Classified

Proclaimed as one of Canada’s leading rap voices, Classified continues to make his mark on the International Hip-Hop scene with every album. His latest release, “Hitch Hikin Music,” is a reflection of his relentless affair with making quality hiphop
music.

Starting his education early, Classified began his formal rhyming career performing creative high school rap acts in hip-hop’s quiet days of the early 90s. In the coming years, Classified’s passion for hip-hop developed, leading to the start of his production label, HalfLife Records and his first full-length release,
“Times Up” in 1995. The album was received with unprecedented enthusiasm by Halifax’s underdeveloped music scene and established Classified’s name in the local hip-hop arena.

In collaboration with DJ Jorun, Classified produced and rhymed on two independent releases in 1996, entitled “One Shot” and “What Happened.” His
talent, work ethic and determination to succeed in the music business was acknowledged by other local artists interested in pursuing careers of their own.
Classified soon found himself producing tracks for Halifax artists including Kaspa, Nathan Cruise, Ground Squad and others.

In 1997 Classified released his first CD entitled “Information.” Two years in the making, the album opened many doors for Classified and led to opening spots for noted American and Canadian musicians including 112, Saukrates, Maestro, Rascalz, Choclair and Swollen Members. The release of “Information” prompted Classified’s first record release, “Touch of Class.” The single received much critical praise and was nominated for Urban Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards in 2000.

Not wasting any time, Classified released his seventh album, “Unpredictable.” The album was distributed to selected locations across Canada and received
nationwide acclaim and international recognition. In addition to his newfound national reputation, Classified obtained his first MuchMusic VideoFACT grant, leading to the production of his first music video. That year, Classified achieved one of his career’s most noteworthy accomplishments and was nominated for Rap Recording of the Year and Rap Video of the Year by the Urban Music Association of Canada.

After a very promising year, Classified released his follow-up album, “Union Dues” in 2001. The album contains Classified’s first collaborations with established Canadian artists. It also received extensive media coverage and his second VideoFACT grant. The foundation had been laid and major label interest began.

After two years of perfecting his craft and sorting through label contracts, Classified produced, recorded and released his ninth album, “Trial & Error” and
signed a nationwide distribution deal with Toronto-based, Urbnet Records. Containing collaborations with up-and-coming Canadian artists like Eternia and
DL Incognito, as well as Canadian rap veteran, Maestro, the album was one of the highest selling independent rap albums in Canada in 2003.

In addition to the release of “Trial & Error,” 2003 and 2004 were busy and evolutionary years for Classified. With the continuous support of VideoFACT, he was able to release two additional music videos for the singles “Just the Way It Is” and “Unexpected.” Classified also continued to master his production skills and joined forces with some Canada’s most prominent emcees including Choclair and Maestro. He also teamed up with former Columbia Records
recording artist, Royce 5’9 and opened up for some of the rap game’s hottest performers such as Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and Blackmoon.

Classified’s album, “Boy-Cott-In The Industry,” was regarded as a high point of his career. Since released in 2005, the album has sold over 10,000 units, won a MuchMusic Video Award for Best Rap video, received the ECMA award for Rap recording of the year, as well as a Rap Recording of the Year nomination at the 2006 Juno Awards. Classified’s new album “Hitch Hikin’ Music” comes loaded with 17 bangin’ tracks;
all produced by Classified, featuring guest MC collaborations with Tash from Tha Liks, Jay Bizzy, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jordan Croucher and J-bru.

Classified may be a boy caught in the industry, but Canada’s best kept secret is about to be unleashed.