Kardinal Offishall is a rapper, record
producer, DJ, and record executive. Often credited as Canada's "hip hop
ambassador", he is regarded as one of the country's best hip hop artists
and is best known for his distinctive reggae and dancehall-influenced style of
hip hop.
Born and raised in Toronto, a city where cultures of the world come
together, Kardinal Offishall’s moniker of “Mr. International” is as fitting as
it is catchy. With his notable twist of hip-hop music, spirited stage
performances and captivating persona he stands out on a world stage.
Incredibly original and widely received, Offishall has trekked across
the globe performing in some of the most acclaimed stadiums, arenas and
festivals where he, without fail, exhilarates fans with one-of-a-kind musically
vivacious mash-up performances. From Prince’s Trust Fashion/Rock show that was
broadcast to over 400 million viewers in over 70 countries worldwide, to
performing multiple times at the MMVA’s, Offishall has become a notable figure amongst
the top ranking in the music industry.
From his earlier onsets in Toronto’s underground hip-hop scene in the
1990’s, Offishall trademarked his signature tongue-in-cheek rhymes that
garnered him a following in the already established hip-hop musical arena.
Entwining patois and a dancehall style with singles like “Bakardi Slang”, “Ol
Time Killin” and “Maxine”, Offishall had fans quickly clinging to the likes of
his songwriting and distinctive hip-hop style that, today, has earned him
musical success and rap respectability across the continents.
A significant moment in Offishall’s musical career was in 2008, when he
joined forces with American singer and rapper Akon with his Kon Live
Music/Interscope record label. With their musical union they gave birth to
international chart topping singles, selling millions worldwide, including
“Numba One”, the Lady Gaga “Just Dance Remix”, “Beautiful” and, undoubtedly,
the smash hit “Dangerous”, which earned Offishall the title of the first ever
Canadian rapper to chart a song on Billboard’s Hot 100.
As a four-time MMVA and Juno Award winner with multiple ASCAP and Socan awards,
it’s no doubt that Offishall is one of the hardest working artists in the business
who continues to deliver hits with endless collaborations on his discography.
For 2016 the musical virtuoso, performer, producer, entertainer and
businessman is set to bring a new Kardinal Offishall experience as he
transitions into hip-hop’s beloved pillar of DJ-ing. “Mr.International” himself
will deliver his euphonic inceptions worldwide keeping fans electrified with
his sublime musical sets that continue to crown him as one of Canada’s top
musical tastemakers to trek the international market.