Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
June 02, 2004
It’s always nice to know that there are cats out there that still have the vision to create light-hearted hip-hop records with a message that doesn’t come across as preachy or depressing. More or Les is currently one of Toronto’s great MCs and with his debut release he comes correct with the one-two punch of lyrical skill and excellent production from Dorc. Both of these qualities shine at their brightest with “Seriously!” easily the champion of I Only Stop, as Les rapidly spits on a very speedy cut that might have been nicked from a chase sequence from an old Spanish comedy. The vintage Latin horns continue on “Bizarre” as the wordsmith observes how we tend to turn our back on our increasingly odd everyday surroundings, and then somehow manages to rap about how he’s getting sick like contaminated water in “Walkerton Inquiries.” The Scarborough native pours a lot of hometown references into this effort, which is certainly amusing for locals. Still, anyone in the world should be able to appreciate the chronic behaviour and clever storytelling of “A Little Too Much Weed” or the whack-ness shared universally with a lot of today’s hip-hop acts, with both numbers backed by a live band. I Only Stop for Red Ants will have no problem putting a smile on your face or a groove in your hips, but this is surely only the start of what will hopefully be a long and productive career for a home-grown hip-hop talent.
- Noel Dix
NOW, FEB 12 - 18, 2004
This Scarborough MC and host of Hooch's In Divine Style showcase doesn't take the ice-grill approach to hiphop, preferring to drop critical but encouraging rhymes in the vein of Hieroglyphics and J5, and sometimes even sounding like a musical descendant of the Dream Warriors. The production, done by Les and Dorc, is above average, with extra marks for well-placed Ghostface and Beatnuts vocal samples. A fine showcase for an intelligent Toronto rapper who'll likely go further once he hits a signature sound. - Nick Flanagan
Montreal Mirror, Jan 29-Feb 4.2004
Yay. Somebody making hip hop out of Toronto who actually has a sense of humour. More or Les is a real jack of all trades, crafting funky, sample-heavy beats backed with well-delivered cornball rhymes strictly for the haters. I like "Curry Chicken & Rice," "A Little Too Much (Weed)" and the clever "LEStalk." In an unprecedented move, he even threw me for a loop with a little tune he likes to call "Walkerton Inquiries," for those of you who read the news. Nice to hear some light-hearted shit from someone who actually has the skill to pull it off. Dude is a funny guy. 7.5/10 - Scott C
Discography
LP:I only stop for the Red Ants - 2004
Album contains a music video and 16 tracks. Songs off the LP are also available on iTunes and other digital services.
More Or Les has also appeared on the following songs:
1) "Three in the Key (Killy G remix)" artist: SJ the Wordburglar, vinyl EP: "Wordburglar", 2005.
2) "Three" featuring N'didi Cascade, artist: Dragon Fli Empire, LP: "Invasion", 2005.
3) "Time and Space Remix" featuring N'didi Cascade Deanna, & Chi Turner, artist: Green TaRA, vinyl LP: "Music for a Mixed Nation", 2005.
4) "Beautiful Mutant" feat. 4th Pyramid, Chuggo, Vangel, Fritz Da Cat, & Ill Seer, artist: Mindbender, LP: "Beautiful Mutant", 2004.
More Or Les songs and interviews have been heard on:
"On the Strength" - CKLN 88.1 FM, Ryerson University, Toronto, 2005
"Constant Movement" - CIUT 89.5 FM, U of T Radio, Toronto, 2005
"No Apologies Necessary" CFRO 102.7FM, Co-Op Radio, Vancouver, 2005
"Best Kept Secret" - CHRY 105.5 FM, York University Radio, Toronto, 2004
"Expansions" - CIUT 89.5 FM, U of T Radio, Toronto, 2004
"Circle Research" - CKLN 88.1 FM, Ryerson University, Toronto, 2004
"Styles" CKCU 93.1, Carleton Radio, 2003
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Toronto emcee More Or Les combines irreverent rhymes with funk instrumentals and bombastic beats. According to Curbside Mag, energetic, smooth, witty and comical are just some words that can be used to describe Les flow.
More Or Les released an early edition of his debut album I only stop for the Red Ants in April, 2003. A special edition including his new video for A Little Too Much Weed and a remix of Comedy hit the streets February 18th, 2004. Notable for irreverent, socially conscious rhymes, Red Ants is rooted in the pure love of Hip Hop. It features production and scratching by Dorc & Vangel and live instrumentals by Flat Out.
More Or Les has toured the American east and west coast with the Perpetual Motion Road Show, appeared on the Code of the Cutz stage of the 2004 Vans Warped Tour, opened for American Midwest duo Eyedea & Abilities, toured Eastern Canada with SJ the Wordburglar, and performed on Much Music, BPM TV, The Second City, Salad Gold 9, Style In Progress, eat your friends magazines launch party, Careful Down, Urban Development, Special Delivery, Hive Magazines Pulp & Plastic, as well as the Canada Pavilion at the 2003 World Cycling Championships and the Canadian National Exhibition. Between indoor gigs, More Or Les takes Hip Hop to the street, busking around Toronto.
In 2004 More Or Les released his first video, A Little Too Much Weed with Soft Citizen. The video was screened at The NEXT Festival, honoring the years most innovative international videos. His music is featured on the videos Break & Enter by b-girl crew shebang!, TAG: A View Into MC Self-Titling by Alexis, as well as in The Producer, a short film by Courtney James.
As a DJ, More Or Les has been a featured guest of Much Vibes Xposed Tour, Get Up Get Down at Vancouvers Tokyo Lounge, and events Milk and Hot Times in Toronto. He performed with Phatt Al in summer 2003 and spins every month at In Divine Style and Never Forgive Action.
Links
