#1 NBA Draft Pick Andrew Wiggins Will Play Along Side LeBron James

Number one overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft is Toronto's own baller @22wiggins - Andrew Wiggins by the Cleveland Clavaliers; and Wiggins is the second consecutive Canadian player selected as a #1 NBA draft pick, behind Anthony Bennett.

Andrew Wiggins has had great accomplishments in his young basketball career, which is only just beginning and Wiggins could be on his way to the top sooner than expected. With the announcement today by LeBron James that he is heading back to the Cleveland Clavailers, in a written essay release, stating...."I'm not having a press conference or a party. After this, it's time to get to work." 

T.O. SPOTLIGHT: Orlando Franklin

@OFranklin74 was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to Toronto at the ago of three and this is where the seed was planted in Franklin's life, and grew to become an outstanding NFL player, that made his debut in Super Bowl 2014.

Orlando Franklin played college football at the University of Miami and was selected 14th in the second round draft, 46th overall by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft. He became the first right tackle and the sixth offensive lineman overall in the team's history to start every regular-season game as a rookie.

The AFC Champion is 26 year old, 6 foot 7", 320 lbs Offensive Lineman climbed the latter to success, however each step was challenging to say the least; and Franklin shared his story to students a couple years back in 2012, when he visited St. Patrick Catholic High School in Toronto. His current life story, which began when he moved from Jamaica to Toronto at the age of 3 with his mother Sylvia Allen and older brother, is a propelling story involving various life altering circumstances for Franklin that included two occasions in custody, homeless shelters, foster homes, and a mother who never gave up on her son.

Read more on Orlando Franklin, video of fans and friends cheering him on from Toronto....

Melyssa Ford To Star In New Bravo Reality Show 'City of Sisters'

Canadian actress and model, who became well known for heating up music video from the late 90’s as a ‘video vixen’ @MissMelyssaFord will be staring in a new Bravo reality show coming to a TV near you soon. Melyssa Ford has been currently working in real estate, selling luxury Manhattan properties; and the reality show will revolve around Melyssa and other business savvy New York City women, in the new "Sex In The City" type of vibe reality show.

Read more on Melyssa Ford's career and new project inside...

Maestro Fresh Wes Celebrates 25 Years of “Symphony In Effect”

The godfather of Canadian hip-hop #MaestroFreshWes and friends celebrated the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking career on Saturday September 21st at Massey Hall in Toronto as part of the 7th annual Manifesto Festival. The landmark concert included performance from his JUNO Award winning debut album "Symphony In Effect" as well tracks off his 2013 collaborative album "Orchestrated Noise". Maestro celebrated with special guests including Kardinal Offishall, K-OS, Classified, Divine Brown, and more...

Read more and watch performance from the celebration and a throwback video...

T.O. SPOTLIGHT: Patricia & Moses Mawa - African Culture to Mainstream Media

The spotlight is shining bright for Moses and Patricia Mawa as this inspiring couple was recently featured on CNN International - African Voices. The Mawa's are building a media empire Silvertrust Media here in Toronto, and they talk about their humble beginnings in Africa, where they are now, and where they are headed with their unique media company. Patricia is from Nigeria and Moses from Uganda coming to Canada with just twenty dollars in his pocket, the two driven individual crossed paths while pursuing their passions film and media; and joined forces developing a media/ publication company showcasing African culture and diversity not only in Canada but throughout the world.

Read more on this business savvy couple and watch their candid interview with CNN as they share trials, triumphs, and what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs....

NEW MUSIC: Lindo P - 'Trayvon Martin Tribute'

Toronto artist @iamtheLindoP (Lindo P) released his tribute track a few months back, dedicated to fallen teenager #TrayvonMartin; who's story and name will now be a part of American history. Lindo P who is active in the dancehall and club scene in Toronto, is a former member of hip-hop artist collective out of Scarborough, Ontario 'Black Jays', who intro themselves in the 1990's - the group included Kardinal Offishall, Solitair, Estelle, Nina Sky, and more.

Lindo P's tribute track has no formal song title; simply dedicating the track to Trayvon Martin and other young black men (Travares McGill, Oscar Grant, Sean Bell, and Aaron Campbell to name a few) who were also killed; and in the eyes of many seeing injustice as a reflection on these lives taken away and also largely on the unfair treatment of African Americans in the United States within the U.S. justice system.

Lindo P's tribute contains sample of hip hop heavy weight  BDP (Boogie Down Productions) 'Jack Of Spades'.

Check it....

TO Spotlight: Tasha Rozez



We always hear the expression "keeping it real" or 'keeping it 100", and I have always admire individuals who are genuinely themselves and unique, especially when they are performers of some type and are prone to having a 'spotlight' on them, and at the same time not allowing it to dim their inner 'light'. I found this to be the case after watching an interview with a talented and motivated individual who has contributed to her craft for 10 plus years and was recently interviewed by ZAGG (a leader in mobile and electronic accessories) - that showcases influential people and the use of modern technology and their gadgets, at the same time sharing their unique story.

Our spotlight is on the 'Conscious Rude Girl...That Dancehall Requires'...Tasha Rozez. Read more and watch her story inside...

T.O. Spotlight: Prisca Kase

@PriscaKase is a Pop and R&B artist who discovered her love of music and singing from an early age while living Paris, France where she was born and raised by her parents who were active singers in choirs. Prisca moved to Toronto, Ontario at the age of three where she now resides, and is making moves in the music industry from early - the 18 year old songstress already is learning how to adjust in order to benefit as an artist in industry. The aspiring vocalist stopped by the CHRY studio couple months ago to debut her single with Kassiopia Entertainment 'What You Wanna Do' featuring reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji. Although P. Kase recognizes herself as a pop/ r&b artist, she says that any music that feels good to her she will vibe with, and that also influences her song writing. Listen to Prisca Kase interview with Jennifer Joy on CHRY and the tracks 'Victim' and 'What You Wanna Do' featuring. Sizzla inside....

RnB Songstress Andreena Mill Is Making Moves

Andreena Mill (@andreenamusic) former member of the all- female trio X-Quisite which formed in 2001 and released two successful singles "No Regrets", and was followed with a music video for “Don’t Say” the group were also featured on hit TV shows Soul Food and the Canadian hit television show Degrassi, The Next Generation - the group also included Juno Award winner Melanie Fiona. In more recent years Andreena has worked with fellow Canadian artist Drake and also producer/ artist Saukrates on the well received tracks "Rewind" and "You & Tomorrow".

Read more and check out DMX ft. Andreena Mill "Cold War" after the jump....

New Video: Wio K - 'Bout Wio'

We featured @FirstGenMusic blazin' new track "Bout Wio" from original Scarborough representative #Wio-K, and now the visual has been released to support the Scam (@scamtbmusic) produced track. Clearly shot in the 'boroughs', the scenery is as easy going, laid back as the mellow head bobbin' track; as Wio describes who he is, and what he's 'bout'....with fellow members from Monolith, arguably one of the best hip-hop groups in Canada backing one of their own. With Wio-K's latest efforts which is being well received, could we hear more sounds coming out of the Mono crew?

Check the Abaddon directed video for Wio-K - "Bout Wio" inside....

Hot Off The Press: BOSS MAGAZINE Toronto's New Urban Magazine

This past summer I was sitting at a mechanic garage waiting for my car to be serviced and stumbled across @ThatBossMag while glancing over at the magazine rack. There was the mag poking out beneath many; and what stood out was a red headed sister (Trish - Toronto music artist) looking glam on the eye catching cover of a magazine I've never seen before. I moved the other mags to the left, and looked over the cover intensely, wondering why I have not seen or heard of the U.S. magazine before - automatically assuming it was so. I was delighted to learn once I began flipping through the wonderful layout, inviting and easy to read pages, that BOSS Magazine is right out of my very own city; via Jane and Finch! Hello!

I was even more excited and impressed reading about the contributors of BOSS who are all young creative minds, and future entrepreneurs who are building themselves and each other by giving a different voice (their own) from their community using this media platform.

Read more on this refreshing and vibrant publication, and the same for the editor-in-chief of the mag who is going against all odds by living up the name of the magazine 'Boss' lady Tamika Johnson.

T.O. Spotlight: Sstyles - 'Rush The Radio - #Vartist Movement' [Mixtape]



#Sstyles is a 24 year old multi-talented artist out of Toronto, Ontario who has just released his second mix-tape which offers a variety of 'styles' which prompts the title '#Vartist Movement - Rush The Radio'  available now and you can listen before you buy at Amazon. Sstyles describes the term 'Vartist' as a music artist that does various genres, which represents who he is as an artist. With tracks like "Exterior Pepper" and "Energy" the influences of his Caribbean background and RnB style are present. Sstyles joined Jennifer Joy for an interview recently, on CHRY 105.5 FM where he explained more about why he represents the various sounds which is a reflection of his Trinidadian culture, and Toronto as a whole.

Read more, listen to our full interview with Sstyles, and watch his video featuring Dudsymil "T Dot We Go Hard" all inside...

Video: Melanie Fiona Behind the Scenes of the 'Liberation Tour'

#MelanieFiona opened for Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo this passed summer during the “Liberation Tour” which sadly did not reach Toronto, but Ms. Fiona shares some footage from behind the scenes of the tour. In the latest clip Melanie in preparing for the Philadelphia stop, sharing some of the less glamorous and normal moments prior to a show. She talks about not making any money after the release of her first album, even after doing tours, but still being grateful having a roof over her head....knowing not to stress over money because everything will be okay! She went on to say..."When I got my first cheque, I paid off all my debts, cleared off all my credit cards and paid back my parents...and I had no money after that, I started off fresh..." Melanie is keeping it all the way real...Watch inside...

T.O. Spotlight: DJ Fase

@DJFase is no stranger to the fader! He's been a Disc Jockey for 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. He is also a music producer, radio host, and entertains music goers spinning at showcases/ concerts, and the Toronto club scene. Starting out with a couple friends in 1992 forming a trio collective of DJ's; shortly after, he became solo, found his passion and never looked back. To date, DJ Fase has been nominated for the Canada wide Stylust DJ Awards seven times; released an album and numerous singles, and 10 years on the radio at CIUT 89.5 FM -Toronto's longest running mid-weekly show. Check out our interview with this talented DJ, as he talks about his earlier beginnings, touring in Europe and opening up for Nas.

Recap: K'Naan ft. Nas - 'Nothing To Lose' [Remix]

Previously we featured a new track by #K'Naan featuring #Nas 'Nothing To Lose', and the music video which was clearly shot in Toronto earlier this year. The track was remixed by super producer will.i.am who took it back to his roots and crafted something that took the track in an entirely new direction, reminiscence of  hip-hop's golden era.

New Music: Wio K - 'Bout Wio'

#WioK is a music artist from East Scarborough, Toronto who is not new to the hip hop scene; he is one of many that reps the multi-talented collective known as the Mighty Monolith comprised of MC's, DJ's and producers; whom have been around since the late 90's. Wio-K released his solo debut album In Real Life in 2008 and just released an independent single 'Bout Wio', and is prepping to release more music for the masses. #MCMSTYLE is also preppin' for a future spotlight on this versatile artist....Right now, get up to speed with his talents and work.  Read more inside and watch the music video for Wio K's track 'Footloose' featuring Tasha Rosez....

TO Spotlight: Peep Sho Ft. Chip-Fu - 'Reap What You Sow'



(Peep Sho, Jennifer Joy, and Chip-Fu)

#PeepSho is an MC out of the Toronto and is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada; he is making moves in the music scene and I chatted with the 25 yr old on CHRY 105.5 FM where he premiered his new track 'Reap What You Sow' featuring Chip-Fu (of the influential 90's hip-hop group Fu-Schnickens), who was also live on the radio.....Listen to the full interview and featured track inside....

Lauryn Hill performs in Toronto for Onexone Foundation

Lauryn Hill headlined an intimate show Saturday night for @ONEXONE foundation, at the Kool Haus in Toronto. In support of the annual event which takes place during the Toronto International Film Festival, and is held to raise awareness and funds for children in need worldwide.

The event was filled with Canadian celebrities, including rapper Kardinal Offishall, singers Jully Black and Fefe Dobson, Smallville’s Kristin Kreuk and others. It appears talent runs in the family, as Lauryn brings two of her children on stage, as her son picks up the mic to showcase his skills....

Public Enemy Hypes the Crowd at the Sound Academy

Sunday night veteran rappers #PublicEnemy performed in Toronto at the Sound Academy. The hip hop legends did not begin their set until well after 10:30pm (preceded by a DJ who spun fittingly old-school hip hop), but totally brought their A-games and gave the crowd its proverbial "money's worth," something Chuck D promised himself.

Watch video of Maestro Frest Wes with choice words for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford inside...