Joti Dhillon, Bal-E-Lasara + MC JD (Bhangra) Joti Dhillon is one of Canada's hottest urban bhangra producers. Known for his ability to fuse Pubjabi folk anthems with hard hitting contemporary beats, this one-time Rexdale, Toronto native got his start in the music business as audio visual director at one of North America's largest South Asian record companies, Planet Recordz in Mississauga. His third album, Brown Sugar, is set for release this September in Canada, the U.K, and India. Much like Joti's previous body of work, Behind the Scenes (2004) and Rise Up (2006), Brown Sugar features a host of household names in South Asian music, such as Kuldip Manak, Sukhdev Darapuria, Kaka Bhainiwala and up and coming singer Bal-E-Lasara. Joti, Bal-E and MC JD (see separate bio) are sure to keep urbanNOISE audience members grooving with a high energy performance that also includes a live dhol (drum) player and Punjabi dancers. Balay o Balay! (Punjabi for Very Good).

BrassMunk (Rap/Hip Hop) BrassMunk has long since been a group celebrated by DJ's, writers and critics a like. With the departure of May 19, founding members S-Roc, Clip & Agile have been joined by Reign. The new quartet from Scarborough has a more rich and seasoned sound. They received their fourth nomination for 'Best Rap Recording' in April at the 2008 Juno Awards for their second full-length album, 'The Fewturistic'. They were listed by Urb Magazine as one the next 100 groups to watch for in their annual 'The Next 100'. BrassMunk was the first rap group to win the NXNE (north by north east) 'Rising Star Award', where over 500 bands are entered yearly. They have also won the UMAC (Urban Music Academy of Canada) songwriters award for their first record 'Dark Sunrise' and were nominated in 2003 for an MMVA for their video, 'BIG', & in 2004 for their track collabo with Tone Mason & Friends 'Throwback'.

Ali Rizvi (Comedy) Born and raised in Toronto, Ali grew up as a breakdancing latchkey kid. Today, Ali is one of the fastest rising comics in the country. He was the standout finalist on CBC's comedy series The Second City's Next Comedy Legend and was featured on the Comedy Network's Nubian Disciples Special as part of the "next generation of great Canadian comics." He has appeared on all the major Canadian networks, in numerous national commercials & TV programs, and is an increasingly recognizable face on Canadian television. Notable stand up appearances include the Boston International Comedy Festival, the Soul'd Out Comedy Festival, and the 2007 Just For Laughs Homegrown Comic Competition. You can catch Ali hosting the new season of Sun TV's flagship show Street Eats, on CBC Radio's acclaimed war drama Afghanada, and performing stand up comedy nationwide through Yuk Yuk's comedy clubs.

Ali the son of Abdul (Rap/Hip Hop) Ali the son of Abdul, a Hip Hop lyricist and producer is currently promoting the release of his debut EP, 'Believe 2008'. Released in February, 'Believe 2008' provides critical reflection to the lived realities of postindustrial North America. The work featuring vocals by UK lyricist JM and production by Renegade Frost (Canada) has been well received on community radio stations throughout Toronto and Montreal in Canada and Birmingham and London in the United Kingdom.

Anne-Marie Woods aka Amani (Spoken Word)Anne-Marie Woods aka Amani, is an actor, producer, spoken word artist, educator and creative consultant. Known as "The Contemporary Blues Poet" she has been performing Spoken word since 1996, but got her start singing with Acapella Sensation "Four The Moment" for 12 and a half years. Her first spoken word CD "Amani the Words, the Rhythm, the Music" was released in 2007 and she continues to wow both local and international audiences with her eclectic, rhythmic and musical style. Starring in Toronto Shows like When Sisters Speak, and the Irie Music Festival to Headlining at the Drum in Birmingham, England, the Nuyorican Café in New York City, and Rapso Festival in Trinidad. Amani is a poetic force to be reckoned with.

BBC Soundcrew (DJ) BBC Soundcrew was created in the late 1990s by DJ JoN-E (Johney) and MC LoudMouTH (Gurjit) to help change and further develop the Desi/South Asian Music scene. Based in Toronto, BBC Soundcrew has made their mark working with the best in the industry along with their own ventures including The Top South-Asain DJ Website in the Country (BBCsoundcrew.com), BBC Soundcrew Gear, Hugely Successful Mix CDs and Remix Albums, The Record Label (Funky Dhol Productions) and the Only Weekly PrimeTime Urban Desi Radio Program in Toronto (Desi Live on 105.5FM Mondays 8-9PM: Hosted By DJ JoN-E).

B Dubb (Rap/Hip Hop) B-Dubb is a member of the group BLAME 416. He is known for work done with Team Solo and other Rexdale artists such as Uncle Phil and A Jose. He fell in love with Hip Hop in 1998 during the golden era. Some of his influences are Busta Rhymes, Nas,Wu tang and Rakim. B-Dubb has been penning his own rhymes since 10 years old and has since cut one mixtape, "The Underground 2." His latest mixtape "Plan B" is scheduled for release next year. B-Dubb aims to raise the bar for Toronto Hip Hop artists and artists worldwide.

Blackmagic (Rap/Hip Hop) Born Theophilus Adjei, Blackmagic is an up and coming recording artist hailing from Rexdale, Toronto. This 22 year-old MC aims to motivate youth through his music while maintaining a dance floor booty shaking appeal. Blackmagic has performed across Canada as an intern for Universal Music and is intent on making a name for himself in Toronto, Canada and beyond. When he isn't blessing the mic, Blackmagic can usually be found blessing the books, earning his degree in Political Science at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Blitz (R&B/Soul) Blitz aka Usman Khawaja was born and raised in Rexdale, Toronto. Passionate about his first true love, music, this avid R&B devotee wrote his first song, "Girl", in 2003. Since then he has expanded his musical knowledge and palette to include jazz, soul, electro-pop and more. Blitz's music can be defined as a mixture of different up-beat sounds, with the soul of R&B, all wrapped up in meaningful lyrics and a smooth vibe. He has performed at the Royal Conservatory of Music, urbanNOISE Festival 2007, Martingrove CI and numerous intimate social gatherings.

Candee Bunn aka KrissTina (CBKT) (Rap/Hip Hop) CandeeBunn aka KrissTina (CBKT) is no amateur to the stage and can be caught performing regularly in Toronto and across Ontario. Of Ghanaian/Lebanese and Christian/Muslim decent, CBKT released a DBL mixtape entitled, "The TRUTH Behind Tha Muziq/Sacrifice" in March 2008. The mixtape contained a verity of hardcore Hip Hop and spoken word poetry. Making frequent appearances on radio, Hip Hop DVD's and multiple collaborative mixtapes, CBKT is recognized for her powerful and smooth flow. She grips the mic with authority, equaling that of any MC - male or female. Watch out!

DJ Fase (DJ) DJ Fase was pleasantly surprised when awarded the distinction of being t dot's best DJ by Now Magazine in 2004. He has opened for the likes of K-os, The Roots, Afrikaa Bambaataa, John Legend and Blackalicious to name a few. Fase is the man behind Footwork Tuesdays, Toronto's longest running Hip-Hop, Funk, Soul night which he started in 2000. Along with two other weekly club residencies, Fase imparts his musical bravado on Stylistic Endeavors, a weekly Friday radio show on CIUT 89.5FM. As producer of the hip-hop duo Abs & Fase he has toured across Canada and Europe promoting their album Flowtation Device (2001). Fase is currently working on a solo album, which will feature a wide range of Canadian and American artists.

Herschel Blatt (Spoken Word/Performance) Hershel Blatt has been performing in the arts since the age of 6. He recently started his first year at Etobicoke School of the Arts. He has a background in theatre and has a growing commercial portfolio as well. Hershel wants to be a professional actor but also wants to help less fortunate kids like himself be happy. He believes that you have to focus on the positive things in life and try as best as possible to leave the negative far behind.

MC JD (Ragga) MC JD is one of the most recognized and acclaimed MCs in Toronto's celebrated drum 'n' bass and jungle scenes. JD has been rocking stages since the early 1990's having performed with international talent such as Kenny Ken, Dillinja and DJ Hype. JD's quick lyrics and smooth ragga flow are sure to get any dance floor jumpin.' Not only does he have an amazing flow but a stage presence second to none. Born and raised in Brampton, JD is featured on many different projects within the drum 'n' bass and South Asian music scenes. One of his more recent appearances is on Joti Dhillon's brand new album, Brown Sugar, which also features Punjabi singer Bal-E-Lasara.

Kae Sun (Rap/Hip Hop/Alternative) Kae Sun is a singer/songwriter/MC from Accra, Ghana but currently based in Hamilton, ON. He has been likened to Ben Harper, K-os and Common. He is currently working on his first full-length album, which will be the follow-up to 2007's Ghost Town Prophecy EP. Kae Sun was featured on the storefront of iTUNES Canada, both in the 'fabulous indie arrival' section and the 'hip-hop' display. Live, Kae Sun has performed alongside Bedouin Soundclash and K-os among others. Journalists have written lovely words about him in The Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, VIEW, PULSE, London Free Press, Lucid Forge, Soul Matters, Exclaim and other publications.

KC (R&B/Soul) Keresa Camille 'KC' Bailey is an up and coming artist from Rexdale who enjoys singing and writing mainly R&B melodies, but is not only limited to one genre. From an early age KC exhibited musical talent, fist performing at church, in front of family and friends, and at community events. She is currently a Student at York University, studying communications as well as sociology, and continues to grow musically. Some of her musical influences include Boyz II men, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Brian Mcknight, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys.

Klaytein "K.Cskillz" Mittoo (Dance) Klaytein "K.Cskillz" Mittoo is a young and talented performer, who found dance at the age of 11. Whether he is dancing, singing or acting, this triple threat leaves audiences stunned. He has trained with the best choreographers Toronto has to offer and is looking forward to performing all over the world. His diversity in dance is helping him on his path to make a name for himself in the industry. Not only is he a brilliant hip-hop dancer, but also studies different styles such as, reggae, jazz, contemporary, breaking and many more. So watch out world, because K.Cskillz is coming your way.

Little Empire (Rap/Hip Hop) Little Empire is a formulation of three like-minded individuals who felt there was a growing need to elevate their voices in midst of trying times in the world. Fed up with the irresponsible messages being transposed to the eager and awaiting youth, Little Empire journeys to rework a tried and tested formula. The music composition is flavorsome but the message is far more universal in appeal. Working alongside growing superstars S.O.S & 6ix Facist, they as a group like to believe that their product entertains and educates their listeners with mature and potent lyricism. They are out to provoke the youth and project them to the world!

Masia One (Rap/Hip Hop) Masia One is true to her name sake - the first female to be nominated for a Much Music Video Award (Rap), winner of the CCNC PIONEER accolade and constantly redefining the sound and cultural boundaries of Hip Hop music. Born in Singapore, Masia One's butter smooth flow debuted in 2003 with her independent release Mississauga. Four videos, international bookings and countless media appearances later, the emcee just released the story of her journey: PULAU. The album, titled after the Malaysian word for "The Islands", reflects influences including the culture of SE Asia, heated dance hall tempos of Jamaica and the feel good vibe of California's West coast.

Nem-s-iss (Rap/Hip Hop) Kevin "Nem-s-iss" Smith was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents. Thanks to his father, Kevin and his 10 siblings grew up listening to jazz, blues, reggae, calypso and slow jams. He started rhyming at age 11 and remembers first writing lyrics during class at junior high. At 13 Kevin started hitting the studio and soon recorded his first track with DJ Power of Soul Controllers in 1999. He hasn't looked back since, having released four mixtapes, including 2007's "DJ Modajo Presents: In The Streets" in Germany. "Hate The Game", his most recent of three albums and its bangin' single, "Canada Eh", is currently on regular rotation on college and university radio stations across the country.

Prosad (Trance/Sitar/Ambiant) Using ancient instruments and modern technology, Toronto musician, Prosad, fuses edgy electronic beats with sitar, didgeridoo, and vocals to create a unique and captivating sound. His stage show combines classical Indian melodies with Western beats, creating an uplifting and spiritual live performance that inspires and energizes audiences. Prosad has performed for diverse crowds; from attendees at the World Electronic Music Festival in 2006 and 2007, to His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. In 2008, Prosad's fusion sitar song, "Byron Bay", was featured in the Hollywood movie "The Love Guru," starring Mike Myers. His new album is scheduled for release on Oct 24th 2008.

Rahim Mohamed (Spoken Word) Rahim Mohamed is an artist from Rexdale. He first became interested in poetry in grade 10 where he wrote a spoken word piece for a contest. To his surprise it got published in Urban Voices. Since then he has continued writing and building on his spoken word repertoire. His first and only public performance took place at his high school, thanks to another contest. Some of Rahim's greatest influences are Dwayne Morgan, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West.

Robbie Khan (Rap/Hip Hop) Robbie Khan aka "Rev" started freestyling and writing songs at the age of ten. Throughout the years his unconditional love for writing grew stronger and so did his passion for rapping. Robbie's passionate lyrics are a reflection of growing up in the streets of the notorious Jane and Finch community. In 2007, he released his debut album, Independence Day 07.04.83, on the same date of his birth. And in 2008 he released his first mix tape, hosted by Platinum Touch Sound Crew called When Darkness Fallz Pt.1. Robbie has also been blessed to work with hip hop legend Louieville Sluggah, a member of the O.G.C./Boot Camp Click.

DJ Sarasa (DJ) Based in Tokyo, DJ Sarasa rocks audiences around the globe. Her selection, turntablist party rocking skills, stage presence, which includes breakdancing while DJing, and overall zest for music enables her to cater to any crowd. DJ Sarasa coordinated and hosted "Girls Handling Wax" during her university life in Toronto and represented her radio station to judge the DMC DJ Championships of Canada at the young age of 21. DJ Sarasa is currently heavily involved in the promotion and evolution of Hip Hop culture throughout Japan. She has played in Dubai, Australia, Japan, Canada, the United States and many other countries.

Suspect (Rap/Hip Hop) Suspect is a member of Hip Hop group Blame 416. They are bringing life back into Hip Hop with creative lyrics and intelligent rhymes. Suspect fell in love with Hip Hop when first introduced to Method Man & Redman. He has also been impacted by Nas, 2pac, Wu-tang Clan and Rakim to name a few. Suspect began writing at an early age but only actively pursued becoming an MC in his final year of high school. Suspect’s rhymes are influenced by his faith, love of Hip Hop, and life. He is currently working on his Mixtape, “Blockology”, which is slated for release later this year.

Trixx (Comedy) Comedian, master of ceremonies, radio broadcaster, and DJ - in everything he touches, Frank "Trixx" Agyemang is a natural entertainer. Charismatic, savagely funny, and possessing seemingly boundless energy, Trixx's talent lies in knowing exactly when and where to push boundaries and establish new limits. Whether he's wreaking pop culture havoc as one of the jurors on Much Music's Video On Trial, playing his various roles on Much Music's Stars Gone Wild as "Kofi" (the African furniture store owner), touring the world as a DJ, or hosting some of Toronto's biggest concerts, Trixx appeals to people of all ages, sexes, and religions. Armed with a sardonic, biting wit, his style is immediately engaging. Nothing, and yet everything is sacred to this avid student of popular culture.