Horace “Rap” Rose was born in St. Ann’s Parish, Jamica and migrated to Canada in the 1960’s as a skilled worker. Throughout his life he would become a producer, community leader and role model in the Little Jamaica neighbourhood of Toronto.

Rose has worked alongside famous Jamaican’s including the likes of record producer Joe Gibbs, producing, and touring with Black Uhuru (his brother Michael Rose was a member), and the legendary Johnny Osbourne. Once in Canada he toured with them among other popular ska artists of the time that either migrated or visited the city of Toronto. He would often work late nights, producing and touring around the city. When out one night he and his crew were famished and had nowhere to eat. Noticing this significant gap in food availability for the music industry crowd, Rose decided to open Raps Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1982.

He incorporated the restaurant into his already existing record shop, and it acted as a dual vinyl shop and food stop. Wanting to bring authentic food and a warm Jamaican breeze to the area, he sourced a steel drum barbeque adorned in the Rastafarian colours of red, green, and yellow. Raps quickly became a staple, drawing in local Jamaican’s and musicians on tour. Located on Eglinton West Avenue, Rap’s has operated in the same location for over 40 years. The landmark grill can still be found outside of Rap’s on a warm day, with rows of jerk chicken ready to be served.

As one of the first Jamaican places in the area, his presence began a growth of Black owned businesses along the stretch of Eglinton. His wife Carole Rose, who he operates Rap’s with, describes him as a groundbreaker for the area, noting that he helped pave the way for the growth of Little Jamaica.