In responses, fans staunchly defended Toronto’s stylistic identity in hip-hop.

IS THERE A TORONTO SOUND?

Diversity in hip-hop has long been evident through its regional manifestations, tracing back to the genre’s inception. While the 90s witnessed pronounced distinctions between the West Coast and East Coast sounds, these regional variations persist today. The emergence of southern rap in that era catalyzed a progression toward contemporary trap styles, further diversifying the genre. Moreover, the internet has facilitated the recognition of even more distinct regional sounds by rap enthusiasts. Recently, Ebro sparked controversy by questioning Toronto’s purported absence of a distinct hip-hop identity during a discussion about the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud.

In the midst of a radio dialogue concerning the feud, Ebro diverted attention to the broader context, making remarks regarding both Drake and the city from which he hails lacking a definitive regional sound. Predictably, this assertion elicited a spectrum of reactions from fans. In the ensuing discourse, fans vehemently contested Ebro’s stance. “Drake does possess a unique sound; it’s rooted in Young Money, a fact often overlooked,” one fan asserted. Another countered, “Drake represents Toronto, a city largely overlooked in the rap scene until his emergence. How can one expect him to embody a regional identity in a place where rap was previously disregarded?”

Toronto has sounded off on the debate as social media sees many of the city’s top media personalities lashing back at the critics.

Certainly, not everyone may be a fan of Drake, but there’s a reason why so many artists collaborate with him. He brings a significant boost from his fan base, which benefits other artists. In the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick, it’s clear that Kendrick stands to gain more from the exposure than Drake does.

This dynamic mirrors the historical narrative of the Tupac and Biggie beef. Despite Pac’s greater fame at the time, Biggie’s name is consistently intertwined with his in discussions, showcasing how he benefited from the controversy. Similarly, Kendrick is experiencing a similar phenomenon now.

TORONTO’S CARIBBEAN BACKGROUND

While Toronto undeniably possesses its own unique sound, the question remains: is it embraced on a global scale? There’s a prevalent notion that artists must first break through in the US or UK before garnering acceptance in their hometown. This often entails conforming to the sound that resonates with radio and audiences in those markets.

This dilemma isn’t exclusive to hip-hop; dancehall artists face similar challenges. Take Shenseea, for instance. Despite her talent, there’s anticipation for her to make a significant crossover. It’s speculated that she could differentiate herself by incorporating more rap into her repertoire. However, concerns about ghostwriting and vulnerability to criticism in rap battles may deter her from fully exploring this avenue.

THE TERRITORIAL BATTLES OF HIP HOP

This adds to the argument of the regional nature of hip-hop, wherein differences in style and skill are apparent even between artists from the South and North, despite practicing the same art form. Breaking into the scene as an outsider is even more challenging, but Drake managed to crack the code. He collaborated with artists from Los Angeles like The Game, defying regional boundaries.

TORONTO AND AMERICAN ARTIST COLLABORATIONS

This is why some artists in the city have taken shots at Drake. Saukrates, who was signed to Warner Music and associated with Redman, shared insights about labels fearing a repeat of the BeatlesMania scenario, where the top US artists were from another country, diverting revenue overseas. Saukrates, a respected figure in the industry whom Drake admires, influenced Drake’s blend of singing and rapping. Their collaboration with Redman and Method Man showcased Saukrates’ talent.

In the early stages of his career, Drake’s collaboration with Saukrates was significant. At that time, Kardi was a prominent figure with a distinct Toronto sound, albeit not universally embraced in the city. Drake and Kardi’s fallout stemmed from Drake aligning with a rapper Kardi was feuding with, leading to diss tracks. This illustrates the tribalistic nature of hip-hop, with artists learning from industry treatment and rivalries.

Drake’s strategic maneuvers were evident when he supported emerging artists like Robin Banks, whom he gave the “Drake stimulus package.” During his feud with Meek Mill, Drake countered by showcasing other Toronto rappers like Pressa. Drake’s calculated approach extends beyond Toronto, with chess-like moves in various regions, including his potential counter against Kendrick.

However, questions arise regarding Drake’s signings to OVO, particularly artists lacking significant buzz. While he’s given features to artists like Smiley, signed to OVO, they may not garner the same underground attention. Some criticize Drake for this, but it reflects his strategic learning from past failures of Toronto artists to break into the US and UK markets, where acts like the Dream Warriors found success.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS