Community News
There is always more than meets the eye – Cormega is not your average artist
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Once again, Lord Fury and the Supreme Genes Team are bringing Hip-Hop royalty to Canada, and as a community paper, we proudly stand with them. This isn’t just about concerts it is about restoring the essence of Hip-Hop. Supreme Genes is taking us back to a time when hip hop was the voice of the voiceless, speaking truth to the realities of Africans in the diaspora. They are reviving the culture, the lyricism, and the unapologetic message that Hip Hop was built on. It’s more than music; it’s a movement
They are back with another epic night of real Hip-Hop in Toronto, and this one’s going to be LEGENDARY! Supreme Genes Records proudly presents: Cormega, Group Home, and Knowledge the Pirate live at the Phoenix Concert Theatre on Sunday, October 13th, 2024. This show is part of the venue’s final concert series, The Final Spin, marking the end of 33 1/3 years of incredible music history. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Date: Sunday, October 13th, 2024
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Concert Theatre | 410 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON
Lineup:
Cormega – Legendary MC known for his work with The Firm and a standout solo career
Group Home – Iconic duo delivering the classics from their timeless album, Livin’ Proof
Knowledge the Pirate – Gritty lyricist with stories straight from the streets
With Asun Eastwood opening the night, Lord Fury hosting, and music by DJ Mercilless, this event is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Hip-Hop mogul Marley Marl dubbed Cormega “The original gangsta rapper from Queensbridge,” for his starkly lyrical accounts of life in Queens, NY’s Queensbridge Houses, the largest housing project on Earth.
Cormega, a formidable figure in the Hip-Hop landscape, has transcended his artistic legacy to become a powerful example of hope and positive change. His involvement with The Forgiveness Project in Canada exemplifies his dedication to uplifting communities and empowering individuals. By offering programs that prioritize young men in custody, Cormega is not only providing essential skills, but also fostering a culture of forgiveness and resilience. His personal visits to correctional facilities underscore his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who often feel marginalized and overlooked. Through his actions, Cormega has proven that Hip-Hop can be more than just music; it can be a catalyst for transformation and a force for good.
I had a chance to speak with him about the work he is doing, and he openly shared his thoughts with me. “When I visit these men in prison, I speak with them about life; I motivate them. Stumbling isn’t falling! I refer to the words of Malcom X, often. He was a man who experienced the harshness of prison and look at the man he turned out to be.”
“When I went to jail, I didn’t have my high school diploma or college degree. When I came out, I had a diploma and college credits. This is something that I help the inmates know is possible for them.”
“I have an affinity and respect for Toronto, and after this concert, I want people in Toronto to leave feeling that they got their money’s worth.”
“How is it that people don’t know more about the work that you are doing here in Canada,” I asked.
“I do things for God, and my inner God. It is balancing the scales of life. I like to do my deeds in silence,” Cormega replied. “The love and respect that I get from the inmates and their families is priceless.”
Toronto, you still have a couple days to be part of Hip Hop history here in Toronto. Don’t wait – secure your spot at this iconic concert before it sells out. Tickets are moving fast, and this might be your last chance to catch these legendary artists live in Toronto.