The New Toronto

Toronto is recognised as the most multicultural city in the world, with more than 250 ethnic groups and 170 languages represented. That unique composition is reflected in the ceaselessly eclectic and inventive hip-hop coming out of the city. While it’s impossible to speak of Toronto hip-hop without mentioning the game-changing success of Drake and his vibey, melodic, confessional style, his impact has proven to be as much structural as musical, opening international eyes to the breadth and depth of hip-hop being made in all corners of the city. These days, industry attention is shifting away from traditional downtown music scenes to enclaves like Jane and Finch, Regent Park, Rexdale and Parma Court. Those neighbourhoods—largely populated by communities from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean—are where a young generation is forging a new sound of Toronto, drawing lyrical inspiration from their hard-knock upbringings and musical influences from all around the world.