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Indigenous artists overcome hip-hop stigma
All ages event coming to Cranbrook Dec. 29
On Friday, Dec 29, Hip-Hop makes it way to Cranbrook as Indigenous artists Strange 2ruth and RaytheNihilist, band together to plan an all ages event at The Studio Stage Door.
The show aims to allow hip-hop artists of the area a chance to showcase their music in a way that doesn’t come often to the Cranbrook area.
During the event concert goers can enjoy music from headliner Strange 2ruth, three local openers: ItzJustBenzo, 12th House and Catalyst Loa, as well as special guest: RaytheNihilist.
The event is sponsored and supported by local businesses, Creative Souls Hair & Beauty as well as East Kootenay Cannabis.
Both Sean and Ray say they have faced adversity in the East Kootenay when it comes to their musical genre. The two aim to change the perception and stigma that surrounds Hip-Hop in the area. As well, in a location that lacks the resources to build a solid demographic they are looking to build a strong community and music scene for other rappers, singers and DJs in and nearby Cranbrook to provide more opportunity.
Strange 2ruth is a Metis/ Nehiyaw Cree first nation artist based out of Cranbrook (the unceded territory of the Ktunaxa), who has been infecting the East Kootenay region for over the past decade with his hip hop sounds. With a love for classic hip hop you definitely hear the inspiration of that ‘90s kick and snare that is loved so well alongside music that is forever evolving.
Strange 2ruth has also had the opportunity opening for notable artist such as, Swollen Members, Madchild, Merkules, Snak the Ripper, and Krayzzie and Wish of Bone Thugs n Harmony
RaytheNihilist is a 26-year-old Blackfoot First Nations Hip Hop artist, representing the Blood Tribe. Ray began his career in Hip-Hop music after searching for something different from his earlier music endeavours, such as metal and acoustic music.
After years of being in bands and writing songs, Ray became captivated with the poetic stylings found in rap and writing Hip-Hop music. So far in his catalog, Ray holds three EPs and various singles boasting self-produced instrumentals, as well as features from some of Canada’s best up and coming Hip-Hop artists.
Opening up for acts such as Snak the Ripper, Merkules, Rich Homie Quan, Lil Windex, as well as multiple Western Canadian tours, including the Lions Eat Goats tour with Junk & Young Stitch, in support of their number one album, as well as two of his own self headlining Western Canadian Tours, Ray has quickly developed an engaging, high-energy live set that is sure to make for a great time.
In the near future, Ray has major plans to continue developing his craft and career even further, hoping to reach new audiences & take his music to new places.
Strange 2ruth & Friends is the first of many to kick off the upcoming Hip-Hop events for Cranbrook and will take place on Friday, December 29 with the show starting at 7 p.m. at The Studio Stage Door.
Early Bird Ticket’s have sold out but general admissions are still available and can be purchased online here.
Lead image: Strange 2ruth. Photos submitted
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