(WWETV) – These days, when people think of Toronto and hip hop, the first name that comes to mind is Drake. The 6 God has taken the music world by storm, and with albums like Views From The 6, he’s become a global icon. But what about the hip hop scene in Toronto before Drake’s rise to fame?

That’s exactly what the documentary Now or Never: Before The 6 – Toronto Rappers & Hip Hop Documentary sets out to explore. Produced by Topshot Pictures, this underground gem first debuted at the On Film Festival in Toronto—and it’s a must-watch for any true hip hop fan.

📽️ Telling Toronto’s Untold Hip Hop Story

Now or Never takes you on a journey through the city’s gritty and vibrant music history, long before Drake made it international. The film shines a spotlight on the pioneers who laid the foundation for what Toronto’s hip hop scene has become today.

From KRS-One linking up with Michie Mee, dubbed Canada’s Queen of Urban Music, to the rise of Maestro Fresh Wes—the first Canadian rapper to really break through—the documentary captures the evolution of a culture that’s been bubbling under the surface for decades.

🎤 Meet the Voices Behind the Movement

One of the standout voices in the film is Sticky Green, a legendary rapper from the Jane and Finch area, known for his work with The Smugglaz. Sticky brings raw, firsthand insight into Toronto’s street life and the early hip hop grind, reminding us there’s way more to Toronto rap than just mainstream success.

The film also features:

• DRK – a former backup dancer for Maestro Fresh Wes turned respected producer

• Dan-e-o – a veteran rapper and actor (you might know him from the film Tapped Out)

• Paul Nguyen – community leader and founder of Jane-Finch.com

• Rising stars like Robin Banks, and many more

🎬 Rare Footage & Iconic Moments

What really makes Now or Never special is the rare, exclusive footage. We’re talking archival clips of Michie Mee, Maestro Fresh Wes, Choclair, Saukrates, and Kardinal Offishall—all artists who paved the way for the new generation.

Plus, the doc gives early glimpses of today’s buzz-worthy names like Pressa and the Wass Gang, who’ve helped put Toronto’s newer neighborhoods on the hip hop map. Pressa was even recently featured in The War in Toronto: Inside Canada’s Most Dangerous Hoods, further highlighting how the city’s music and street culture go hand in hand.

🎧 Get the Soundtrack

Want to hear the sounds of that era? The Now or Never soundtrack, featuring music from Sticky Green and others, is now available online.

Grab it here:

ITUNES:

Final Thoughts 💭

If Views From The 6 made you fall in love with Toronto’s sound, Now or Never will help you understand where it all began. It’s a raw, real, and necessary look at the city’s rich hip hop heritage—and a reminder that before Drake, there were legends already putting Toronto on the map.

Go watch it, and take a step back in time. The 6ix didn’t rise overnight.