KelownaNow wants to get to know the hard working, up and coming artists who fill our city with music and we’re almost positive most of you do too!
Our Saturday Spotlight series that will feature a new, local act every other weekend, to better strengthen our scene and get to know the people behind the music.
Get to know: Mr. Wisdom
Photo credit: Mr. Wisdom
Mr. Wisdom has been performing for about 11 years in the Okanagan. After one of his fans mentioned that he writes 'with such wisdom', Mr. Wisdom was born. He used his writing as an outlet, and turned it into a flourishing career as a rap artist.
Influenced heavily by hip hop and rap gods such as Nas, 2Pac, Onyx, The Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Cube, Snoop, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Tech N9ne, Eminem and Xzibit to name a few — Mr. Wisdom is working hard to keep one of music's most beloved genres at the forefront of Kelowna’s scene.
What got you started in music?
I used writing as my outlet and it just developed from there. I am really big on wordplay and compound syllables.
When it comes to garnering inspiration, Mr. Wisdom says he finds it in within the work of his favourite creators, in addition to being inspired by his own progress.
Photo credit: Mr. Wisdom
When I combine all of my influences and elements together, in addition to great flow and excellent production, it’s an inspiration like no other.
What's your favourite performance to date?
Mr. Wisdom has had so many favourite performances that it is hard to 'pin-point' his exact favourite.
HIs biggest performance was back in 2010 when he opened for Xzibit's show in Vernon. Because he found inspiration listening to this artist's music, Mr. Wisdom found the experience 'surreal'.
These days I try to make my last performance my favourite performance and try to have just a little more fun with it every time I’m up there. I guess you could say my last performance was my favourite.
When looking back on his career, Mr. Wisdom describes the journey as a 'dream come true.'
*Video contains coarse language, listener discretion is advised*
What has been your biggest musical achievement so far?
I personally think releasing my first album was my proudest moment. Some could argue that my success should be my proudest moment. Although with my first album, three studio projects later, all of the ups and downs I went through to get here and after nearly 20 years making music — I feel like that is my proudest accomplishment.
There was a period of time in between my first two mixtapes and my official album where I didn’t know if I’d make music again at all. Also, having my first two videos from that album featured in hip hop Canada was a pivotal moment for me.
Photo credit: Mr. Wisdom
What is your favourite part about being involved in the Okanagan music scene?
For me, I find that the Okanagan is full of engaging fans who not only love music as an art, but also relate to my musical content.
Some of the fans have relatable stories and struggles, or at least know of someone who has. This makes for genuine fans, because in a way I’m a part of their story as much as they’re a part of mine.
Photo credit: Mr. Wisdom
You can catch watch out for Mr. Wisdom this summer or follow him via Facebook and Youtube. You can also stream his music on Apple Music, SoundCloud, Reverbnation, Google Play, Tidal and Spotify.
If you know of a local band or musician the community needs to hear, nominate them for a Saturday Spotlight by sending an email to savannah@kelownanow.com.
