Bio

Born Jason Rochester, the tall and noticeably handsome emcee grew up in the Islington/Finch corridor of Toronto and demonstrated a unique artistic gift as a young teen - that of a comic book illustrator. Influenced by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Dennis Brown and Jay-Z, Juice casually dabbled in the art of rhyme slinging in his old neighborhood, at one time joining rap clique The STC (Street Terrorist Clique). Years later when Canada’s first urban radio station (FLOW 93.5 fm) held their inaugural Soul Search talent contest (in 2002), he graduated with honours from occasional ’hood cipher contributor to centre-stage entertainer. A charismatic performance coupled with an ability to paint candid pictures through his rhymes crowned Juice the Soul Search’s inaugural first prize winner for his original composition “Young Luv” - an animated ode to early childhood romance - Juice’s career kicked into overdrive.

What exactly was it about his flow, lyrical content and live show that stood out amongst the legions of burgeoning rappers seeking their big break? “I’m the opposite of your typical cliché rapper,” relates Juice, “As rappers continue to spend their time rhyming about hos, and negative situations, I actually use my stage time to show respect to women and talk about bringing hope.”

As music luminaries began to take notice of Juice’s rapid ascent, he continued to crash through music industry barriers with skillful rhymes that garnered unique marketing opportunities. His B-Boy-next-door good looks secured him a gig as the face of Athlete’s World/Bata Canada’s recent The World Is Yours national ad campaign. Juice was also commissioned by Much Music to appear in the campaign that launched urban video station Much Vibe. He went on to pen the theme song for “Basketball City” on Sportsnet/Raptors Television and to win Universal Music Canada's “My Block” remix contest for the song “Too Long” (featuring partners-in-rhyme Mhedikc and Jarod). This would help to create the climate in which to meet both the market and fans’ demand for his music.

Rochester aka Juice’s full-length debut, A New Day (released in Spring 2005 on MapleMusic Recordings) marks a Canadian urban music revolution. Not only is Juice the first hip hop act to be released by MapleMusic Recordings, he is also the first artist to emerge from the much-fêted Foundation Creative Group; a loose Toronto-based collective of renowned producers (Tone Mason), commercial graphic designers/conceptualists (Street Level Imaging), emcee’s (Mhedikc, Drex) and artist managers (Public Management). Simply put, when you have producers in your camp whose credits include Talib Kweli and AZ, you’re well on your way to urban music glory.

While the challenge for most world class Canadian rap talents has been to stylistically set themselves apart from their American rap neighbors, Juice, like Kardinal Offishall before him, is a unique first-generation Canadian emcee. His lyrics speak to distinctly local concerns while carrying universal themes. “Some cats feel because they sell a couple of dime bags that they’re hustlers, gangsters and thug rappers like they see on BET,” relates Juice. “The situation in Canada is different. Sure some people are living that kind of life, but why rap about busting guns when you’re not? I come from a proud Dominican and Jamaican household, grew up with my two parents, and I didn’t live that kind of life ... so why am I going to rap about something that I don’t live?” He adds: “Music is expression of self. If that’s not you, don’t express it.”

Label: MapleMusic Recordings

Bio

Citizen: striving to live an honest and meaningful life.
Kane: child of sin, ancestor of man.
The force embodied in CITIZEN KANE: Spade, represents the daily struggle to balance the good and bad from within ones inner self.

Each track that CITIZEN KANE slams out melds these two dynamics and it is precisely because of this fusion that CITIZEN KANE is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. A member of the Toronto hip-hop scene for the past twelve years, CITIZEN KANE has been steadily building foundations and has emerged as one of the leading rap groups in Canada. A string of extremely well received singles and an EP had led to the release of their debut album Deliverance (Treehouse Records, 1999). Deliverance was nominated for Best Rap Recording at the 2000 Juno Awards.

Flashback to 1995: CITIZEN KANE released their first single Soul Survivor. On the compilation ITS ALL GOOD (Zulu Records). They followed up in 1996 with the single Structure/Foundation, produced by ERF Productions, which appeared on RAP ESSENTIALS VOL. 1 (Beat Factory, 1997). CITIZEN KANE also worked with ERF Productions on Black Rain, which was released in 1996 on their own Treehouse Records. It was the ERF Productions/K-Cut (formerly of The Main Source) produced EP THE EPIC (Treehouse Records, 1998), which started focusing even more attention in their direction. THE EPIC was nominated as Best Hip-Hop Album or EP at the Canadian Urban Music Awards in 1998 and CITIZEN KANE were also nominated for Best Rap Recording at the 1999 and 2000 Juno Awards. CITIZEN KANE was also featured on Mastermind vol50: Street Legal (Virgin Records 2000), and RapEsentials 2000: The Unsigned Hype (BMG Music Canada 2000). CITIZEN KANE has put together hot collaborations with artist such as K-OS, Alana Bridgewater, Mood Ruff, Fin-s and most recently Shy Love. The urban music scene on both sides of the border has embraced CITIZEN KANE. Feature articles, performances on MuchMusics program Da Mix, The Down Lo, Musique Plus, RapCity and shout outs in RAP PAGES and XXL Magazine as one of the up and coming groups in the Toronto hip-hop scene have started spreading the buzz.

The National Film Board of Canada produced a Rapumentary featuring CITIZEN KANE titled Raisin Kane. This film was awarded best Canadian documentary at the Reel World Film Festival and won the HBO Best Documentary award in New Yorks Urban World Film Festival. CITIZEN KANE's live show is also gaining them notoriety. They exemplify the true hip-hop esthetic: a dope DJ, breakdancing, and ill MCs.

CITIZEN KANE has toured extensively in Canada and abroad opening for other notable acts as Kardinal Offishall, Rascalz, Saukrates, Choclair, BrassMunk and Rahzell. Performances at the 416 Graffiti Expo (99-01), NXNE, CMW, Flows 93.5 Launch Gala, Torontos Urban Music Award Festival (01-04) and Torontos Street Music Festival (00-03) has gained them new fans and much respect from their peers. CITIZEN KANE is not only making a mark in the rap world. In May 2003, Spade of Citizen Kane wrote and composed the musical score for the movie Deadly Silence that was directed by Allison Duke. In April 2002 Citizen Kane continued to turn heads, as they were featured in Xposed, the national theatrical release of Raisin Kane sponsored by Universal Music and 2Bscene Film Releasing. CITIZEN KANE is now poised to elevate the rap game to the next level as they are about to release their sophomore album, NEVER SAY DIE. CITIZEN KANES new 12 single Diamonds in a Ruff/My Life (April 2004) Was a fan favourite, so watch out for their new single LET IT BUILD coming soon. With their insightful lyrics, intricate rhyme structures and unique samples, CITIZEN KANE is poised to break out as one of the most respected acts in the Canadian hip-hop scene. Much like the film Citizen Kane, which was deemed a movie well ahead of its time and an epic to this day, CITIZEN KANE aspires to leave a similar impression on the rap world. BLAK LABEL ENTERTAINMENT

Spade:

citizenkanemusic.com
myspace.com/citizenkanespade

Tree House Records:

www.myspace.com/treehouserecordings

Bio

It’s not merely enough to declare yourself a rap star. Indeed, any mc can put together a catchy hook and spit 16 bars of regurgitated nonsense, but it takes real finesse and style to construct a new sound in hip-hop. With the “Pornstarr”, J Diggz introduced the world to his suave hypnotic flow.
This Toronto native began his musical career at the tender age of 7, writing rhymes with his older brother (Scotch Butta) in their basement. “I grew up in a family where musical ability was a foreign tongue, so it was odd that my brother & I, had an ear for music” Diggz says. Producing his own beats by 10, J Diggz knack for everything musical has been remarkable since he could reach the mixing board. Years later, J and Scotch went on to form a production team called Starbwoyz.

Highly respected producer Rahmel (Melanie Durrant) discovered the dynamic duo through a mutual friend. J Diggz seductive song “Hypnotic” caught the attention of Rahmel and in-demand video director LITTLE x (John Mayor, Usher, Sean Paul and more). This controversial club banger is the underground “liquor anthem” for the streets.

J Diggz is a cool street version of 007, with “We Gon’ Roll” is the epitome of smooth talking and sultry lyric enticing beautiful divas. “I love women and they love honesty, so I tell it how it is. Most of my records for females are usually based on real life situations” says Diggz. During the song, J encounters and dismisses the crabs in the barrel red eyeing his every move. This sexy irresistible club track creates frenzy on the dance floor once any DJ puts the needle on the record.

At the age of 18, J Diggz is a rising star out to bring the Toronto street experience-mainstream. With the infused elements of raw and gritty sounds, Diggz and Scotch for StarBwoyz Music will most definitely be a force to wreckon with. “Pornstarr” LP will most definitely make its historic mark in hip-hip history like the Slick Rick & Snoop Dogg experience, J Diggz contributes to the voice and attitude of generation X (Thirteen,Sick Kids,etc).

Bio

Mr. Biggaz should not be considered as your ordinary entertainer. In the past, you may have seen him alongside his former dance group "Dainty Crime" performing alongside various music artists at different venues. However, Mr. Biggaz has now made the transition into the music industry as a reggae artist with the aim to reach millions through his music.

Mr. Biggaz has embraced his musical passion since he was a child growing up in Jamaica. Today, he is ready to share that passion with the world. Mr. Biggaz has touched his audiences with outstanding performances at clubs and shows across Canada and New York. His single ‘No Love’ has been heard throughout Jamaica, Germany, New York, and Canada from Jamaica’s internet radio show 105.5 Your Radio. Mr. Biggaz has been heard on various Canadian radio shows such as CHRY 105.5, CKLN 88.1, and Flow 93.5. Currently, he is featured on rapper Availanch’s hit Eye Candy, which is under heavy rotation on Flow 93.5.

In 2003, Mr. Biggaz dropped his first mix tape titled "I’ve Got Next-The Movement" featuring artist J-Diggz, Sizzla and various local Canadian artists. This mix tape received raving reviews throughout Canada and Jamaica. In April of 2006 he teased listeners with his demo CD "On a mission" releasing music to be featured on his second mix tape ‘Operation Lockdown’. His DVD ‘Caution He’s Hot’, which is, a thirty minute documentary of the legacy of Mr. Biggaz experience inside the music industry, is available inside various Toronto Retailers.

As an independent artist, it is not difficult to observe the perseverance and talent of Mr. Biggaz. This is a man who will continue to distribute music for his listeners to appreciate because he has a profound passion for his craft. He is determined to fulfill his purpose, which is, to spread love through his music and become a legendary reggae artist who will rein for years to come.

Composer: Mr. Biggaz
Producer: J Diggz

Bio

Toronto’s music industry has benefited greatly from the arrival of ’super-soul’ choreographer extraordinaire, Luther Brown. As the founder and owner of Do Dat Entertainment, Luther created an industry - a professional urban dance community that linked a somewhat unknown Toronto to the ever-growing music industry of the United States. Working with artists such as Brandy, Shawn Desman, Alicia Keys, Mario, Kelis, Jully Black, Faith Evans, Olivia, Ray J, Dream, B4-4, Keshia Chante, Glenn Lewis, Choclair and Maestro; just to name a few, has brought him to the forefront where he is respected amongst the top choreographers in the United States and Canada.

Luther is also in high demand to choreograph music videos for the rising urban segment of the music industry. Over the past 5 years, he has choreographed an abundance of videos, many which have gone on to be award winning pieces of art. His recognizable style is evident in videos such as Talk About Our Love; Brandy (Atlantic); Bad Boy & Does He Love Me; Keshia Chante (BMG), winner of 2004 UMAC award for Best New Artist; Just A Friend & C’mon; Mario (J Records); Get Ready & Shook; Shawn Desman (BMG) winner of the 2003 MMVA for Best Pop Video and 2003 UMAC award for Best New Artist and Friend Of Mine; by the 2004 MMVA winners for Best R&B Video – In Essence (BMG).

In addition, Luther has been the creative director for many tours and choreographed various live shows for the following artists; Gary Beals, Shawn Desman, Keshia Chante & Mario. He also did the Rap City/Ill Vibe Records Cross Canada Tour featuring Saukrates & Jully Black, Faith Evans’ live performances, Dream’s MTV TRL nationwide tour, and Amerie’s live shows and performances.

His television credits as a choreographer include BET’s 106 & Park, MTV’s 2004 Iced Out New Year’s Eve, Soul Train, The David Letterman Show, Canadian Idol, Electric Circus, Much Music’s Da Mix and the Mike Bullard Show. You can also see his choreography alongside that of Laurie-Ann Gibson in the major motion picture ’Honey’ starring Jessica Alba and Lil’ Romeo.

Luther’s unique style of dance has also been showcased at entertainment award shows such as the Kardinal Offishall & Sonia Collimore performances at the 2005 UMAC Awards, the Ray Robinson/Keshia Chante duet performance at the 2004 UMAC Awards, Kelis' performance at the 2003 Video Game Awards, Alicia Keys’ performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards, Shawn Desman at the 2003 UMAC Awards and 2002 Ciss 92 Fannies Choice Awards, the 2000 Juno Awards, the 1998 Canadian Urban Music Awards and the 1997 Men of Excellence Awards.

In addition to choreography, Luther has added the expertise of artist development to his skill set. He has developed a proven formula and style, which he can apply to any new artist in order to jumpstart their career in the right direction. This is evident with many of the young artists that Luther has worked with in their development stages. Some of these artists are: Fefe Dobson (Sony Music), Keshia Chante (BMG), Mario (J Records) & Gary Beals (Plasma).

With his passion for dance and charisma to continually challenge his self, Luther has become one of the top choreographers in North America. He is able to create and develop any artist or project presented to him.

Bio

Jae Blaze, recognized as the hottest choreographer out of Toronto, she’s one of the forces behind Blaze Entertainment. Her style has attracted several platinum-selling artists from all genres across North America. A relentless perfectionist, her choreography down right sets the stage on fire, raises the bar, and changes the way we perceive sound and movement. "The imagery behind the music is what I am good at. Dancing is meant to tell a story, just as it is in poetry. I understand the visual aspect of music and so I display that in my choreography."

After venturing into other occupations, her love for the art of music and dance led her back into clubs, and dance competitions where she realized her passion and returned to her first love choreography."I believe there is a higher being that gave each and every one of us the wisdom to accomplish what we are meant to do. In my case, it’s to be creative through dance." The turning point in Jae’s career came when she appeared as a dancer in platinum selling artist, Nelly Furtado’s music video "…On the Radio" directed by Hype Williams. Because of this video, Nelly Furtado asked Jae to choreograph her 2000 Juno Awards live appearance.

Jae’s raw and exhilarating style is now transforming the dance world and is placing her at the top of the industry. She has worked with such artists as Sean Paul, Nelly Furtado, Kelis, Amanda Marshall, Daniel Beddingfield, The Clipse, and Naughty by Nature. Her distinctive choreography can also be seen in numerous musical adds and commercials for MTV ("World Chart Express," "Select," and "World Tour") and Much Music ("Much On Demand," "Rap City," and "Vibe") as well as sequences in Mary Kate and Ashley Olson’s motion picture "New York Minute."

Praised by artists and directors alike, Jae’s choreography for Sean Paul’s "Get Busy" was nominated for MTV’s 2003 Best Dance Video and MTV’s 2003 European Awards. Jaes choreography also appears in K-OS’s "Superstar Pt.0" video which won the Source Award’s Best International Video.

Along with film, video, and television, Jae’s choreography graced several stages, award shows, and concert tours across North America including the "Rock the Mic Tour" with Jay Z/50 Cent, "The World Tour" with Sean Paul and the "Beg For Mercy Tour" with G-Unit.

Giving back to her community, Jae conducts workshops and provides classes for aspiring dancers; she also performs for community events and fundraisers. "One day I will own a studio where young dancers can attain classes at affordable rates, I will mentor them, and they will invade the US representing Toronto’s dance culture in its truest form."

Presently, Jae is refining a major stage performance for Carl Henry and she can be seen performing alongside (Motown/Universal) recording artist Melanie Durrant across Canada. Just recently, her choreography crowned the Blaze dancers as the "Best Group" in the 2004 International Power Dance competition at the Fitness and Model Expo held in Toronto.

JaeBlaze:

blazeent.com
myspace.com/blazeentertainmentdance