peepsho

The 25-year old Gemini, born in Truro, Nova Scotia, moved to Toronto at the age of 10. As a child, Peep Sho’s musical influences were Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Nas. However, growing up he has been exposed to various styles and genres of music. Due to the high volume of musical talent within his family and being exposed to many inspirational artists, Peep Sho found that his biggest influence was the legendary Ray Charles. "I spit from my heart and Ray Charles taught me to do that", says Peep Sho in an interview when asked about how other artists have affected his musical ability.

Peep Sho started writing hip hop music at the tender age of 13. By fourteen he was memorizing all of his own songs. At 15 he had his first recording under his belt. Peep Sho was featured on songs with a group called Paradox, which included talented rappers from Toronto, Orlando, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee. In 1999, Peep Sho recorded his firstl ive show with the Block 13 (www.block13.com) group at Comfort Zone in Downtown Toronto. Peep Sho is still currently a member of this group and that have finished recording their first album.

In 2001 Peep Sho performed a show under Doe Boy Entertainment, at the Atto Basso Lounge in Toronto. His stage name at that time was Chinky Eyes. He was also highlighted on the Doe Boy compilation CD, which featured him on 4 of the 25 songs. Shortly after in 2002, Peep Sho appeared on DJ Steel Fingaz mix compilation CD alongside various signed artists from the United States.

In 2003, Peep Sho performed a show at the Kilt Pub in his home town of Scarborough accompanied by radio host/rapper Califate from 89.5’s Project Bounce. There he performed his opening track “Brighter days” and “I’m Back” along with his sizzling cache of up-beat songs. After showcasing his diversity and talent in the local area, Peep Sho was offered the chance to write 5 songs for an up and coming rock band called “Freak Meter”. Peep is, if nothing else a versatile artist.

Being the entrepreneur that he is, Peep Sho released his own Mix CD in the summer of 2003, displaying his skill over other known beats. The CD was called “Peep Sho Hot off the Grill” selling over two thousand copies in Ontario alone. In 2004 Peep Sho did it again releasing another hot Mix CD called “Jacked for Beats” selling over four thousand copies.

In May of 2004 Peep Sho performed at Mad Bar with his group Block 13 in Toronto; displaying his leadership in a 13 artist ensemble. On June 26, he opened a show for “Three the Hard Way” a War child fund raiser at The 360 night club, alongside well known Scarborough native Citizen Kane, up and comer J-Staxx and Hustleman.

On July 17, 2004, Peep Sho was a finalist in the “Rip the Mic” freestyle battle competition at Phoenix night club in Toronto. This huge event was sponsored by Flow 93.5 FM. The competition consisted of 250 opponents. Peep Sho placed third out of the final eight competitors. “Rip The Mic” was an opening act for Black Stars, Talib Kweli’s concert.

In 2006, Peep Sho recorded and released "Came Up" which he garnered heavy rotation on Toronto radio stations. Since then, Peep Sho has been steadily writing and developing his sound and is set to debut his RnB album, which will be ready for release in late spring of 2007.

For this album, Peep Sho worked closely with Buckwild records comprised of Soulja kid. "His music talent is a perfect match for my sound and style", explains Peep Sho. The album draws influences from his country and city life origins. Along with its culturally rich sound and its upbeat club-style tracks, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads pays special tribute to the people involved in a struggle and hope for better lives. "My music is made for the hood because that's where I get my inspiration. You'll notice a lot of the music is upbeat but hard at the same time. The inner city people give off so much energy; it's hard not to be inspired by them. They are a part of me."

Peep Sho’s lyrical fearlessness shows how his growth will undoubtedly secure his reputation on RnB's legendary roster of icons. Peep Sho has already been compared to artists such as Nas and 50 Cent. It shouldn’t be long before new artists begin to compare themselves to Peep Sho.