It started out as crush, but it soon transgressed into a love affair
that was so intense, it took over his soul. Special grew an appreciation
for music at a young age. It all started with a boombox and an MC
Hammer Tape. "It may seem cheesy", Special has remarked, "But this
music, was sort of like a father to me". Indeed his roots in the
hip hop culture are evident when one takes a listen to his music.
With influences from the likes of Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and
Tribe Called Quest, Special is ready to make his mark on the music
industry.
Special grew up in Ottawa, Canada's capital in the 80's. He was
an only child, with an affinity for arts and poetry. At the age
of 10, he met his producer, and business partner J.C, and the two
began their journey into the industry. J.C began making beats, and
Special began to script out lyrics. Early on, however, J.C's beats
were below lack luster, and Special had little to no idea of how
to construct songs properly. They built a foundation and expanded
their skills well into their high school years, when Special began
to utilize his high school's studio to record tracks. After high
school, Special moved to Canada's mega city, Toronto, for university,
with the hopes of pursuing a career in the industry.
During his first year in the city, he formed an alliance with fellow
emcee, and high school friend, Theiven Stealburg, and after a few
years of work together, the two, along with J.C formed Low Pro Entertainment.
Special began to network the label, garnering some US radio spots,
and a handful of mixtape appearances worldwide. He also created
a theme song for New Jersey based clothing company, Blackmarket
Clothing, and was featured on 106th and Park hall of fame winner
Big Will's official mixtape.
His most important connection, however, came when he met with Toronto
based emcee Truezt. Meeting over message boards, the two began to
collaborate on some demo material, and even garnered some radio
play, and attention from players in the hip hop community. Unimpressed
with label woes, Truezt decided to form Iron Curtain Records in
2006, and formed a close alliance with Low Pro Entertainment, making
J.C his main producer. J.C went on to produce a several of Truezt's
notable singles, including "Write" featuring JD Era and "No Matter"
feat. Kash.
As an artist, Special has worked with many artists and producers
worldwide, and is definitely on the road to greatness. He is currently
putting the finishing touches on his new project, and working on
networking and strengthening his label, and getting ready to introduce
the world to his story, and the world as seen through his eyes.
"Common used to love her" says Special with a grin, "I do, have
and always will".