TORONTO FRESH

Hello World,

This is my first official post on this blog, why? I have no idea why it took me so long really. What better topic to be my first post on a Toronto FRESH site than about Toronto’s White Knight; Drizzy,Drizzy Rogers, Aubrey, Wheelchair Jimmy,  aka Drake.  If you don’t know who I’m speaking about by now, I’m convinced you must have been hiding in the same cave Osama Bin Laden is in (even though, I think with his power he probably knows who Drake is too lol).

Drake has become Toronto’s saving grace in a sense. Most folks didn’t believe deep down in their heart that someone from Toronto would blow up on an international level, and then came Drizzy. I’ve known about him being a rapper for sometime and to me, I always liked the thought of him being a rapper. He had a different flow and vibe to him which I liked and felt was needed. Couple years later, and it seems as if out of nowhere Drake explodes onto the scene. He’s literally everywhere! I’m not mad at that at all, because it’s about time we’re recognized for a city of Talent. Yes, yes, I know Kardinal was also recognized at some point but not on this level. Drake has not released an album as of yet however he has been featured on tracks from Musics heavy hitters such as Jay-Z, Kanye, Mary J Blige, and of course Lil Wayne. He is no longer just known as “oh, the guy that was on Degrassi”.

With all of the good things that are happening for Drake, what does that mean for other Toronto talent? Does that mean that everyone is going to be given the same opportunity? In my humble opinion, no- better yet hell no. I’ve noticed a sudden influx in people thinking that they can compare their careers after Drake and I continuously ask myself “how”? There are major differences in how Drake got involved in the music game as opposed to how other Toronto rappers will. Do not forget Drake was already on a very popular television show, therefore acquiring some connects that most of you would not have. A lot  of people think Degrassi was a stupid Canadian based show, however it was very popular in areas other than Canada as well. Girls around the world were already in Drakes corner before he even let on to the world that he was a rapper. There is also the simple fact that he had other connects through other means, how can you compare yourself to that? I’m not by any means saying that everything was handed to him however he had opportunities that not the average person would have. That means that YOU have to model your own way through. I’ve gotten a little tired of hearing from rappers “Well Drake did this and Drake did that”, yes that’s DRAKES destiny- it’s not equivalent to your own. Grind! Eat, sleep and breathe your craft and hone in on it. If you love it and caress in every way it will love you back (shut up, it’s true lol) . Keep in mind, not everyone will love what you’re doing- think about it for every 10 people that love what you do, there are another 11 that don’t like what you’re doing. That’s life!

Another short point, Drake is ill and “So Far Gone” was the hottest mixtape to be released this year however can everyone back up and get their own sandwich? I’m hearing alot of people trying to model their sound and flow off of him. Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery however don’t lose yourself and your style in others just because that is what’s selling. It works for them, it may not work for you. Do not lose your place in this world trying to fit in. When people get bored of the style, what are you left with? Nothing, because you never worked on yourself as an artist or person. Try your best and stay away from being a Robot. This is Toronto’s time to shine so let’s give it all that we have.

- Datchickneeks “More than what you bargained for but nothing less than real”

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I headed over to Gumball Studios, after long day off watching the Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy, I scooped Neeks up, and it began to thunderstorm….damn this weather only in the damn west end of Toronto. Anyways, O’Sound (Owen Lee) was meeting me outside the studio and then we ran right in and got a bit wet by the rain, but it was worth it. I said this all the time late nights, Early Mornings. Heres a few videos..from last night!

We had to go to church before even recording anything!

 After getting acquainted with keys we started to weigh out our options!

Finally started warming up with covers.. Drake -”Brand New” 

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So what up peoples,

Last night me and my peeps were at Taste of Danforth chowing down some good food and enjoyed some ice cream, mmm yum

its on all weekend make sure you stop by. I can’t believe this trick Charlene didn’t wanna tell me about things….so i’m embarrassed her and made a promo video!

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What can I really say, they come and they go right. The real ones always stay, even when they are far from you, you can still feel as though they are right there beside you.  I did a lot of my grade schooling in Atlanta, Georgia and I’ll remember after my everyday of pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States, I stopped and did some research. I was a big fan on history, and how things back then are still so relevant. It was something George Washington had said that stuck with me, till now..Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

From then I’ve learned to make some wise choices with friends, but I still never really got the concept of true friendship. I figured everyone is really out for themselves and maybe I’m just that dude whose always brought up to be the generous type (I get it from my father, he’s too much of a nice man). I did meet someone who will always hold a special place in my heart,  She’s the most loving and caring person I’ve ever met besides my mother of course. We had our shares of fights and falling outs but at the end she truly is and will always will be an inspiration to me. Neeks aka DatChickNeeks (yes i put you on blast) has a really big impact in my life, I can’t be more than thankful for all the things she has done for me and for putting up with all the BS I put her through. She is Irreplaceable, and always be a piece of Heaven to me.

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