If you haven’t heard of R&B singer Jordan Croucher aka JRDN, you will by the end of 2010 with the release of his forthcoming album “I AM JRDN” in stores November 2.

Seeing himself as a role model and elder statesman of the hip-hop industry, Williams embraces his role as an inspirational figure. Recognizing the good fortune that he has enjoyed, Williams is satisfied to know that he has left a legacy on which other artists can build and grow.

On this day in 1973, Jamaican-born Clive Campbell aka Kool Herc took his first deejay gig at his sister’s birthday party in the Bronx. 1520 Sedgwick Avenue was the address.

Canadian hip-hop hall-of-famer k-os is making the most interesting and spirited music of his career and he’s found the ideal way to share it. On Aug. 6, he’ll release The Anchorman Mixtape, 10 brand spankin’ new tracks that’ll be available for a limited time at http://tour-tv.com/mixtape/.

Peter and Paul Okoye, better known as Nigerian R&B duo, P-Square, kick off their North American Tour tonight at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. The identical twins are leading the way in Nigeria’s flourishing music industry, the subject of a CNN report last year.

Saukrates has been a fixture on the Toronto hip-hop scene for a long time. But with the release of Season One, could he, at long last, join the growing list of Toronto hip-hop acts to break big? Here’s a look at the recent history of local chart-toppers:

With more than 15 years in the industry, Saukrates is legitimately one of Toronto’s most consistent hip-hop artists. Toss in his work as a producer and collaborator with singers such as Jully Black and Nelly Furtado, among others, and it’s virtually impossible to pigeonhole him as just a rapper or to deny his talent. His hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as young fans and their parents recognize and approach the affable musician.
His eclectic musical approach and veteran status mean that Saukrates is in demand, appearing on recent radio anthems like I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman with k-os and Nelly Furtado and You and Tomorrow by frequent collaborator Andreena Mill.

I’ve grown as a person, I’ve become a lot smarter and I’ve really learned how to better express myself. Now it’s easy for me to pull out what’s on the inside. I find it really easy to be myself and I find it difficult to be someone else.