Community News
Don’t make records, make history! The Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop celebrated, and rightfully so!
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“Imagine the ripple effect if artists like myself continue to plant seeds like this; the future will be bright.”
Over the years, as a journalist, I have had the opportunity to meet some incredible people; individuals who have shifted the needle, changed society, ruffled feathers at times, and willed people to change just by the actions they have taken in their personal lives.
One person that instantly comes to mind is a man who I have praised in the past for being such a dynamic presence in Canada. I have watched him as a fan first, and now as a friend, diversifying his portfolio and demonstrating a range of musical skills and styles. This versatility has made him more appealing to a broader audience and has attracted a fan base that stretches over cultural barriers. Although musical trends and preferences have changed over time, his ability to reinvent himself has kept him relevant and adaptable to the ever-evolving market demands. It has helped him gain exposure, attracting fans with varying tastes, and increasing overall visibility in the music industry.
Relying solely on one style or subject can be risky. “There is not a shortage of rappers, but there is a shortage of Black youth involved in learning trades Simone, “ he shared with me during our early rising interview. In that discussion he reminded me that if a particular niche falls out of favour, or becomes oversaturated, it can negatively impact an artist’s career. Diversification helps mitigate this risk by spreading exposure across different areas of expertise.
I am very proud to announce that Canadian Hip Hop Icon Maestro Fresh Wes (Wes Williams) will become the first Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. The festivities take place in Halifax, NS during JUNO week, March 20th-24th, 2024. What is synergistic about this honour is the fact that when realizing the impact he could have, he initiated the “MAESTRO FRESH WES SCHOLARSHIP” for Black youth enrolled in NSCC Akerley Campus in Dartmouth NS, and the recipient for the scholarship will also be announced in March 2024.
Let’s go back to the first part of this; yes, our Godfather of Hip Hop is going to be celebrated with his induction into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. The Canadian Music Hall Of Fame was established in 1978 by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to honour Canadian musicians for their lifetime achievements in music.
His debut album, Symphony in Effect (1989), was the first album by a Black Canadian artist to be certified platinum in Canada. Y’all remember his hit single “Let Your Backbone Slide,” one of the most successful and influential Canadian songs of all time. In 2019, it became the first rap song to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
Maestro has been nominated for 13 Juno Awards, including the inaugural award for Rap Recording of the Year in 1991. He was named No. 1 on CBC Music’s 2013 list of the greatest Canadian rappers, and he has become a successful actor, author and motivational speaker while remaining a prominent figure in Canadian hip hop.
Maestro has always felt that his role is to give back for the success he has been blessed with. In 2016 the NSCC (Nova Scotia Community Colleges) presented Maestro with an honourary diploma based on his positive impact on the community. Williams’s first book, Stick To Your Vision (2010) became mandatory reading for 10th grade students in the province, and the Wes Williams Project at the Akerley Campus has also inspired several adult students.
Maestro had mentioned to me a couple years ago about starting this scholarship, so when I heard he had executed and brought the scholarship to life, I checked back in with him to share his passion for this project.
“We have been socially engineered not to use our hands,” Maestro shared. “We are builders, even in The Bible it speaks about Jesus being a carpenter, and the power of being able to create with your hands. Society is removing us from knowing our great talents, and what we can do with our hands. It is not just about athletics and music. Even as a musician, I think you should still have a trade, something to fall back on.
I wish I had an ol’ G who would have helped me realize this. There is an oversaturation of rappers right now. Even my son, I want him to learn a trade, learn how to work with his hands.”
Maestro continues to mentor youth with his third children’s album “Maestro Fresh Wes Presents Stick To Your Vision “For Young Athletes” available now on all platforms. The album was produced by: Dub J, Warren Williams, Black Orchid and Surgeon and The Butcher featuring artists: JD Era, Roger Mooking, Rochester AKA Juice , JRDN, Keysha Freshh, Charmaine and introducing 11-year-old Shavonne Washington. It was recorded in Saint John, NB with Stephen Hero and Paul Milner, mixed in Toronto by Secret Suburbia.
“I am very proud of the scholarship, and I am proud of being inducted, but it is a little uncomfortable for me receiving accolades for work that I know needs to be done for our community. I am honoured to create my first scholarship at this awesome campus. It is my goal to have more Black youth interested in trades and be involved in career paths such as welding, carpentry, plumbing etc.”
As artists evolve and grow personally, their interests and perspectives may change, and Maestro has reflected these changes in his work, ensuring that his art remains a genuine expression of who he is at any given point in his artistic journey.
“DON’T MAKE RECORDS, MAKE HISTORY! “
When you get a chance, don’t forget to check out Maestro Fresh Wes Presents “Stick To Your Vision “For Young Athletes.”