Before Classified was a successful Canadian rapper, he used to work in telemarketing for a carpet cleaning company. “I did it for like six months and no one did it for more than six months. By the end of six months I was a supervisor,” he said. In a new episode of Small Talk, host Simon Mohos got the Nova Scotian to prank call a fan, pretending he was selling those same carpets he sold years ago. It wasn’t until the fan hung up that he realized who he was talking to.
The rapper, whose self-titled album came out last January, also talked about getting an Instagram and smoking while working. His advice for stoners: “Get the work done first,” he says. “I do all that stuff in the morning. I don’t smoke before email and business and even writing. I don’t smoke and write lyrics. I smoke and make beats. For me I get up early, do all my shit that I gotta do and know needs be done that day. And then that’s usually done by noon, then I smoke make some beats and work with somebody or whatever.”
To celebrate the release of his new self-titled album, Classified held a mysterious concert for 100 fans in Toronto on Jan. 22. Leading up to the TOP SECRET show, he gave out clues that led to the exclusive performance at The Baitshop in Toronto.
All the social media tips had a military theme to go with his “This Is Classified” campaign and the location was finally revealed the day of the performance. The hour-long show was livestreamed on his website and now ANDPOP has the exclusive footage. His five-song performance was highlighted by his laid-back, onstage presence — I love that he nonchalantly handed lager out to an eager fan offstage.
The Nova Scotian rapper has been an integral part of the Canadian hip hop scene for over 17 years. 2011’s Handshakes and Middle Fingers marked his 14th studio album and his various releases have garnered a combined 18 nominations and 8 wins at the MuchMusic Video Awards, Juno Awards and East Coast Music Awards.
We’re pretty stoked about the new album — don’t forget to listen to “Growing Pains, which is dedicated to his two daughters, if you haven’t had the chance yet. We’ll have more exclusive footage in the coming week!
Watch his performance below
Classified’s new self-titled album is dropping on Tuesday, Jan 22 and we couldn’t be more excited. In a new exclusive video, the Canadian rapper talks about one of his tracks called “Growing Pains,” which he says is lyrically one of the strongest and most personal songs on the album.
The track, which is dedicated to his two young daughters, goes through advice he wishes he had when he was younger.
“I wish sh*t I know now, I knew growing up because I would have done a lot of things different,” the rapper said. “You’re gonna go through heartbreak, you’re gonna go through people being mean, you’re gonna go through being cheated on. There’s just so many things in life that sucks. There are so many points in life that you’re like ‘ah I don’t want my kid to go through this.’”
He continued: “Really I just tried to be honest with her and tell her things I think she’s going to go through and try to prepare her for it.”
The song is one of the most honest tracks on his forthcoming album and thus, one of the most difficult to pen. We love that he really went there and sang on it!
Watch it here
Canadian hip-hop artist Classified is channeling his fighter side with his new video “Inner Ninja.” The video shows Classified suiting up in a ninja outfit, along with mini-Classified ninjas in training. Ultimately, the video is a visual side kick to the inspirational song which talks about the strength within. Something tells me that the various kids in the video might symbolize the strength the artist has had since he was little.
Fellow Canadian songwriter and performer David Myles makes several appearances in the video. The two sit side-by-side which goes along with the video’s theme of togetherness. In the end, the two have inspired the kids to defend themselves and channel their inner ninjas.
One of our fave Canadian hip-hop artists Classified just released his video for the catchy single “Anything Goes.” The video was directed by Chris Strikes, who created beautiful shots of Classified walking down the streets of the city. In the video we see the artist running into a few sketchy characters, like monsters and old people. An added bonus: there are a few cameos from some other awesome Canadian artists.
Lyrics from the song play over the video at points, adding to the already striking visuals. My favourite line is “life’s a journey, not a destination,” which obviously goes along with the video’s theme of travelling.
Watch the behind-the-scene’s footage of “Anything Goes” here:
Ever since the release of ‘Times Up’ in 1995, Classified has brought an unprecedented enthusiasm to hip hop. He is renowned for his straight up, honest lyricism and has never tried to hide the fact that he’s a proud Canadian. Thirteen albums later, he’s signed to a major label and continues to share is uninhibited patriotism with his latest single ‘Oh Canada.’ Just in time for the Vancouver Olympics. To get the single and more crafty sampling I suggest picking up his latest album ‘Self Explanatory.’
Its taken awhile but Classified is finally getting the respect he deserves. Anybody Listening is climbing the charts steadily and Jordan stopped by the Vans store in Toronto for a chat with Classified.
