Saukrates rises again with his instant-classic single Comin’ Up — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Canadian hip-hop legend takes stock of his life in his latest release, and he he’s happy with the results — clear-eyed about who he is, the challenges he’s weathered, and how many miles there are left to go before he gets the full measure of props he so richly deserves.
In a rapid-fire, three-minute stream of consciousness, Toronto’s master of the mic veers from memories of his hardscrabble past to visions of the future, while never giving short shrift to the hard-hustling realities of the here and now. One minute, he’s toasting to fallen comrades (“Lookin’ back, reminiscing, how many have left us / OG’s who used to squeeze with the best touch”); the next, he’s eagerly anticipating a day when he’ll be “out in the clear… sittin on’ like half a million / In a crib on some acres.” In the meantime, he knows no one can tie him down or distract him from his vision.
Comin’ Up is the climactic track on Saukrates’ latest album Bad Addiction, a 12-song opus that spotlights the phenomenal personal and musical growth he’s exhibited throughout his remarkable career. He calls the record a “time capsule,” since it’s comprised of recordings he made between 1999 and 2004, most of which have never seen the light of day before.
The album is bound to solidify its author’s status as a key figure in Canadian music, and as a tireless collaborator who’s done groundbreaking work with the likes of Nelly Furtado, Nas, Method Man, Redman and Drake. Keeping that tradition alive, the record features cameos by Shakari Nyte and Roam, as well as the aforementioned Redman and longtime co-conspirator Masta Ace on previous single My Pager Burnin Up (Easide of Thangs).
Saukrates’ devices have been melting since 1994, when he set out on the career path that’s seen him become one of the architects of Canadian rap. His impact has been felt across the musical landscape, not only as a solo performer, but also as a founding member of the hip-hop collective The Circle and the lead voice of his own outfit, Big Black Lincoln. Over the years, he’s won multiple Juno Awards and taken home a Much Music Video Award. This year, he’s up for an Emmy, for his collaboration with the Washington Capitals on Caps 11.
In 2024, Saukrates celebrated his three decades of influence by releasing a special anniversary edition of his 1999 solo debut, The Underground Tapes. Consisting of a whopping 42 tracks, the record features 21 classic songs, each accompanied by a narration from the artist himself that explains the tune’s unique attributes and significance.
Check out Comin’ Up above, hear more from Saukrates below, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
