"This Is A Throwdown..."

Canadian hip-hop pioneer Maestro, formerly known as Maestro Fresh Wes has been currying some interest of late on 'random rap' hip-hop blogs and getting a shoutout in Quasimoto's "Rapp Cats Pt. 3" video, prompting some to ask what he's up to now.

Those of us in Toronto know he's been working on an acting career for a while now, but a few days ago he was at the Mod Club having his "first ever record release party" for the release of his best of compilation "Urban Landmark 1989 - 2005".

After Kardinal warmed up the crowd a little with his usual manic performance and pointed out "Without Maestro there would be no Kardinal", he gave a preview of a new single that borrows heavily from Arrested Development's "Everyday People" (which itself borrowed heavily from Sly & the Family Stone, but I digress),that sounded like as much as could be discerned above the venue buzz that it was addressing serious social issues.

Maestro soon followed, starting off his set with "Drop The Needle" and of course did the classic "Let Your Backbone Slide" in a short but sweet energetic performance that also touched on "Conductin' Thangs" and "Stick To Ya Vision". But no "Fine Tune Da Mic"?

Maestro brought Ron Nelson on stage, who was the host of Toronto's first hip-hop radio show CKLN 881.FM's Fantastic Voyage who first let Maestro rhyme on air when he was called Melody MC. Maestro also brought out Michie Mee who inspired him that he could make it as an artist and once co-hosted Fantastic Voyage successor The Power Move.

It was an important reminder of the integral role community radio has played in cultivating homegrown music.
So here are a few T-dot radio shows that you can check in with online.

The Real Frequency
OK these guys aren't on community radio anymore, but it was on CHRY and CKLN before they moved to Flow and they deserve an exception. The show is that good.

These aren't hip-hop shows but they are always worth checking out.

Jason Palma's Higher Ground on CIUT.
Progressive jazzy grooves, house, broken beat. Good music.


Denise Benson's Mental Chatter on CKLN.
"Toronto's longest-running forward-looking underground 'dance' music show."