Jewish hip-hop stars making their way to Canada

We Jews are known for a lot of talents. Hip-hop is not one of them. Until now....

Times are a-changing, big-time, in the world of hip-hop and rap. Jews are making a name for themselves in the rapping world.

Three of the most well known Jewish hip-hop artists are coming to Canada within the next few months.

Just recently in Toronto is Mac Miller, who has just been signed by Rostrum Records – the same label that discovered Wiz Khalifa–and was in town March 2 to play a sold out gig.

Fresh out of high school, this 19-year-old Pittsburgh native has already released K.I.D.S, his highly anticipated mixtape that features his songs Knock Knock and Nikes On My Feet.

Already, his videos have garnered over 20 million views on YouTube, and are currently being sold on iTunes. Miller is now gearing up to go on part two of his promotional tour in October. This 25-city concert tour will take Miller across North America, starting in California, and ending in Philadelphia, with stops in Canada along the way.

Another source of our Jewish hip-hop pride, Matisyahu is also on his way back to Toronto. This payes-donning reggae superstar, who is best known for his hit song One Day which was chosen to be an official song for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, is coming to Toronto on April 5, to be a part of Uptown Chabad’s Fourth Annual Benefit Evening. Taking place at the Toronto Centre of the Arts, he will be treating the audience to a live, acoustic performance, followed by a personal reflection period.

Toronto-native hip-hop star Drake will also be making his way back home. On March 27 he’ll be hosting the 40th annual Juno Awards. Aubrey Drake Graham, born to a Jewish mother, signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in June 2009.

Just months later, the ex-Degrassi star was known as one of the most successful recording artists in the world, with his debut album Thank Me Later going platinum in Canada. Drake has collaborated with hip-hop stars such as Lil Wayne, Eminem, Jay-Z and Kanye West, and in 2010, he won two Juno Awards for Best New Artist and Rap Recording of the Year.

These three hip-hop stars are making it in the world of music. Make sure to see them when they come to Canada in the next few months.