It must be winter in Edmonton as the streets become less lined with people and restaurants and bars become packed to the brim. Ejazz, the Edmonton-based hip-hop sensation, was back with a bang last Friday night with his latest show that ignited the crowd at SoHo downtown.
Ejazz, also known as Ejazz Loves Love, is a local hip-hop artist that has been making waves within the hip-hop community for the last four years, first delving into the art form back in 2019, but growing up making music since he was in junior high. And now, with last week’s show promoting his first collaboration with Tariiiqmusic, another local musician and music producer who has worked with many in the Edmonton hip-hop community, alongside Black Sheep Music Society. Ejazz has worked hard to create a performance that promises to be nothing short of epic, and as promised a history in the making — and he certainly delivered a set that can only be described as fluent fire with a unique blend of lyrical prowess and powerful stage presence.
“Hip hop at this point, has saved my life, and I absolutely love it. And I think I’d want to be a positive force and refreshing kind of figure and paste it in the hip hop realm” Ejazz remarks. But even with all the prowess and power. All performers, especially those in the hip-hop scene have a difficult time getting a good turn out.
When we think of a night out at a rap/hip-hop show, the first image that comes to mind is a dark room packed to the rim with hoodied figures chanting along to B-Rabbit…something about mom’s spaghetti? But that is not what the scene is anymore as the concert began with tables and booths full of people ready to enjoy their drinks and food. And of course with many standing to bob back in forth with one of the many tasty beats.
All and all, it’s a completely approachable scene for those who love hip hop but are intimated by an image of what it might be in their head. The problem that most musicians face in this frozen-for-months city, is the turn out.
“It goes right back to my point of how fucking cool this event and venue was. Not nearly enough people. Not nearly enough marketing advertisement, like everybody that was there was already in the scene,” said Ejazz. “Having the winters that we do, people aren’t necessarily just going out for strolls. So a lot of artists in Edmonton have struggles.”
“In the winter it’s a grind but that also means it’s a grind in the summer to catch as many people out trying to have their hot boy/girl summer.” He says in the summer it is easier to get foot traffic in the door, but in the winter it’s a battle to get people to come to shows. But not only is it a struggle to get people out, it’s also a struggle for advertising the shows and making people aware of where they can find their live music. Rocking for dollars, Diss or Dapp, and Thug Shell‘s open mic night are just a few of the awesome events going down year-round. So, if you are looking for something to do this winter, look out for Ejazz at any of those events and listen for his new EP rebirth on Spotify, coming spring 2024.
He is not just a hip-hop musician: he is a storyteller, a lyricist, music producer, and an artist that continues to captivate his audiences with his own style of rhythm and poetry. Music can transcend boundaries, resonating with listeners from all walks of life. So, don’t let the cold weather or bad images let you miss out on Ejazz’s intricate artistry, as he continues to impact the Edmonton hip-hop scene.
Also, catch the full interview with Ejazz on our YEG Yeller podcast below.