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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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Awards

20-Song Long List Announced for New SOCAN Polaris Song Prize

The new accolade will award the best Canadian song chosen by a jury of the nation’s critics. Tracks by Kaytranada, Saya Gray, Mustafa, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and more are competing for the $10,000 prize.

For the first time in 2025, the Polaris Music Prize is going to a song.

The SOCAN Polaris Song Prize has unveiled its 20-nominee long list. Like the Polaris Music Prize, which honours one Canadian album based solely on artistic merit, this one does the same but for an individual track. Similarly, the Song Prize will be voted on by the members of the Polaris jury without regard to musical genre, label affiliation or commercial popularity.

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