Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop
Exhibit Overview
This Black History Month, the Canada Black Music Archive (CBMA) invites you to experience Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop, an exhibition honouring the artists, visionaries, and creative powerhouses that have shaped Toronto’s current hip-hop landscape. Often overshadowed by the prominence of its southern neighbours; this presentation seeks to reframe the narrative of Canadian hip-hop by celebrating Toronto’s unique contributions to the global movement. The Toronto-focused exhibition explores the five elements of hip-hop; Graffiti, DJing, MCing, Breakdancing and Fashion. Visitors can explore pivotal albums from trailblazing artists such as Maestro Fresh Wes, Kardinal Offishall, Rascalz, Choclair, Saukrates, and more, alongside ephemera from prominent publications and events like WORD Magazine, Mic Check, and Streetsound. The exhibition also features apparel from 100 Miles, a staple in Toronto’s urban fashion, and an audiovisual presentation that invites you to relive key moments that defined Toronto’s hip-hop cultural zeitgeist during the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop is a collaboration between the Canada Black Music Archive, the City of Toronto, Northside Hip-Hop Archive and Reterontario, with loan materials from DJ Joey of SoundQuest, DJ Carl Allen, Garie Miles Adamson and Anessa O’Connor. The exhibition is co-curated and organized by Phillip Vassell, CBMA’s Executive Director; Donna McCurvin, CBMA’s Managing Director; Shadio Hussein, CBMA’s Collection Manager and Kenya Isaac, CBMA’s Managing Editor. Audiovisual production support by Adeoye “Deo” Otusajo, CBMA’s Multimedia Content Producer. Installation by Jessica Algie, City of Toronto Archives’ Reference & Digital Engagement Archivist.Playlist
This Spotify playlist features a selection of singles that have been significant in shaping Toronto’s hip-hop scene.Sponsors
