Wu-Tang Clan member and hip-hop legend, Ghostface Killah, has been leaving his mark on the game for over two decades now.
Fresh off the release of Sour Soul – his collaborative album with Toronto trio BadBadNotGood – the experienced artist is now looking to give back in a new way – searching for Canada’s next star.
Ghostface will launch his “Canada Takes The Mic” competition this fall, and the television series will have the famed rapper, as well as former “Canadian Idol” judge, Farley Flex, and an additional celebrity guest, critiquing the competitors on a variety of aspects.
The aim is to find the artist with the truest dedication to their craft and the most relentless drive to succeed.
The winner of “Canada Takes The Mic” will be rewarded $100,000 towards his/her career, in addition to being signed to Ghostface Killah’s new label, Supreme Records.
“The first time I came [to Canada], my album had [gone] gold in [less than] a week,” Ghostface explains. “It took me [a while] to get back into the country, but when I got back, the country embraced me. The love was still there. My spirit feels like [I should be here]. I know there’s a lot of undiscovered talent in Canada. You’ve got Bieber, you’ve got Drake, Melanie Fiona and all that, but there’s [so much more] to it. I just wanted to be part of it.”
“There’s no one element that is going to make anybody win. It’s going to be a combination – we may call a rehearsal at 5 a.m., you gotta be there. If you’re not hungry, nobody’s interested.” – Farley Flex
This opportunity comes at a time when Canada’s place on the world music stage continues to grow. What makes the competition so intriguing is the fact that it won’t just be one genre of music involved. The contest will be open to rappers, as well as singers, hoping to give their career a much-needed boost and some co-signs from renowned individuals.
“Canada Takes The Mic” is supposed to be about more than just entertaining viewers at home – it is about giving aspiring artists in this nation a legitimate platform to find their footing in an industry that requires more hard work than many may think.
As someone with a fair share of experience in the music industry, Farley Flex knows which star qualities will set the winner apart from the rest.
“[We’re looking for] creativity, originality, passion, somebody who [has] drive that just wants it. [Somebody] that wants to win.” – Ghostface Killah
“It’s not about looks, it’s not about spitting only,” Flex says to a room full of reporters. “There’s no one element that is going to make anybody win. It’s going to be a combination – we may call a rehearsal at 5 a.m., you gotta be there. If you’re not hungry, nobody’s interested,” he adds.
Ghostface echoes the same sentiments. The well-known rapper is no stranger to the nation north of his native New York, and he’s excited to explore Canada in his effort to see what the country has to offer musically.
“I’m a fan of Canada. I love Canada. I’m feeling this place,” says Ghostface, with a smile. “[We’re looking for] creativity, originality, passion, somebody who [has] drive that just wants it. [Somebody] that wants to win.”
In his role as a mentor, providing opportunities to the program’s competitors, Ghostface is hoping to give contestants guidance and motivation. He knows what the come up is like, and he knows all about the grind needed to reach the top.
To the up and comers, he says this: “Be yourself. Do what fits you. Be comfortable. Don’t get too scared. Do you, and give it 100 per cent. Anybody has a chance.”
Photos By. Fitzroy Facey