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Cadence Weapon: Hip Hop Resistance and Surviving the Music Industry

Shannon Simmons

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Published in Bedroom Rapper: Cadence Weapon On Hip Hop Resistance And Surviving The Music Industry

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Cadence Weapon is a Polaris Music Prize-winning rapper, producer, and writer whose work explores themes of race, identity, and politics. His music is a powerful blend of hip hop, electronic music, and spoken word, and he uses his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality.

Cadence Weapon was born Rollie Pemberton in 1981 on the Tłı̨chǫ Dene Reserve in the Northwest Territories. He grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and was first introduced to hip hop by his older brother. He began rapping in his early teens, and by the late 1990s, he was performing at local clubs and events.

Bedroom Rapper: Cadence Weapon on Hip-Hop, Resistance and Surviving the Music Industry

by Rollie Pemberton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2197 KB
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Print length	:	304 pages

In 2005, Cadence Weapon released his debut album, Breaking Kayfabe. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it won the 2006 Polaris Music Prize. Cadence Weapon has since released four more albums, including Hope in Dirt City (2009),Afterparty Babies (2012),and Parallel World (2017).

Cadence Weapon's music is often political and confrontational. He raps about racism, colonialism, and the struggles of Indigenous peoples. He also uses his music to celebrate Indigenous culture and identity. In his song "The Answer," he raps:

> "I'm a Tłı̨chǫ Dene from the Northwest Territories > And I'm here to tell you that we're still here > We're still fighting for our rights > And we're still proud of who we are."

Cadence Weapon's activism extends beyond his music. He is a co-founder of the Indigenous Music Caucus, which advocates for the rights of Indigenous musicians. He is also a member of the Polaris Music Prize jury, and he uses his platform to highlight the work of other Indigenous musicians.

In addition to his music and activism, Cadence Weapon is also a successful writer. He has written for publications such as The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, and Pitchfork. In 2019, he published his first book, Bedroom Rapper, which is a memoir about his life and career.

Cadence Weapon is a powerful voice in Canadian music. He is a talented rapper, producer, and writer who uses his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. He is also a passionate advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Cadence Weapon on Hip Hop Resistance

In an interview with The New York Times, Cadence Weapon spoke about the role of hip hop in resistance:

> "Hip hop has always been a form of resistance. It's a way for people to speak out against injustice and inequality. It's a way to challenge the status quo and to demand change.

Cadence Weapon believes that hip hop is a powerful tool for social change. He says that hip hop can educate people about important issues, inspire them to take action, and build solidarity among people who are fighting for justice.

Cadence Weapon on Surviving the Music Industry

Cadence Weapon has been in the music industry for over two decades. He has experienced both the highs and lows of the industry, and he has learned a lot about how to survive.

In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Cadence Weapon gave some advice to aspiring musicians:

> "The music industry is tough. It's a lot of hard work, and there's no guarantee of success. But if you're passionate about music, then you need to keep going. You need to believe in yourself and you need to be willing to work hard. And most importantly, you need to stay true to yourself."

Cadence Weapon believes that it is important for musicians to be independent and to control their own careers. He says that musicians need to be able to make their own decisions about their music, their image, and their career path.

Cadence Weapon is a role model for aspiring musicians. He is a talented artist who has used his platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. He is also a successful businessman who has built a sustainable career in the music industry.

Bedroom Rapper: Cadence Weapon on Hip-Hop, Resistance and Surviving the Music Industry

by Rollie Pemberton

5 out of 5