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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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Executive of the Week: Justin West of Secret City Records on the Secrets of Independent Music Success​
FYI

Executive of the Week: Justin West of Secret City Records on the Secrets of Independent Music Success​

The man behind one of Canada's most successful indie labels talks about the late-blooming success of French-language streaming record-holder Patrick Watson, why he builds long-term relationships with artists, and why it's important for the indie sector to work together.

Justin West is a leader and advocate in Canada’s independent music scene, but he didn’t plan it out that way. When he started his record label Secret City Records in Montreal in the mid-2000s, it was out of necessity. He had met an artist he loved and wanted to build a career with, and the label was a means to do it. That artist was Patrick Watson, and 20 years later he — and Secret City — are more successful than ever.

West — a multiple time Billboard Canada Power Player – leads one of the biggest indie labels in Canada while also advocating for the sector on multiple boards both locally and internationally. When we speak to him for this Executive of the Week interview, he’s just returned from Banff for the National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture, and is a central figure in discussions around the Online Streaming Act and collective negotiations with online streaming platforms.

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