Just when you thought hip-hop was getting stagnant, just when you thought hip-hop was only about the dollar bill and just when you thought you´d heard all that Canada has to offer, comes an emcee from Kitchener, Ontario that just is, hip-hop. Just like his rhymes, his tag is all about clever word play. It can be pronounced as 'Just Is' or 'Justis'. Whichever way you wanna say it, at the fresh age of 22, Justis, aka Justin Vail has shared stages with K-os, DL Incognito, Scratch from the Roots and Shad K amongst others and is notorious for flipping the script at his own hype lives shows. With heap loads of stories to share Justis is proud to admit that his raps are about life and his dedication to hip-hop and not about flossing and braggadocio. Justis reflects on his music as hip-hop created with heart, soul and thought. 'I'm an honest emcee. No fronts, just tell it like my life is, but from a perspective that might be a little more easy to relate to for REAL people". Toronto eclectic label, Do Right! is releasing the first single from Justis, an infectious, jazz influenced aptly titled tune, 'Jazz Music'. The b-side: the bouncy, bass driven cut titled 'Down' and the future anthem, 'I am Hip-Hop' from his forthcoming album.
'I am hip hop' is a straight-up, boom bap head-nodder, produced by Justis´ longtime friend, Mantis. With a title like this, some may find Justis´ attitude to be a little cocky, but after listening to the verses and hook, it´s apparent that Justis eats, sleeps and breathes hip-hop. 'It has been the biggest influence on me and has shaped my whole life and I´m sure a lot of other people can relate to that", says Justis. 'I am hip hop" is about the plight of a hip-hop head and is devoted to all those that share the all encompassing hip-hop life and culture. Justis recounts his own introduction to the music; hanging with older cats, tagging spaces, rocking Jordan´s and shell toes and driving around listening to Pete Rock and CL Smooth.
A lover of the old school, but growing up in the new school, Justis fuses the quality elements of classic rap with a future flavour, bringing his own form of justice to the hip-hop game.
