Benny Blacc Speaks: Toronto Hip Hop OG Launches Podcast & Reflects on the Rise of the 6ix

Exclusive Interview from the Vault

In a rare and candid 2018 interview, Benny Blacc, one-half of Toronto’s pioneering rap duo The Smugglaz, sat down with the We Love Hip Hop Network to discuss the evolution of the city’s hip hop landscape and his own lasting legacy in the “6ix.” Known for his role in shaping Toronto’s street rap scene in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Blacc used the interview to announce his next move: launching a podcast titled “Voice Of Reason.”

🎙 A New Era of Media From a Veteran Voice

With Voice Of Reason, Benny Blacc aimed to contribute to the new wave of urban media in Toronto, a city that’s risen to global prominence thanks to artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and NAV. As one of the city’s original street rap voices, Blacc brings not only credibility but also perspective to a scene he helped build from the ground up.

“The city’s changed,” Benny said. “Back then we were building the foundation. Now it’s up to the new generation to build skyscrapers on it.”

🔥 From “Street Rappers” to Citywide Anthems

The Smugglaz made their mark with “Street Rappers”, a gritty street anthem that aired on MuchMusic and later stirred national conversation when it became the subject of a CBC The National documentary—the first hip hop feature to ever air in Canadian prime time.

Their raw, unapologetic sound, led by Benny Blacc and partner Sticky Green, captured the realities of life in Toronto’s Jane & Finch neighborhood. Their follow-up anthem, “Jane & Finchin,” became an iconic representation of their community and was later featured on the official soundtrack for the MTV/Paramount film How She Move.

📡 Reflections on the New Wave: Robin Banks, Pressa & Roney

In the interview, Blacc shared his thoughts on the city’s new generation of artists making noise in 2018—including Robin Banks from Up Top Movementz, Pressa of BFR Records, and Roney, who had recently returned home from a prison sentence.

“They’re carrying the torch now,” Blacc said. “I respect the grind, but I also want to see more structure. We had to create everything from scratch—now there’s more opportunity, more exposure, and a global audience.”

🏙 From Underground to Documentary Spotlight

Beyond music, The Smugglaz were recently featured in the Brandon Buckingham documentary The War in Toronto | Inside Canada’s Most Dangerous Hoods, cementing their influence not just in hip hop, but in the cultural storytelling of urban Toronto.

As the city’s sound and image continue to evolve, veterans like Benny Blacc are stepping up to ensure the roots of Toronto hip hop aren’t forgotten—while still pushing the culture forward.

🗣 Catch the full conversation on the We Love Hip Hop Network and stay tuned for Benny Blacc’s podcast, Voice of Reason