Saukrates rewinds his Underground Tapes with the help of Redman and Masta Ace on his sinister and aspirational new single My Pager Burning Up (Easide Of Thangs) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
If there is a figure who established the foundation of Canadian rap and hip-hop, it’s Saukrates, who stands as one of the pioneers of the genre in the country. With a career beginning in 1994, his influence spans decades and categories, marked by a track record of successful releases and significant milestones. The Toronto artist is a 2024 Emmy nominee, a Juno recipient and an MMVA winner, proving his lasting impact and talent in the industry.
Looking ahead with renewed motivation, Saukrates is preparing multiple projects over the coming months, with My Pager Burnin Up (Easide of Thangs) serving as the latest chapter. The joint features renowned artists Redman and Masta Ace, his frequent collaborators since 1997. With a classic beat and seamless flows, the song celebrates the artists’ success, confidence and dynamic lifestyle that come with their status in the streets. The chorus reflects a sense of rising success and the constant attention they receive, symbolizing popularity and demand:
“I’m just movin’ on up
To the Easide of Thangs, wut!
My pager just keeps on burnin’ up
Why you wanna cut?”
Redman, the Newark rapper with more than two million monthly listeners, enters the song in the second verse, delivering rhythmic bars with themes of confidence and street life. Brooklyn legend Masta Ace enters the third verse, adding a touch of humour with his punchy and clever lyrics, putting another layer of depth on the track.
My Pager Burning Up will be featured on Saukrates’ upcoming album Bad Addiction, set for release in September. This project highlights his personal and musical growth over the years, and further solidifies his status as a key figure in Canadian music. Saukrates is also planning a special release that pays homage to his debut album — 1999’s The Underground Tapes, which infused his captivating flow and self-produced tracks with jazzy synthesizers and strings. For the 25th anniversary of the album, he has crafted a retrospective 42-track album — 21 songs and an equal number of narrations that offer a personal exploration of each music track.
Saukrates’ illustrious journey in the music industry includes global tours with Nelly Furtado and collaborations with Nas, Method Man & Redman, and Drake. Check out My Pager Burning Up (Easide Of Thangs) above, hear more from Saukrates below, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
