The Entourage

With many artists seemingly focused on acquiring enemies rather than allies, Canadian rap group Da Entourage stands out as a rare cohesive unit with the ability to create instantly memorable music. Founded in 2005, Da Entourage consists of three members — Quota, Snipes and Prophecy — whose catchy hooks, deep lyrical content and controversial topics make them an act to watch for.

Growing up bet...ween North Carolina and Canada gave the trio (who are actually siblings) perspective into music ranging from Southern rap to Canadian hip-hop. It is these influences that, today, help them pen everything from club bangers to soul-shaking tracks about diverse subjects like life lessons, politics, love and temptation.

Since uniting as a group, Da Entourage has garnered the attention of fans and the industry with their live shows and musical abilities. The group’s memorable performances include Honey Jam and ImportFest in Toronto as well as charity events and even the birthday bash of reggae superstar Vybz Kartel. In 2006, Da Entourage released its first mixtape “Always in Motion Vol. 1”, which was hosted by Ricochet of the iLL Kidz sound crew. It will follow up the release this summer with a mixtape and an EP. Paving the way for those projects is Da Entourage’s debut single “Number 1”, a radio-friendly club anthem.

But who exactly are the musical masterminds in this dynamic trio? Quota, the sole female of Da Entourage, offers a unique perspective to balance out her male counterparts. At 24, she is also the eldest and began her rap career by writing poetry at 12-years-old. But don’t get the words “female rapper” twisted with images of promiscuity.

“My team consists of my brothers, so they’re not trying to hear me rap about my body,” Quota explains. “They wanna hear lyrical content and flow with substance, so I write words everyone can listen to. There’s no parental advisory needed on our music.”

Up next is middle brother, Snipes, who started rapping at 15 and got his name from freestyle sessions in which he was labeled a lyrical assassin. The now 23-year-old has grown into a thoughtful emcee who describes his flow as “very smooth and relaxing.” For Snipes the most important aspect of Da Entourage is the freedom of speech on which the group prides itself.

Rounding out Da Entourage is baby brother Prophecy, 21. Ironically, the youngest member is credited as being the “engine”, who excels in song ideas and seeking out the beats to make them come to life. The open-minded and quiet one of the bunch, Prophecy also supplies a universal flavor with his reggae-influenced style.

As Snipes sums it up, “We all bring something to the table that motivates us to perfect our craft and keeps our work ethic consistent.”

With this unique combination and a deeper-than-rap connection, Da Entourage is set up for foolproof success.