Indigenous Producer Goes from the Studio to the Spotlight with New Album

With amazing credits like Producer and Mix Engineer on tracks from Method Man, Drake, EPMD, and Pete Rock how have I not heard of this man before?

David Strickland has made a name for himself as one of the most successful Indigenous audio engineers in Canada. Many of the tracks he's worked on have gone on to achieve platinum status, even winning a Grammy and JUNO award.

But he hasn't forgotten about his roots whatsoever. Recent work includes advocating for First Nation's Youth and bringing awareness to all Indigenous issues. He talks more about this passion in the VICE documentary, First Out Here: Indigenous Hip Hop in Canada.

He recently released two singles, “Rez Life” and “Window,” from his upcoming debut album Spirit of Hip Hop. The timing of the release coincides with Canada’s 150th Anniversary “in protest of the country’s treatment of its Indigenous population and serves as a reminder of the many broken treaties and promises to the Indigenous people throughout history.”

First single off his upcoming album, “Rez Life”, features Violent Ground – (Naskapi), David Strickland – (Mik'maq), Drezus – (Cree), Que Rock – (Ojibwe/Haida), Joey Stylez – (Cree/Metis), Hellnback – (Cree), Mob Bounce (Haida) City Natives (Mi'kmaq) Aspects (Shuswap).

Rez Life is about life on the reservation. What its like for native youth. a glimpse into rez life for the outside world. this song incorporates some of Canada's best First Nations Rappers and DJ/Producer.

In this next song “Window”, he gets a little help from Drezus and singer Hakeem Roze.

“The song is about changes and moving forward and onward and shedding the past and people who have held you back. It's a feel good song full of energy and emotion and also describes where I've been during the making of the album.”

If you like what you hear, the full album will be out this fall! Spirit of Hip Hop will feature a wide mix of Indigenous and mainstream rappers, singers, and producers. The album will feature appearances from Snoop Dogg, Young Buck, Saukrates, Drezus, Joey Stylez, and more.

For more information, visit http://www.davidstrickland.ca/

Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Paul G