Rising Canadian R&B Singer Kuzi Cee Lands His First Billboard Canada Chart Entry with 'Rather Be'

Kuzi Cee is making his Billboard Canada chart debut.

Building on the momentum of his Universal Music Canada/Mercury Records signing, the rising R&B singer’s breakout single “Rather Be” enters at No. 33 on the Billboard Canada CHR/Top 40 Airplay chart, dated Feb. 14.

Last October, the Calgary-based artist released "Rather Be,” a heartfelt ballad that blends nostalgic R&B sensibilities with modern production — the result of spending his formative years living in culturally-savvy places including London, New York and Toronto.

Anchored by Cee’s smooth vocals, the two-and-a-half-minute track emits deep romantic connection: “Oh girl, I love to be your soldier, soldier / No place I'd rather bе than in your heart, heart,” he croons.

“Rather Be” has hit radio rotation after first going viral online, with over two million global audio streams and more than 37.5 million views across social platforms.

As the tenant and management client at Toronto’s ArtHaus continues to grow his star power, he’s set to release his first major label album this year. “I’m ready to lace these kicks up, put pen to paper, and push R&B to every corner of the world,” Cee says.

Allie X is rising to new levels as “7th Floor” arrives on the Modern Rock chart at No. 33.

The Toronto-born, Los Angeles-based singer’s track is an explosion of genres — surf rock meets avant-garde pop topped with '80s synths. Despite clocking in at under three minutes, it’s a full maximalist moment as Allie X’s voice slinks and slurs over the incessant beat with whistled melodies that elevate the atmospheric tone.

Prior to the song's release, the artist, born Alexandra Hughes, called “7th Floor” one of the most fun tracks on her latest album, Happiness Is Going to Get You, released in November. “I never count on things going well with songs, but that one has potential,” she told Paper Magazine.

It’s not clear what the seventh floor symbolizes in the Allie X universe, but her dedication to reaching it is worthy of a listen.

On the All-Format chart, Meghan Patrick’s “Safe Place To Break” debuts at No. 44, following her entry on the Canada Country, chart while B.C. country group The Washboard Union arrives at No. 47 with “Somebody To Love.” Speaking of Country, Adam Johnson’s “The Good Ol' Boys” hits No. 53 on the chart.

Francophone pop singers, William Cloutier and Zach Chico, debut at No. 21 on AC with their duet, “Ou On Dansait Autrefois.” Stuck On Planet Earth’s “High Vibration” claims the only Mainstream Rock entry, arriving at No. 40.

At the top of the charts, Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” has been dethroned on All-Format and AC. Following the rise of Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” to the top of the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, the British songstress has claimed the No. 1 spot on All-Format, bumping Swift to No. 3 as Max McNown’s “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” climbs 3-2. While Dean maintains her position on CHR/Top 40 and Hot AC, Bruno Mars comes for the top AC spot, as “I Just Might” rises 4-1, while Swift falls to No. 2.

Country radio listeners are “Choosin’ Texas” as Ella Langley maintains her No. 1 position on that chart. Over on the rock Airplay charts, Canadian group Three Day Grace spend a third week at the top with “Kill Me Fast” on Mainstream Rock, while Winnipeg’s Boy Golden hits week 11 at No. 1 on Modern Rock.

Check out the Billboard Canada Airplay charts here.