If you check out the Canadian Christian Rap scene expecting a definitive Northern sound – you will instead discover a bunch of talented artists with different styles representing various hip hop subgenres. Of the numerous artists making moves at home and abroad, here are four to put on your radar.
KOJO DAVE (Ottawa, ON)
Kojo Dave is an artist who fuses hip hop, soul, gospel, and afrobeat to create an unorthodox sonic experience. Based out of Ottawa, Canada, he made his debut in 2018 and released a number of singles in the lead-up to his first album Book of Life in 2020. Since then he has released two more albums and a string of popular singles.
A constant through his catalog are wavy flows that you can vibe to, and biblically focused lyrics. With a style that extends beyond traditional hip hop, he has built a loyal following that spans genres and continents.
Follow Kojo Dave on Instagram.
DIE-REK (Toronto, ON)
DiE-REK is a veteran emcee who spits bars with a cadence that is classic and authoritative. Toronto-born, he made his debut in 2005 and was part of an early wave of dope Toronto Christian artists alongside the likes of Manafest, N.IF.T.Y., and Promise. Over the years he has earned respect in the underground hip-hop scene for his lyrical prowess.
A dual-threat rapper/producer, he shines when dropping rhymes over boom-bap style production. His recent music has the perspective of someone who has lived through some life lessons and is eager to drop nuggets of wisdom.
Follow DIE-REK on Instagram.
Paul Hernandez (Vancouver, BC)
Paul Hernandez is the rare artist that can seamlessly combine catchy pop vocals and hard-hitting lyricism. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia he burst on the scene on a 2012 Rapzilla compilation album and has continued to hone his writing, production, and engineering ever since.
His music shifts effortlessly from multi-syllable rhymes to infectious melodic hooks. He is introspective and transparent, peppering his lyrics with insights into his health, family life, struggles, and goals. He is open about his faith without ever sounding preachy and in so doing makes his music relatable and accessible.
Follow Paul Hernandez on Instagram.
Terence Penny (Toronto, ON)
Terence Penny keeps the kingdom of God at the forefront and his city on his back. Proudly repping, Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighborhood, he weaves the story of his upbringing into messages of hope and encouragement for the next generation coming up. His music has the uplifting vibe of a community builder and the confidence of someone who is firmly rooted in his beliefs.
The 2020 project TP the EP Deluxe featured many of Toronto’s finest CHH artists as well as stateside heavy hitters like Joey Vantes and Parris Chariz. His recent singles demonstrate his versatility as he is equally comfortable on afrobeat praise joints and R&B-infused slow jams.
Follow Terence Penny on Instagram.
Are you already following any of these rappers? Do you know an artist that should be featured next? Let us know in the comments. And if you missed the last installment of this series you can check it out here.
