Canadian Music Week is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with exclusive events throughout the conference. CMW is happening June 5-10—here’s a peek at what’s on deck.
The following was created in collaboration with Canadian Music Week, a company DMN is proud to be partnered with.
Canadian Music Week is celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with an electrifying concert from East Coast legends The Lox on June 9 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, with special guest Kardinal Offishall. Tickets for the event are available now.
CMW attendees can look forward to the CMW Music Summit panel ‘The Lox x Steve Lobel: Making Moves, Building Empires, and Paving the Way for Hip-Hop Culture’ at the Westin Harbour Castle. Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss will also share candid stories, insights, and perspectives on their careers and legacy, offering an intimate look into the world of hip-hop.
“Participating as a sponsor for the hip-hop track at the much-anticipated Canadian Music Week is a true honor for us,” says Ajene Watson, Managing Partner at Dot Hip Hop, LLC. “As we celebrate this momentous occasion of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, we pay homage to a culture that has undeniably shaped society, continuously breaking barriers and inspiring global audiences.”
The celebration of hip-hop during CMW isn’t just honoring the past but also enthusiastic anticipation of the future. As the power of hip-hop is that it is a genre constantly evolving, remaining at the forefront of creativity and innovation within the industry. Here’s a peek at how CMW is providing a digital identify for the hip-hop community.
On June 8, the CMW Music Summit will screen part one of the PBS docuseries, ‘Fight The Power: How Hip-Hop Changed The World’ where Chuck D from Public Enemy explores hip-hop’s political awakening over the last 50 years. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Chuck D, B-Real of Cypress Hill, and Lorrie Boula from Soul Kitchen hosted by Maestro Fresh Wes. The panel will discuss the importance of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and how it has shaped the minds of generations and the contributions each generation has made to the history of the genre.
On June 10 at the CMW Music Summit, Dalton Higgins will host ‘Shaping the Soundscape of Tomorrow: Embracing Urban A&R in an Evolving Music Industry.’ This engaging keynote interview with Darrale Jones, Senior Vice President of Urban A&R at Atlantic Records will delve into his career and the dynamic world of Urban A&R with its pivotal role in shaping the future of the music industry.
Later, the highly anticipated keynote interview with “King of the Mixtape” DJ Drama, hosted by DJ Charlie B, Director fo A&R at Warner. DJ Drama will talk about his years riding the new wave of new sounds and artists and the evolution of nightlife and the music industry. He’ll share stories about prized talent discoveries like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow.
“We are proud to be the Canadian destination for this remarkable initiative celebrating 50 years of hip-hop,” adds Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. “Toronto has been at the center of hip-hop greatness throughout its storied history, and attendees will have the chance to rub shoulders with greatness as we celebrate pioneers of the genre, including key Canadian contributors.”
Canadian Music Week will celebrate the new generation of hip-hop with music festival showcases kicking off June 5 featuring Chloe Tang, Maeesha b, REINI B, Aieysha Haws, Mc Pipo, and Emma Beko at the Paddock Tavern and Temia, JACE Carrillo, Koda, MC Wild, dichotomi and friends, ZENON, and Mic North at Bar Cathedral.
On June 6 fans can see Roderick Porter & Dom Vallie with Lyan Parix at Axis Club. On June 7 Create Music Group will showcase The Drake Underground with Charmie, Talltale, Amanda Frances, YSN Fab, Yung Tory, and Eva Shaw & Friends.