Tracklist

1. 01. Jazz Music
2. 02. Jazz Music (Radio)
3. 03. Jazz Music (Instrumental)
4. 04. Down
5. 05. Down (Radio)
6. 06. I Am Hip Hop

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". 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.

"Jazz Music", a stormer of a tune, features the smooth but twisted flow of Justis over the dope live sounds of well respected local band Ace Kincaid. The intro creeps in slowly with a mellow vibe of high hats and snares and a layering of keys, setting the vintage tone for when the beat drops and Justis starts to spit. The song tells the story of how his dad got him interested in music at an early age. From Miles Davis to Charles Mingus and John Coltrane, Justis pays tribute to the jazz greats of the past and their influence in his sound and style.

As well as being a dope wordsmith, Justis is also skilled in the art of beat making and playing instruments. He is well versed on the sax and harmonica and dabbles with bass guitar and keys. The catchy, feel-good, party joint "Down" has Justis flexing his skills on the mic and on the production. "Down" is Justis' mantra; all he wants to do is get down and invites all like-minded individuals to do the same.

"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.