Now that summer is unofficially here, concertgoers can expect a great deal of excellent shows happening throughout Southwestern Ontario. Notable performances this month include DJ Questlove of The Roots, Rick Ross, Lauryn Hill, NXNE Music Festival, and many more. We present to you, our feature article on Events You Don’t Want To Miss (June 2014).
1. DJ Questlove
(Saturday, June 7th @ Tattoo Queen West, Toronto)
The multi-talented DJ Questlove will be returning to Toronto for a special DJ set on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Tattoo Queen West. Having produced for artists including Jay Z, Common, and Amy Winehouse, he is known mostly for his role as frontman and drummer for The Roots, who also serve as the in-house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Why you should go: Recognized worldwide, Questlove has 20+ years in the industry. If you missed his last visit to Toronto, this is your chance to redeem yourself.
2. PHoenix Pagliacci x Xolisa x A HArmony x Haffe Sinclair in Can I Live: ‘Femcees’ Reign Supreme
(Tuesday, June 10th @ Paintbox Catering and Bistro, Toronto)
Our young friend continues his fight with Bone Marrow cancer. Slowly and steadily, we continue our journey through the tunnel towards the light. Progress report: his surgery we all know costs $200k. After some communication with a few other organizations; we’ve managed to get that number down to $21k paid over a period of 2 years. I know right?
So. Allow us present: Can I Live: ‘Femcees’ Reign Supreme. Yes, a female only line up. A good female emcee will captivate even the toughest music critic. Join us as we celebrate women’s impact in the Toronto hip hop culture. 4 women, 1 stage, 1 love. Performances include pHoenix , A Harmony, Xolisa, and Haffe Sinclair.
Why you should go: In light of an all female line up, tickets will be given away to see Lauryn Hill perform on Saturday, June 21st @ Sound Academy in Toronto.
3. The Cabin Fever Tour featuring Relic and Ghettosocks
(Currently on tour until end of June)
Why you should go: They are coming to London, On this Saturday and are touring Ontario for the next couple of weeks don’t miss out Ghettosocks and Relic in a city near you! They are also going to be on The Come Up Show radio this Saturday 6-8pm check our site then! What city you from and are you going to the show?
4. CyHi The Prynce
(Saturday, June 14th @ Tattoo Queen West, Toronto)
Co-signed by Kanye West in 2010, CyHi The Prynce appeared on several “GOOD Friday” weekly singles as well as Yeezy’s fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which was also released in the same year. Throughout his career, Cyhi has released six mixtapes, all while working alongside Just Blaze, DJ Toomp, The Alchemist, and many more.
Why you should go: More recently, The Prynce was featured on G.O.O.D. Music’s 2012 compilation album, Cruel Summer and also released his latest mixtape, Black Hystori; a concept album raising awareness regarding the history of black people in America.
5. Rick Ross
(Sunday, June 15th @ Sound Academy, Toronto)
Maybach Music Group aka MMG, founder Rick Ross will be making his way to Toronto for a performance at the Sound Academy on Sunday, June 15, 2014. The Mastermind tour follows now five number one albums and is in support of the Teflon Don’s sixth studio album of the same name.
Why you should go: One of hip hop’s most respected MC’s of this generation with an assortment of chart topping hits and club anthems, Rick Ross can only guarantee his fans in attendance a night where their money is well spent. Strap up because Rozay’s about to turn things all the way up at the Sound Academy!
6. NXNE Music Festival
(Wednesday, June 18th – Sunday, June 22nd @ Toronto)
This month, North by Northeast (NXNE) celebrates their 20th Anniversary. Held in Toronto, Canada the annual event highlights, music, film, interactive, art, and comedy which saw over 35,000 attendees last year, coming from all over the world. The Festival will feature performances including, Juicy J, Danny Brown, A$AP Ferg, Pusha T, Ryan Hemsworth, Run The Jewels, araabMUZIK, and many more. Visit NXNE for the complete schedule.
Why you should go: One of the most anticipated summer events, NXNE saw over 35,000 attendees last year. Music anchors the festival from June 18-22.
7. A3C & NXNE “Best In Show”
(Friday, June 20th @ Studio Bar, Toronto)
One of the most anticipated summer events is right around the corner, as North by Northeast (NXNE) celebrates their 20th Anniversary. Held in Toronto, Canada the annual event highlights, music, film, interactive, art, and comedy which saw over 35,000 attendees last year, coming from all over the world. Now, for the first time in history, A3C (All 3 Coasts) has been given the privilege to host their very own showcase at the Festival. “The Best In Show’ will bring forth a considerable amount of independent artists from North American.
Why you should go: Artists participating include Soul Khan (New York, NY), Doughbeezy (Houston, TX), ForteBowie (Atlanta, GA), Dow Timo (Spring Valley, NY), Dutch ReBelle (Boston, MA), Earthgang (Atlanta, GA), Flex The Antihero (Toronto, ON), Kydd Jones (Austin, TX), Ro Spit (Detroit, MI), Michael Christmas (Boston, MA), Immerze (Vancouver, BC). DJ’s will consits of Austin Millz (New York, NY) and Toronto’s very own, Bass6.
8. Hollapalooza: Canadian Hip Hop Festival
(Friday June 20th Big Picture Cinema – Toronto Ontario)
Why you should go: With a line up featuring D-Sisive, iLLvibe, Church Chizzle , Duch Dillinger, Philly Moves, Nukky Grissom, Mic Gutz , Cee #SOTI Champ : Definition, #GetOnTheBill Winner : Spotty G (Sarnia) the intention is to bring #Hollapalooza to a proper outdoor festival venue and truly make this Canada’s Hip Hop Festival. But for now, we celebrate the best of Canadian Hip Hop in a dope ass Movie Theatre.
9. Battle Of The America’s: USA vs Canada
(Saturday June 21, Virgin Mobile Mod Club- Toronto, Ontario)
Why you should go: Come and witness 24 talented producers from both, the U.S.A. and Canada as they compete in the first international beat battle at NXNE. Hosted by our very own, DJ Chedo (#TeamCANADA) and Low Key of You Heard That New (#TeamUSA), special guest judges will include the legendary Young Guru, S1 (Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West) and Jake One (Rick Ross, Drake). Each team will go head-to-head in 5 rounds for the ultimate title. The event will also feature live performances by Tehu (Montreal) and Fresh Kils with a special half-time show by Toronto’s own Luu Breeze. Music will be provided by DJ Grouch and DJ Law.
10. Henny Palooza
(Saturday, June 21st @ Cube Nightclub, Toronto)
Henny Palooza began as a small gathering of friends at the residence of founder, Kameron McCullough. The idea was rather simple; individuals attending the event were to bring a bottle of Hennessy and/or a box of chicken. As word of the event rapidly spread through social media, it later resulted in 140 guests and 57 bottles of Hennesy. Therefore, Henny Palooza was created.
Why you should go: 2014 marks a monumental year for Henny Palooza as they will be taking their show on the road with #HennyPaloozaTheTour while bringing the party to Toronto on June 21st!
11. SmashMouth Mentality NXNE Showcase
(Saturday, June 21st @ Wronbgar, Toronto)
SmashMouth Entertainment will be showcasing their diverse talent in the 3rd Annual NXNE ‘SmashMouth Mentality’ Showcase. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Wrongbar in Toronto, featuring 14 artists from both the United States & Canada.
Why you should go: 1 Showcase. 2 Countries. 14 Artists and it’s hosted by Suge White!
12. Lauryn Hill
(Saturday, June 21st @ Sound Academy, Toronto)
8 time Grammy award winning hip hop legend Lauryn Hill will be gracing Toronto with a concert at the Sound Academy on Saturday, June 21, 2014. An ever versatile artist who is also one of the forming members of the multi-platinum and Grammy winning hip hop group Fugees, is one performer everyone should have on their bucket list to witness live.
Why you should go: If her credentials and accomplishments don’t entice you, how about thinking of the possibilities she’s artistically crafted into perfection for her set list? The notorious Ms.Hill only comes out to entertain once in a blue moon, expect a night full of great vibes and tremendous music. So, let her kill you softly with her voice as she tells you “Everything is Everything” and that you’re the “Sweetest Thing” while you “Do Wop (That Thing)” for what should be a concert experience you’ll most certainly never forget.
13. Logic
(Tuesday, June 24th @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto)
Music Group and Def Jam Recordings signee, Logic will be coming to Toronto as part of his “While You Wait” tour on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. He’s has released four mixtapes, with the most recent project being, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever. The RattPack member will be joined by guests QuESt and Castro.
Why you should go: The 24 year old Maryland native has accumulated a rather large fan base, following his rise between 2010–2012. Pristine lyricism paired with his ability to deliver music through storytelling is what makes Logic stand out from the crowd.
14. The Cookout 2 Music & Food Festival
(Friday, June 27th @ Club Absinthe, Hamilton)
Now in it’s second year, The Cookout 2 will be coming to Hamilton on Friday, June 27, 2014. This year will feature artists including, CL Smooth (performing The Main Ingredient album), APATHY (of The Demigodz), Saukrates, D-Sisive, and many more.
Why you should go: The yearly music and food festival will be catered by The Burnt Tongue, Rudy’s Paletas, and MeatVentures. Last year’s Cookout featured appearances by Raekwon, AZ, Cormega, KOTD, and more.