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Michie Mee in purple fur jacket and purple garments, smiling and holding a broadcasting camera

Credit: Unknown Photographer - Image Credit Form

Genre: HipHop

Period: 1985-present

Region: Ontario

Michie Mee

Officially named “The Queen of Hip-Hop”, Michie Mee eloquently combines rap, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. The multifaceted musician led the way for artists in the Canadian and international hip-hip scene. Michie Mee was born in 1970, in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Jane and Finch in 1976, where her affinity for the arts only grew. She had an aunt in the Bronx in New York City and would often visit to learn more about their budding hip-hop scene.

Michie Mee would grace the stage in her debut performance in Toronto, at the age of 15, as the opener for Boogie Down Productions. Her unique style was an instant hit, leading her to work with Phillip Gayle, other-wise known as, L.A Luv. The duo made single “Elements of Style” and she became the first Canadian recording artist to sign to a major American label. Michie Mee is often hailed as “the Godmother of Canadian Rap,” and a hip-hop pioneer, inspiring the likes of Maestro Fresh Wes, Public Enemy’s Chuck D, and Kardinal Offishall. She is Juno-nominated and has earned countless other awards including, 1998 MuchMusic Video Award for song/video “Covergirl”, the 2012 Dj Stylus Award, 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, 2014 Canadian Award for Best Female Rap Rap Act, and made history in 2014 winning the Toronto Arts Council “Roy Thompson Hall Award” of 10K. The award honours those who have positively contributed to the Toronto music scene through creativity, philanthropy, and performance. She has won many other community based awards, and remains a constant advocate for youth and education.

The hip-hop and rap tycoon rests on the advisory board of the Jamaican Music Conference, is part of the Generation Hip Hop Global Board, and the HipHop BLVD Advisory Board. Outside of music, Michie Mee is a member of ACTRA, obtaining television and film roles, and was featured in the CBC documentary “”Love, Props, and the T. Dot””. She currently has a signed book deal with Penguin House for a memoir. Her latest album, Badgyals Revenge, was released in 2020.

Michie Mee is a pathfinder for Canadian hip-hop, especially for women in the music scene. She uses her heritage and creative energy as a driving force for her sound, elevating those around her as she breaks down doors.

Awards

  • 2012 DJ Stylus Hall of Fame Award
  • 2013 CUMC Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2014 Black Canadian Award for Best Female Rap Act
  • 2014 Toronto Arts Council Roy Hall Thompson Award

Photo gallery

video content

videos
interviews
live performances

artist playlist

discography

Please note that the discography shown may have missing or incomplete information, and the CBMA is working to compile a more comprehensive list.

  • Album (1)
    • Title: The First Cut is the Deepest, Release date: 2000
  • Compilation (3)
    • Title: Beat Factory Rap Essentials Volume Two, Release date: 1997
    • Title: Rap Essentials: The Rebirth, Release date: 1999
    • Title: Jagoff Uprising, Release date: 2005
  • Single (3)
    • Title: Jamaican Funk, Release date: 2000
    • Title: Ripped Me Off/Don’t Wanna Be Your Slave, Release date: 1999
    • Title: Drop The Beat/Husslin’, Release date: 2000

 

The CBMA recognizes the gaps in our collection. As the organization grows, so will the amount of information we are able to provide. If you have any recommendations on how we can acquire this specific piece of information, we kindly encourage you to reach out to us.