advertisement
FYI

Five “Queb” Rap Rookies To Watch In 2019

Maky Lavender

Five “Queb” Rap Rookies To Watch In 2019

By External Source

Maky Lavender


Born in Montréal’s Pierrefonds neighbourhood, Maky Lavender caught the hip-hop bug a few years ago, after watching the evolution of Québec’s prolific beat-making scene. Inspired by the music of High Klassified, Kaytranada, and Tommy Kruise, the young rapper was filled with a burning desire to be part of a world seemingly so distant and out of reach. “I was from the West Island,” he says. “In my mind, it was impossible to be on par with those guys. But I didn’t give up. I started by gaining the respect of people in my neighbourhood, and I enrolled in a school for sound professionals. Shortly after, I heard that [rapper and member of The Posterz] Nate Husser was looking for a sound engineer, and I began working with him. That was a big boost to my confidence. I owe him a lot.”

advertisement

After a few embryonic projects, Lavender stepped into the light in September of 2017 with an EP, Blowfoam 2, that attracted the attention of up-and-coming label, Ghost Club Records. Since then, this Jack-of-all-trades – as confident on the mic as he is a beatmaker and sound engineer – has asserted himself as one of the most well-rounded players of the Québec rap scene. His charisma is highly contagious, and he’s a peerless master of self-deprecation. His humility is like a breath of fresh air in an environment where overblown egos are all too common.

Continue reading the article conducted by Olivier Boisvert-Magnen on SOCAN’S Words and Music Website.

advertisement
Tyler Shaw at Eurovision Announcement at CBC in Toronto on Oct. 27, 2026.
Courtesy of CBC/Radio-Canada, photo taken by Shawn Goldberg

Tyler Shaw at Eurovision Announcement at CBC in Toronto on Oct. 27, 2026.

Music News

CBC Addresses Criticism Over Lack of Black and Indigenous Representation Amongst Eurovision Finalists

After the national broadcaster revealed Canada's five Eurovision finalists, artists including singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish criticized the selections for lack of diversity.

CBC is responding to criticism about the lack of diversity in Canada’s five Eurovision finalists.

Earlier this week, the Canadian broadcasting company announced the five artists who would be vying to represent the country in its first-ever Eurovision appearance: Quebecois pop artist William Cloutier, singer-songwriter Josiane, dance-pop act Rêve, vocal powerhouse TALK and singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw. They were selected from over 300 entries.

keep readingShow less
advertisement