It’s becoming clearer each day that Canada’s got the juice. And thankfully, it’s not just the Toronto sound that everyone is focused on. Thanks to an arsenal of tracks from coast to coast, the entire world is paying attention to us. In Quebec, rappers like Zach Zoya are turning heads, while artists like So Loki steadily deliver heat in the west.
Canada’s buzzing scene continues to birth undeniable talent, turning the cultural spotlight north of the border. Naturally, streaming giants are paying attention and Spotify’s ‘Northern Bars’ playlist is working hard to become the digital stage for some of today’s and tomorrow’s hottest Canadian artists including 88Glam, Layla Hendryx, Jazz Cartier, and Killy.
At this point, we shouldn't have to tell you that Spotify’s popular ‘RapCaviar’ playlist has shaped hip-hop’s current sound and helped propel street anthems into certified Billboard success stories. And since we pretty much run music right now, it only makes sense that ‘Northern Bars’ is on-trend to do the same thing. The curated list is chock-full of certified Canadian bops from Belly, Sean Leon, and Naya Ali, and if those names don’t ring a bell, it’s damn well time to get familiar with them. Here are 15 Canadian artists to watch courtesy of Spotify’s Northern Bars’ playlist.
It’s becoming clearer each day that Canada’s got the juice. And thankfully, it’s not just the Toronto sound that everyone is focused on. Thanks to an arsenal of tracks from coast to coast, the entire world is paying attention to us. In Quebec, rappers like Zach Zoya are turning heads, while artists like So Loki steadily deliver heat in the west.
Canada’s buzzing scene continues to birth undeniable talent, turning the cultural spotlight north of the border. Naturally, streaming giants are paying attention and Spotify’s ‘Northern Bars’ playlist is working hard to become the digital stage for some of today’s and tomorrow’s hottest Canadian artists including 88Glam, Layla Hendryx, Jazz Cartier, and Killy.
At this point, we shouldn't have to tell you that Spotify’s popular ‘RapCaviar’ playlist has shaped hip-hop’s current sound and helped propel street anthems into certified Billboard success stories. And since we pretty much run music right now, it only makes sense that ‘Northern Bars’ is on-trend to do the same thing. The curated list is chock-full of certified Canadian bops from Belly, Sean Leon, and Naya Ali, and if those names don’t ring a bell, it’s damn well time to get familiar with them. Here are 15 Canadian artists to watch courtesy of Spotify’s Northern Bars’ playlist.
Jazz Cartier
Jacuzzi La Fleur’s energetic and cinematic catalogue is the perfect soundtrack for his near-legendary performances. The Prince of the City is only a few projects deep, but he’s already well on his way to greatness. Jazz’s latest offering, "Right Now," is a sign that his delayed studio debut, Fleurever, will be well worth the wait.
Tory Lanez
Tory’s been around for a minute now, but his latest album, Memories Don’t Die, proved the singer-rapper is an absolute monster. Now almost a decade into the game, the kid from Brampton has record-making down to a science and tracks like "B.I.D" prove to us that Fargo is here to stay.
Baka Not Nice
If you live in Toronto, chances are you couldn’t escape "Live Up To My Name" this past summer. The rap anthem by Drake security turned OVO signee, Baka Not Nice, was a hit beyond the city too — Riri herself even borrowed a line from the song for a clever Instagram caption. And while the tune blew up beyond anyone’s expectation, it’s nice to know Baka isn’t a one-hit wonder. Give a listen to the unapologetic "I Am Who I Am" and see for yourself.
NAV
NAV seemingly came out of nowhere, but we’ve been watching dude since his early days on SoundCloud. And since then, the Rexdale rapper has signed with XO, toured the globe with The Weeknd, and even collaborated with Metro Boomin. More recently, after some drama with XXL, NAV dropped the snarling "Freshman List" and showed fans why he’s one to watch.
Belly
A Canadian OG, Belly has been making moves long before his crossover smash, "Might Not" hit the airwaves. The Ottawa emcee is known for his excellent pen game, and along with his impressive solo career, Belly has leveled up by writing for superstars like Beyonce and The Weeknd. With that in-mind, it makes sense that "Maintain," his newest cut with NAV, is littered with plenty of quotables.
Sean Leon
Sean Leon doesn’t drop projects, he drops experiences. The IXXI mastermind is one of the nation’s most artistically savvy emcees, and its tracks like the icy cold "Winter" that showcase his incredible sonic curation. If you’ve yet to take in his freshest release, C.C.W.M.T.T (Can't Come With Me This Time), go do so immediately.
Zach Zoya
Montreal's wonderkid, Zach Zoya, has just a few singles to his credit but listen to the infectious "Who Dat" and try not to get excited. We’re not the only ones to see the potential either. The young gun is already getting support from local heroes like High Klassified — the two joined forces on the recently released banger, "1919".
Naya Ali
Naya Ali initially caught our attention thanks to a couple of dope Cardi B and Post Malone remixes, but her vicious flow and warbly tone are just as fire on her sophomore heater "Out the Dirt". She’s still a bit of an enigma, but if her original work is any indication, we’ll be seeing her name a lot more in the very near future.
Layla Hendryx
It’s been a minute since Layla Hendryx dropped a new project, but the last time she did it was a smash. A few years into the game, Layla has mastered a sweet, almost laissez faire cadence over nasty trap production. It’s no wonder that we still rinse tracks like "Rain or Snow" and "Word on Road".
Murda Beatz
Murda Beatz has been a wizard behind the curtain for rappers like Migos, Gucci Mane, and French Montana. Now, the platinum-selling producer is stepping into the spotlight with his own projects, including a joint tape with rising star SmokePurpp. That aforementioned album, called ‘Bless Yo Trap’, is available to stream now.
Boi1da
Along with Noah "40" Shebib, Boi1da has cemented his legacy by building and shaping Drake’s sound. But it’s not just beats for Drizzy, as 1da has gifted other greats with production too. Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Kanye West, the list goes on and on. If you aren’t keeping tabs on Boi1da, what are you even doing?
88 Glam
The recent XO signees unleashed a mixtape last year full of dope, grimey tracks like "Bali," "Big Tymers," and the menacing "12". The duo, comprised of Derek Wise and 88Camino, already had promising solo careers in Toronto so it's no wonder that their collaborative effort has been a home run success.
The Sorority
Made up of four individually talented emcees, The Sorority is basically Toronto's answer to The Avengers. When pHoenix Pagliacci, Keysha Freshh, Lex Leosis and Haviah Mighty join forces, expect to hear relentless bars and filmic storytelling. The Sorority is currently on a North American tour, and you can jot down those dates by visiting their official website here.
Killy
Killy is in the midst of a European tour right now, which is enough evidence that "Kilimanjaro" has entered worldbeater status. The sauce doesn’t stop at that one song either, as Killy’s first project, Surrender Your Soul, is armed with 10 earworm tracks. In an interview with NOW Magazine last month, the 20-year-old explained his vibe as alien-like, which would make Killy the littest E.T. since that faceless thing from Annihilation.
Mike Shabb
Rapper-producer, Mike Shabb, is part of a unique and emerging scene in Montreal. Along with other talents like Maky Lavender and MTLord, Shabb champions vibey, bass-heavy tracks to his audience. If you’re into hazy beats and in-your-face vocals, make sure you add "Rack$" to your library.