YouTube documentarian Brandon Buckingham dives deep into the often-overlooked realities of street life in Canada’s most notorious neighborhoods in his viral video “The War in Toronto | Inside Canada’s Most Dangerous Hoods.” The hour-long exposé shines a harsh light on the ongoing violence, gang rivalries, and complex culture surrounding the Jane and Finch area—long labeled one of Toronto’s most dangerous communities.

Far from the polite image often associated with Canada, Buckingham’s documentary uncovers a darker narrative through firsthand interviews, street footage, and raw commentary. The video explores the rise of Toronto’s street rap scene, featuring artists who have emerged from the trenches of Jane and Finch and surrounding areas—some using music as a means of escape, others as a tool of survival.

Among those spotlighted in the video are high-profile rappers like Pressa, who gained international attention with co-signs from Drake and collaborations with UK rapper Giggs; Wass Gang, a collective known for their gritty street anthems and viral music videos; and WhyG, another respected voice from the blocks. Buckingham also includes footage and discussion around Smugglaz, Tallup Twins, and the late Houdini, a rising star whose murder in 2020 sent shockwaves through the Toronto rap community and brought renewed attention to the city’s street-level violence. The documentary above made reference to CBC National News Documentary entitled Smugglaz The Street Rappers of Canada you can view below.

The documentary doesn’t just glamorize gang life—it investigates it. Buckingham examines how socio-economic factors, public housing, and lack of opportunity have played a role in shaping this subculture. He also interviews locals and artists who speak candidly about growing up amid gun violence, police surveillance, and territorial beefs that have led to deadly consequences. “This isn’t just music—it’s survival,” one resident says in the video.

The film makes it clear that Toronto’s street war isn’t limited to music. It’s a web of real-life rivalries, longstanding tensions, and retaliatory violence often played out both on the streets and on social media. Buckingham also highlights the stark difference between public perception and reality, showing viewers that Canada’s gang violence—though less publicized—can be just as deadly and entrenched as in U.S. cities.

The War in Toronto is part street documentary, part social commentary, and it’s earned praise and criticism alike. Some applaud Buckingham for bringing visibility to issues mainstream media often ignores; others question whether the film gives too much attention to the beefs and tragedies that fuel the cycle of violence.

What’s undeniable, though, is that the documentary has sparked new conversations—about policing, poverty, rap as resistance, and the young lives caught in the middle. With a growing global audience tuning into Toronto’s rap scene, Brandon Buckingham’s video captures a moment that is as compelling as it is tragic.

You can also learn the history of Toronto Hip Hop in this exclusive WorldWide Entertainment TV documentary below.