What's That noise?

Michelle da Silva

Cadence Weapon

Cadence Weapon isn’t your typical diamond-toting, money-throwing, Cristal-popping hip-hop star. He doesn’t rap about “hoes” or how much money he has in his bank account. Cadence Weapon is the real thing. With family roots in hip-hop, he couldn’t do anything but keep it real. Born Rollie Pemberton, Cadence Weapon began rapping at the age of 13 and following a brief stint at journalism school following high school, he made music his focus and hasn’t looked back since.

In 2005, Cadence Weapon released an underground mix tape, Cadence Weapon is the Black Hand, and his debut full-length, Breaking Kayfabe, that same year. The album garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for the prestigious 2006 Polaris Music Prize. It featured one hot track after another, with Cadence Weapon spitting hot fire over tight beats and trippy, snaky, house-inspired bass lines.

After extensively touring the album, Cadence Weapon landed a U.S. record deal with Epitaph Records and released his follow-up album, Afterparty Babies, on March 4, 2008. The album had more of a lively, dance-feel. Cadence Weapon has infused tracks like “In Search of the Youth Crew” and “House Music” with electro, disco-house beats and anthem-like lyrics.

Named as one of Chart magazine’s 15 Canadian Artists to Watch in 2006, Cadence Weapon is definitely burning up the North American underground hip-hop scene. Catch him on his cross-country tour for a stellar night of hip-hop hot beats. For a complete list of tour dates, check out Cadence Weapon’s website at www.cadenceweaponmusic.com/.