Set2

Set2’s sound is big. Over the top but still fighting for his spot, he’s warring for your ear. Unapologetically blunt, he got a lot to say and even more ways to say it. Somewhere between a charismatic color commentator, an insightful poet and crowd moving master of ceremonies – there’s Set2 and his microphone. He chomps on beats and rides his own rhythm. He conveys intelligent wittiness powered by his ‘nothing to lose’ attitude. Headstrong yet reflective, he raps like it’s his last - his last minute on the mic, his last second on the stage, his last record on the radio. And it’s been on the back of this fearless authenticity that Set2’s garnered startling acclaim in just a short time. Set2’s big.

The Toronto native shook up the scene in 2006, immediately securing medium rotation on Canada’s #1 radio station with his debut single “Oh Yea” featuring Rochester. It was a swift move into regional recognition, but one Set wanted since he'd seen Busta Rhymes perform as a teenager.

"I realized the energy that music could create with people," says Set2 thinking back. "I was watching guys in the neighbourhood try their music thing too, but when I saw my first live show the depth that was possible in music really hit me. I could move people, I could make them laugh, I could make them want the feeling I was having watching Busta. So I started rapping."

Set gained considerable recognition over the next few years. He quickly released a mixtape called Ignorant Education, and set the college radio circuit ablaze making constant appearances on Toronto staples Project Bounce, Crack House Radio & Off Da Tracks. He even enlisted Canadian music veterans Jelleestone and Snow for the remix to his debut single “Oh Yea.”

Once again, his 'now or never' energy resonated with fans and fellow artists alike. Set started getting requests for features from other local artists and continued his buzz releasing his second mixtape Full Time Hustler Vol 1. Death of Wack Rap.The tape was hosted by heavyweights DJ Power & DJ Rock Da House giving him another set of credible co-signs.

Set2’s participated in live radio ciphers with some of Toronto's best up and coming artists, appeared on several street DVDs and graced the stage at Hip Hop Canada's Importfest, Drift Mania, Battle of the Beatmakers and OTA Live’s Megacity Countdown Launch party.

He also anchored a landmark mixtape in partnership with Hiphopcanada.com and proved he was a pioneer in soliciting fan participation in his creative process. Each week, users lobbed potential instrumentals at him. Each week, he produced a freestyle in response. And after a few months, the first ever HipHopCanada Presents: Artist Exclusive Set2 was released.

"Set2 took a big risk by letting our users choose which beats he'd rap on," says Jesse Plunkett, HipHopCanada co-owner. "He came through though. I think he really feeds off his audience’s energy. This was a perfect example.”

With such an innovative viral marketing campaign in full swing, Set2 released "Boro Branded," an ode to his area in the east end of Toronto called Scarborough. The song was immediately picked up by Flow 93.5 along with the college radio shows he'd built strong relationships with. Fellow Toronto artists began recording their own versions of the song which only served to heighten its popularity.

Set2 then took a self imposed hiatus, while also building his own home studio. His passion had grown too time-consuming for professional studio use, so he decided to take matters into his own hands. After the short hiatus, Set2 returned in 2009 releasing “Bom Bom,” returning to his ‘big sound.’ He secured digital distribution for the single through HipHopCanada Digital.

“What do I have to lose?” says Set2 defiantly. “Shoot, nobody expected me to make things happen like I did out the gate anyway. Now nobody should expect anything less to happen. This is the time to pay attention.”

Set2’s latest single is “Back On Da Scene.” Back like he never left.