooth and soulful vocals.
17. Cadence Weapon
Cadence Weapon, also known as Rollie Pemberton, is a rapper and producer from Edmonton, Alberta. He first gained fame with his debut album “Breaking Kayfabe” in 2005, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Cadence Weapon is known for his socially conscious lyrics and innovative production.
18. Jazz Cartier
Jazz Cartier, also known as Jaye Adams, is a rapper and producer from Toronto. He first gained fame with his debut mixtape “Marauding in Paradise” in 2015, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Jazz Cartier is known for his energetic and aggressive style, as well as his introspective lyrics.
19. Tanya Tagaq
Tanya Tagaq is a throat singer and rapper from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. She first gained fame with her debut album “Sinews” in 2005, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Tagaq is known for her unique and innovative style, which combines throat singing with elements of hip hop and electronic music.
20. Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez, also known as Daystar Peterson, is a rapper and singer from Toronto. He first gained fame with his mixtape “Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story” in 2013, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Tory Lanez is known for his energetic and catchy music, as well as his versatility as an artist.
21. Phoenix Pagliacci
Phoenix Pagliacci is a rapper and singer from Toronto. She first gained fame with her debut EP “I Am Not a Rapper” in 2015, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Pagliacci is known for her powerful and emotive vocals, as well as her introspective and socially conscious lyrics.
22. Obie Trice
Obie Trice, also known as Obie Trice III, is a rapper from Detroit, Michigan who has gained a following in Canada for his music. He first gained fame with his debut album “Cheers” in 2003, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Trice is known for his aggressive and hard-hitting style, as well as his introspective lyrics.
23. The Reklaws
The Reklaws are a country music duo from Cambridge, Ontario. Comprised of Stuart and Jenna Walker, the duo first gained fame with their debut single “Hometown Kids” in 2018, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. The Reklaws are known for their catchy and energetic music, as well as their relatable lyrics.
24. Rascalz
Rascalz are a hip hop group from Vancouver, British Columbia. Comprised of Red1, Misfit, and DJ Kemo, the group first gained fame with their debut album “Cash Crop” in 1997, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Rascalz are known for their socially conscious lyrics and innovative production.
25. Tyler Shaw
Tyler Shaw is a singer and rapper from Coquitlam, British Columbia. He first gained fame with his debut single “Kiss Goodnight” in 2012, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Shaw is known for his catchy and upbeat music, as well as his smooth and soulful vocals.
26. J.I.D
J.I.D, also known as Destiny Frasqueri, is a rapper and singer from East Atlanta, Georgia who has gained a following in Canada for his music. He first gained fame with his debut album “The Never Story” in 2017, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. J.I.D is known for his smooth and technical flow, as well as his introspective and socially conscious lyrics.
27. Jully Black
Jully Black is a singer and rapper from Toronto. She first gained fame with her debut album “This Is Me” in 2004, and has since released multiple successful albums and singles. Black is known for her powerful and emotive vocals, as well as her socially conscious lyrics.
Conclusion
These are just a few more of the talented Canadian rappers who have made a name for themselves within the country and beyond. From Rascalz’s socially conscious rhymes to Jully Black’s powerful vocals, there is a wide range of styles and sounds to discover within the Canadian hip hop scene.
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Frequently Ask Questions
Who are some popular Canadian rappers?
Some popular Canadian rappers include Drake, Tory Lanez, Nav, Tory Lanez, and Tory Lanez.
What are some notable Canadian rap albums?
Some notable Canadian rap albums include “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” by Drake, “I Told You” by Tory Lanez, “Bad Habits” by Nav, “Die Lit” by Playboi Carti, and “True to Self” by Bryson Tiller.
How has the Canadian rap scene evolved over the years?
The Canadian rap scene has evolved significantly over the years, with artists like Drake and Tory Lanez breaking through to become international superstars. In the past, Canadian rap was often overshadowed by the larger and more established American rap scene, but in recent years, Canadian artists have garnered significant attention and success both nationally and internationally.
Are there any unique characteristics or themes that define Canadian rap?
Canadian rap often incorporates elements of hip hop and R&B, and many Canadian artists draw inspiration from their own personal experiences and backgrounds. Themes common in Canadian rap include love and relationships, struggle and resilience, and the experience of being a minority.
What impact have Canadian rappers had on the global music industry?
Canadian rappers have had a significant impact on the global music industry, with artists like Drake and Tory Lanez achieving widespread success and critical acclaim. In addition to their commercial success, these artists have also influenced the direction of hip hop and rap music more broadly, and have helped to bring attention to the Canadian music scene.
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Frank is the Senior Content writer at BandMag. With 12+ years experience in content writing and SEO, he loves talking about content creation, SEO and Football.
