Northern rappers land record deal with message for change

An Indigenous hip-hop trio from the Listuguj First Nation, near Campbellton, is reaching a wider audience with its message about the struggles facing First Nations youth.

The members of Gmanwolf — Galveston Barnaby, who raps under the name ill-Logic, Dustin Issac, who goes by Waldo, and Brandon Wysote, otherwise known as Static Kane — have been using music to share a positive message about life in their northern community that they say too often goes undelivered.

Their story, and accompanying music video for the song, All We Need is Change, caught the attention of Vancouver-based record label, Revolution Harmony. Label representatives said they were impressed with the "meaningful and hopeful" lyrics that encouraged members of the Quebec reserve to turn away from drugs and towards other outlets, including music and education.

Revolution Harmony first approached Gmanwolf in June, and later added the group to its label. The song is now available on iTunes and other music sites.

On its website, Revolution Harmony founder Ray Holroyd said "the discovery of these young, positive, talented and focused First Nations rappers is definitely one of my most meaningful and exciting finds to date."

Barnaby said signing onto Revolution Harmony was a big step in the group's music career, because it's providing a bigger platform for them to talk about issues they believe are important.

"When people look at rap music and stuff they think it's all gangster and that's all they think it's about," he said. "But when they hear us they have a different point of view on it, and we're trying to widen the horizon."

Barnaby said it's an honour to have their music available worldwide.

"To have so many people … I don't know if they understand it, but at least so many people can hear it and take their point of view on what we have to say."

Wysote says their stance against homelessness and disrespect on the northern reserve seems to be resonating with people. He said the early response to their debut single has been strong.

"A lot of new people have been listening," Wysote said. "People you never thought would be listening to your music are listening to it and giving positive feedback, and supporting you."

"It feels good to have that from the community."

The rappers say they are now working on their album, and they are excited to see where their newfound fame takes them.