Toronto Rappers:

List of the Top Rappers from Toronto

The hip-hop market of Canada, particularly Toronto, is often overlooked by individuals who may not consider Canadian or Toronto rappers to be legitimate. However, it is worth mentioning that the rap scene in Toronto surpasses that of many American cities. Also, it is not just Drake and Tory Lanez who are leading the way.

During the early days of hip hop in Toronto, some of the most prominent Toronto rappers included Michie Mee, Maestro, Devon, Moka Only, Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Classified, Rascalz, IRS, Ghetto Concept, Jelleestone, and several others who dominated the local hip hop scene from the mid-1980s to the start of the 2000s. Although most of the current Canadian rap artists are from Toronto, there were brief periods in the history of Canadian rap when Vancouver and even the province of Nova Scotia contributed artists to the Canadian hip-hop market.

Toronto neighborhoods such as Jane and Finch, Regents Park, and Rexdale have served as the foundation for many rappers from Toronto, accounting for approximately a quarter of the Canadian hip hop scene. Despite Canada’s flourishing success in music, and its continuous growth, there have been several fallen artists. Similar to Chicago, where multiple rappers have died prematurely, Toronto has also witnessed the deaths of over a dozen top artists or popular up-and-coming rappers.

Top 20 Toronto Rappers

3MFrench

Debut: 2016

From: Rexdale

Ethnicity: Black

3MFrench is an up-and-coming Toronto rapper, known for his energetic flow and raw, street-inspired narratives. Part of the 3M (also known as 3xM) group, French has quickly made a name for himself with Toronto’s drill and trap sound.

His music in songs like “7am In London” and “Examples” has provided a window into the realities of the Toronto streets.

Follow on Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

AR Praisley

Debut: 2018

From: Mississauga

Ethnicity: Indian/Punjabi

AR Paisley is has became one of the most respected lyricists out of the city. Integrating his Punjabi background into his music, representing his culture and displaying a sense of pride in his heritage.

He has released a number of popular tracks, but most importantly AR Praisley playing an important role for the international growth of rap music within Indian and Punjabi culture.

Follow on Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Burna Bandz

Debut: 2017

From: Jane & Finch

Ethnicity: Black

Burna Bandz has brought a style filled with the gritty narratives of his upbringing in the city’s streets of Jane and Finch. Burna’s hard-hitting tracks have been showcased on tracks like “Late Nights,” “At The Pot,” “Prime,” and “Northside Jane.”

As part of the UpTop Movement, he’s been putting his section and his movement on the map through a series of releases. Burna Bandz’s body of work, including projects like Bandz Can’t Fold and Compact Burna, showcases a great reflection on artistic ability.

Follow on Instagram | YouTube | Spotify