In this WWETV throwback report, Miaira Jennings captured a pivotal moment in hip-hop conversation — when Billboard released its controversial Greatest Rappers of All Time list, sparking debate across generations of artists, DJs, and cultural voices.

At the same time, Toronto hip-hop was experiencing a moment of recognition of its own.

The report also spotlighted the early momentum of Now or Never: Before The 6 – Toronto Rappers & Hip Hop, which had just made its On Film Festival debut, marking a major step in documenting the city’s culture before it became a global brand. WWETV further announced that the documentary would soon make its television debut on Rogers TV, bringing Toronto hip-hop history directly to local audiences.

Voices From the Culture

The segment featured a range of interviews that together painted a layered picture of Toronto’s hip-hop ecosystem — from radio to DJ culture, live events, and legacy artists.

• Nefarius (also known as MC Collizhun) reflected on the role of college radio, emphasizing howG-era platforms that supported independent artists long before digital streaming reshaped discovery.

• DJ Mel Boogie spoke on the evolution of DJ culture in Toronto, recalling an era when selectors were gatekeepers of sound, taste, and community energy.

• Lloyd Coke paid tribute to the late Maestro Fresh Wes, highlighting Maestro’s enduring impact on Canadian hip-hop and his role in establishing a national identity for the genre.

• DRK reintroduced himself to the city’s hip-hop audience, reconnecting past contributions to the present-day scene.

• Dan-e-o discussed The Big Ticket Concert Series, underscoring how live events once served as crucial cultural meeting points for Toronto hip-hop fans and artists alike.

A Moment of Reflection

Beyond debates and announcements, the report also paused to acknowledge loss within the community.

WWETV paid respects to Richard Brefo, also known as Gizmo, brother of DJ Scruff of the Junior Jones Group, who passed away that week. His mention served as a reminder that Toronto hip-hop history is built not only on records and performances, but on people whose contributions often live behind the scenes.

Preserving the Timeline

Looking back now, this WWETV segment stands as more than a news report. It documents a crossroads moment — when global hip-hop conversations intersected with Toronto’s own efforts to preserve its story through Before The 6.

Before algorithms.
Before international validation.
Before the spotlight fully arrived.

🎥 Watch the original WWETV report here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKaWWp–LzI

This is how history was recorded — as it was happening.