Andreena @ The Known Unknown

Tika Simone and The Remix Project presented January’s The Known Unknown with a “Naked and Stripped” show at Toronto’s Wrongbar, welcoming the return of Andreena from her hiatus to the music scene and the showcase of other relatively new Toronto talent.
The Queen Street venue was crowded with music supporters who escaped the deep chill to partake in a night of local talent.
An interactive board with a live Twitter feed created an opportunity for those in attendance to tweet their thoughts on each performance and engage with others not only in person, but also through the social network, creating a multidimensional cyber event.
The packed house mingled in person and online as DJ Lissa Monet and Starven Marvin spun hip-hop and R&B hits, before host Marlon Palmer began inviting the performers to the stage to display their talents.
The Remix Project, which celebrated the graduation of its 9.0 class in November, worked with Tika to incorporate some of its talent such as R&B crooner Vanessa Lu and hip-hop artist Never.
Highlights of the night included performances by soulful singers, Juvon Taylor and Owen “O’Sound” Lee, as well as up and coming rappers John River and Sola.
Toronto’s most recognized hip-hop music enthusiast, Mindbender was in attendance to show his support for the city’s music scene.
“Toronto is probably the best talent treasure chest of music, dancing, skill, artistry and creativity maybe in the world right now,” he says. The devoted hip-hop head was most looking forward to the return of Andreena, as a loyal fan and peer. “Anyone who knows what good R&B, soul, music, singing, performing, dancing, power and strength is, they should know the name Andreena Mill, straight up.”
The Known Unknown founder and long-time friend of Andreena’s, Tika Simone welcomed the talented singer to the stage, sharing that, “It is difficult to watch somebody peak and fall and not get the support from her backend that she deserves and I wanted to make it my mission to ensure that nobody forgets her name, that nobody forgets who she is, and we all remember that she is from here and she represents Toronto to the fullest,” she said, before handing the mic off to Andreena.
In a two-part set, Andreena reminded the packed venue of her skill level by belting out tracks from her upcoming album Naked such as “Boss Bitch” and “My Boo” with her band and accompanied vocals by O’Sound. With an undeniable voice, stage presence and hit after hit, it was undoubtedly apparent that Andreena is back with a vengeance and The Known Unknown was just her first step in securing her takeover.

The Big Ticket

There are numerous monthly events and venues that showcase talented hip-hop artists in Toronto, but what the community lacks is professionalism in its field. This is according to industry heavyweight Chris Jackson, who plans to bring about change with his monthly showcase, The Big Ticket. Jackson, the brainchild of The Big Ticket, has been in the music industry for over 25 years and has seen the evolution of Toronto hip-hop for decades. He has hopes for what is to come in the future. “We need a foundation, a base, a blueprint and I was around back in the days in the ’80s and early ’90s and helped establish that foundation in hip-hop,” he explains. “We got lost at one point, we are still a little lost, but hip-hop in Canada is starting to find its identity again and that’s what Big Ticket was designed as, to help support artists, give them a place to perform on a regular basis and give them a venue and event that is on a professional level.”

On the second Friday of every month, hip-hop heads and tastemakers can be found at the city’s The Velvet Underground enjoying a night of music from local emcees, DJs and beat makers who are interested in the future of the hip-hop community in Canada. The event, which was birthed in July has already made a large impact on the city’s music scene, and has welcomed artists such as Perfeck Strangers, Raz Fresco and Masia One to its stage. Toronto emcee, The 12th Letter, who recently dropped his album Hear No Evil, Music To My Ears, celebrated its launch by performing at last month’s edition of The Big Ticket. He says the event is a dynamic asset to the Toronto hip-hop community.

“In the early ’90s, you had the Lyricist Lounge and places like that which spawned a lot of great talent and that people could come and see it. I feel that this is that same kind of hub where artists can perform and the fans can come out and see and get a taste of what the music is like and support it. We haven’t really had things like that in the past that have been consistent and this is a monthly event so things like this are vital to the city to grow the culture and prove that hip-hop has staying power in the city,” he said after his performance. At the next Big Ticket event on January 11, Jackson hopes to bring the best of Big Ticket and feature his favourite acts that have helped the showcase evolve.

Photos By: Fitzroy Facey