The Unsung Hip-Hop Scene of Atlantic Canada
When we think of hip-hop, cities like Memphis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Detroit often come to mind. These urban centers have long been recognized as the heartbeats of the genre, pulsating with talent and innovation. However, Michael McGuire, a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and rapper, is on a mission to shine a spotlight on a lesser-known but equally vibrant hip-hop scene: Atlantic Canada. His exhibition, East of East Atlantic Hip-Hop Archive, currently on display at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, runs until November 23 and aims to document the rich history of hip-hop in this region.
A Passionate Collector
McGuire, who performs under the moniker Hermit of the Woods, began his journey into the world of hip-hop as a child. His fascination with the genre led him to collect an impressive array of local hip-hop artifacts, including mixtapes, CDs, vinyl records, and posters. Over the years, his collection has grown to encompass over 2,000 recordings, 400 posters, 850 CDs, 165 cassettes, and 280 records. This extensive archive serves not only as a personal treasure trove but also as a historical record of the hip-hop culture that has thrived in Atlantic Canada since the early 1980s.
"I eventually started making my own music and that got me connected to the scene and learning about all the other artists who were working and making things happen," McGuire reflects. His passion for hip-hop eventually led him to academia, where he has integrated local hip-hop into his studies, further solidifying its importance in the cultural landscape of the region.
Tracing the Roots of Hip-Hop in Halifax
In his quest to preserve the history of hip-hop in Halifax, McGuire sought to identify the oldest artists in the scene. His research led him to Manny Bundy, also known as King Bun, who was active in the 1980s. "King Bun, who way back in the ’80s used to do a kind of rhyming, storytelling," McGuire explains. "Maybe not hip-hop in the way that we think about it now, but certainly a precursor to that." This acknowledgment of early influences highlights the unique evolution of hip-hop in the region.
McGuire notes that hip-hop made its way to Halifax through a "pipeline" from New York, where family members would record shows and bring them back home. "We had something of a pipeline direct from New York giving us really interesting new hip-hop music," he says. However, the geographic distance also fostered a sense of independence among local artists, who began to create their own music and carve out a distinct identity for Atlantic Canadian hip-hop.
A Community of Artists
The exhibition features a timeline that maps the various artists who have contributed to the hip-hop scene in Atlantic Canada. One of those artists is Seth Glasgow, known artistically as Vadell Gabriel. For Glasgow, the exhibition is a nostalgic experience, filled with memories of the mixtapes and artists he grew up listening to. "We’re all friends. We’re all family," he shares. "We collaborate, we talk. It’s just great seeing them get some recognition." His inclusion in McGuire’s timeline underscores the interconnectedness of the local hip-hop community.
Celebrating Visual Art in Hip-Hop
In addition to McGuire’s exhibition, another significant display is being showcased in the same gallery. Mark V. Campbell, the curator and founder of the Northside Hip Hop Archive, presents Still Tho, an homage to the visual art forms associated with hip-hop culture, such as graffiti. Campbell’s work emphasizes the resilience of artists who have persevered through various challenges to express themselves creatively. "There’s lots of boundaries and ways that your art practice could be halted and interrupted," he explains. "And the phrase still, though, is about, look at these people that have been doing this for 25 and 30 years."
Bridging the Gap
Campbell’s mission extends beyond showcasing art; he aims to connect with artists across Canada, particularly those from the East Coast. "We do have artists in Vancouver and from Saskatchewan, but we don’t really have anyone from the East Coast," he notes. By bringing his exhibition to Halifax, Campbell hopes to foster a sense of community and collaboration among artists from different regions.
A Rich Tapestry of Culture
The East of East Atlantic Hip-Hop Archive is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the diverse and rich history of hip-hop in Atlantic Canada. Through the efforts of passionate individuals like Michael McGuire and Mark V. Campbell, the narrative of hip-hop in this region is being woven into the larger tapestry of Canadian culture. As the exhibition continues to run until November 23, it invites visitors to explore and appreciate the unique contributions of Atlantic Canada to the hip-hop genre.
