The current Canadian Hip Hop scene seems to have a particular love for 1990, and really, I can’t blame ‘em. 1990 was a bright, colourful and fun year, just before the brooding Seattle grunge scene took over. Two particular Canadian rappers have embraced 1990 and spun it with their own fresh style.

The Old Prince (2007)

Shad has fully embraced 1990 with his recent video The Old Prince Still Lives at Home. The video is is a full re-enactment of the opening sequence to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Shad’s tongue and cheek impression of Will Smith is accompanied by his witty rhymes about ways to save cash, like skipping the trips to the dentist:

Well thanks a lot doc but listen
I can brush my teeth all on my own
So you ain’t gon hustle me!

Now that’s some excellent advice for the kids! Part way through the video a Windows error pops up and the beat stops. Shad informs his crew, and the audience, that he couldn’t afford the rest of the beat. So he finishes off the track a cappella. Slick!

Shad has a pretty cool story! Originally from Kenya, Shad was raised in London, Ontario. He entered and won The Rhythm of the Future talent competition, and created his debut album When This Is Over with his winnings in 2005. While he continues to pursue his Hip Hop career he is also working towards his master’s degree up at SFU. I expect to see lots more from this young man in the future.

The Old Prince Still Lives at Home – Shad

For your reference and easy comparison here is the opening credit sequence to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Everyone sing along!

Our second strapping young Canadian rapper who has embraced 1990 is Cadence Weapon, dropping rhymes reminiscent of another strapping young Canadian rapper from a whopping 18 years ago (yes 1990 was that long ago!). With his clean cut style and slick rhymes he reminds me of the great Maestro Fresh Wes. I certainly wouldn’t say that Cadence Weapon is biting The Maestro’s style, but the influence is evident. Cadence Weapon’s video for Real Estate, from Afterparty Babies, is complete with fabricated backgrounds and classy black suits that harkens back to Maestro’s classic video Let Your Backbone Slide. Both tracks share quick flowing lyrics, fine female vocal samples, and dynamic beats with fresh scratching. See for yourself:

Real Estate – Cadence Weapon

The video that made “threading the needle” the hottest challenge on the dance floor:

Let Your Backbone Slide – Maestro Fresh Wes

Afterparty Babies (2008)

Cadence Weapon comes from a prominent Albertan family with his grandfather having been an Edmonton Eskimo, and his father having brought Hip Hop to the northern city via the University of Alberta’s campus radio station CJSR. I would normally find this to be impressive, but as I’m originally from Calgary, I get far more excited about the fact that Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) used to be a Stampeder! Even though Cadence Weapon is from my hometown’s rival city, I’ll have to admit that I have a bit of a crush on the fine young man, so handsome, funny and charming! Shhh… don’t tell Perfect!