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FYI

 Lil Berete: Time Flies

The 17-year-old rapper/singer is being tipped as the potential next big thing from the Six. This cut from his just-released debut mixtape shows why, as it showcases his vocal chops alongside smart production on a breezy and catchy tune.

 Lil Berete: Time Flies

By Kerry Doole

Lil Berete -  "Time Flies" (New Gen/Beggars): On Friday, this Toronto rapper/singer released his debut mixtape, Icebreaker. Look for it to do just that, as the 17-year-old seems poised to break through fast.


Earlier tracks “Southside” and “Northside" made a mark, and one of Icebreaker's tracks, "No Makeup (feat. JoEazy)," quickly scored 623K YouTube views.

"Time Flies" is rapidly gaining momentum also, with its cause aided by an eye-catching video shot in the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. That complements the breezy and catchy vibe of a well-produced (by KR Moore) cut that shows Lil Berete has a melodic vocal style.

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His chops caught the ear of New Gen, an imprint of XL Recordings, and that label began working with him late last year. His work had already been resonating around the Toronto housing projects of Regent Park where Berete (of Guinean descent) was raised. Flanked by his crew known as STN, who were known for unifying the once opposing two sides of town Northside and Southside, Lil Berete and his crew were doing things differently and on their terms.

Berete cites Akon, T-Pain and Young Thug as key influences, and he has been tipped for the top by the likes of Fader and Complex. We concur.

Links

Website

Instagram

Management:  midtownmusicmanagement3m@gmail.com

Label contact: David Freeman, Beggars

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From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026
Gabriel Di Sante

From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Management

Daniel Caesar's Surprise Tribute to His Managers & More of the Best Moments From Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Caesar presented the Managers of the Year Award to his longtime managers Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans as industry luminaries gathered to celebrate at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch x MMF Canada Honour Roll at SOUNDSTAGE at NXNE on June 11. Angine de Poitrine manager Sébastien Collin and Yungblud manager Tommas Arnby also received special awards.

The most influential managers from across the globe gathered at SOUNDSTAGE in Toronto on June 11 at NXNE to celebrate Billboard Canada Managers to Watch. The celebration spotlighted the people who put in the behind-the-scenes work to elevate artists across the country following the release of this year's coveted Managers to Watch list.

“If you want to get something done, call the manager,” said Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski in his opening remarks. "You are the ones who are closest to the artists, the unsung heroes of the music industry. You have the vision and the tools to open doors and build careers, yet you are rarely in the spotlight yourselves."

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