My man Kardinal has found himself in a different position as of late. For all those who don’t know Kardinal, he’s the energy-filled Canadian rapper that has always represented his West Indian heritage right along side his T-Dot pride. If you still don’t know Kardinal, he’s the one who sang the notorious chorus for Canada’s biggest urban hit “The Northern Touch”. And if you still don’t know Kardinal, you will soon. That’s exactly what’s changed as of late for Kardi – he got signed to MCA and is more than ready to drop his second LP, “Firestarter Vol. 1: Quest 4 Fire” on the entire world. Kardi is the most recent, and first of four Canadian artists to be droppin’ his major label debut in the next two months. So when I asked him if he felt any pressure leading the string of up-and-coming rappers to blow, he calmly replied ” nah not really. There’s no pressure, cuz I never changed any of the things that got me here – I’m still the same old Kardinal, namean “. That’s exactly what we wanted to hear.
Leaving right where he left off, Kardinal has mananged to jam pack 13 Silver House & The Girl produced joints ( his own production team consisting mostly of himself ) onto his new album, as well as a slew of the best Canadian features possible. Everyone from Solitaire, Da Grassroots, Saukrates, Tara Chase to Scarborough natives IRS is featured on the album. But this album isn’t fresh off the press Kardinal either though. Past gems like ” Hustlin “, ” M.I.C. Thugs “, and even a remake of ” You’re Ghetto ” ( You’re Ghetto 2001 ) made it on the album. He broke it down to me like this. ” This album is a complete representation of Kardinal Offishall. There are still heads all over the world who don’t know about Kardinal, and what I have managed to accomplish. This album should bring them up to speed so to speak “. And after receiving a full meal of Kardinal’s past, present, and future, rest assured you won’t be asking for refills or more plates full.
The album definitely doesn’t disappoint. The lead single ” Bakardi Slang”, is an upbeat representation of what Kardi stands for, and the slang that he’s inherited from his West Indian influence. The beat has some bounce to it, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing along to the lyrics even if you don’t want to – it’s that catchy ! The best way of catching Kardinal’s new material and tongue-twisted T-Dot slang is to see him rock the spot live.
Easily the best live Canadian performer out there, and one of the more energetic mc’s I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing, it’s hard to believe that he doesn’t lose 20 pounds each time he graces the stage. From his first single “On Wit Da Show”, to his previously unreleased album – submitted cuts that didn’t make the album, he’ll have you leaving the venue saying ya done know – even if you are a white kid from the suburbs whose never heard the slang before. I guess what I’m trying to say is that no matter who you are, and now thanks to MCA, no matter where you live, you too will have the pleasure of being blessed by Kardinal’s raw energy. Truss me still brethren…… You won’t be disappointed.
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Be sure to check for Kardinal Offishall’s Firestarter Vol. 1 : Quest 4 Fire dropping April 11th on MCA records. [.DX]
