Beat Factory’s co-founder, Ivan Berry, is a foundational figure in Canadian hip-hop. Throughout his career he has developed and sold countless records for Canadian mega-stars like Keshia Chanté, Michie Mee, Dream Warriors, and more.

The dream began after he and friend Rupert Gayle formed a band during high school in year 13, with Gayle on vocals. After given the opportunity to tour, Berry left high school to pursue his passion. In 1982, he and Gayle founded Beat Factory which would go onto become one of the most important labels in Canadian hip-hop history. One of the label’s first artists was Michie Mee who signed on shortly after the companies inception. Berry was able to facilitate an international record deal with Atlantic Records, leading Michie to become the first Canadian hip-hop artist to sign with a major American label. Another massive success for the company was with Dream Warriors, who sold over 800, 000 copies of their break-out album, And Now The Legacy Begins, which featured hit tracks “My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style” and “Wash Your Face in My Sink”.

in 1996, Berry founded Beat Factory Music Inc. which released several notable compilation albums including RapEssentials and GroovEssentials. Outside of Beat Factory, Berry has become well established in all realms of the music industry. As a St. Kitt’s native, he has always championed the Caribbean community, co-creating the St. Kitt’s Music Festival. The festival has featured musicians as big as Chaka Khan, Kool & The Gang, Ludacris, DMX, Boyz II Men, and more. As one of the most knowledgable in the industry, he is also a highly sought-after speaker and lecturer in corporate, government, and education circles.

His efforts have been rewarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Urban Music Association of Canada in 2000, in 2004 with the Bob Marley Award for his community work, in 2005 with a Music, Arts & Entertainment Award from St. Kitts’ Canadian Association, and countless other accolades.