Bernice Afriyie | Arts Editor
Featured image: Toronto is not only becoming a cultural icon but a hotspot for emerging artists as well. | Courtesy of Justin Abernethy
Compton, New York, Chicago and Detroit: cities known for producing some of the most notable rap artists. NWA, Tupac and now Kendrick Lamar created an identity for Compton by featuring it in their songs. A similar thing is happening in the Toronto rap scene. As Drake, Jimmy Prime and other rap artists redefine the city by popularizing the moniker the 6ix, Toronto is not only becoming a cultural icon but a hotspot for emerging artists as well.
Embracing the buzz surrounding the Toronto music scene, Nicolas Shirani, a.k.a Ness, is a former York student and up-and-coming rapper who references the 6ix in his music. Ness is currently studying at the College for Sports Media but has been making music for the past two and a half years. For him, the process begins with sound. A student of music, Ness starts with a beat and allows his lyrics to flow from the sounds, allowing repetition to move the flow of his lyrics.
Ness listens to a variety of music but his decision to be a rap artist has to do with how he sees sports. “It’s the same mentality that an athlete would have. If a college athlete wants to make it to the next level, they will keep on working until they get it, despite an injury. […] That’s kind of how I feel,” says Ness.
A big step in Ness’ career was making the move from Markham to Toronto, representing more than just a physical change of location. “It was a new beginning, essentially. I used it as a gateway to a new chapter in my life and so far I love everything about Toronto,” says Ness. “The fact that Drake is so out there about Toronto—it’s made Toronto the city to be in.”
“Toronto needs more artists that are creative in a way that allows them to be themselves lyrically and creatively. Drake has his sound, Jazz Cartier has his sound, Nav—he’s from Toronto as well—he has his sound and I have my sound. All these artists are doing their own thing and they’re sticking with it and not selling out.”
Staying true to himself has paid off for Ness. He will be performing at this year’s Coast 2 Coast happening on October 23 at Nocturne in Toronto. Coast 2 Coast goes all over Canada and the world looking for talented artists in all genres of music. Ness will be part of a selection of artists vying for the audience’s attention and the judges’ votes in Nocturne`s interactive setting. For artists that place in the top five there are prizes and a chance to attend the Coast 2 Coast conference finals in Miami at the end of the year. All ages are welcome to attend.
