Two acclaimed Indigenous rappers will host an exclusive online workshop catered to young people interested in learning the craft.
The hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids, comprised of Haisla rappers Darren (Young D) Metz and Quinton (Yung Trybez) Nyce, will offer “up close and personal” advice on songwriting and music production, as well as a pre-recorded performance.
The duo originally from Kitamaat Village, a Haisla First Nation reserve in northwest British Columbia, were recent recipients in the 2022 Western Canadian Music Industry Awards for Indigenous Artist of the Year, Rap and Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Recording of the Year and Stingray Rising Star – all designated as B.C. winners.
According to a release, one of the primary goals of the workshop, which will be facilitated through the Vancouver Island Regional Library, is to help amplify Indigenous voices in a variety of mediums to reach a younger audience and encourage intergenerational learning and cultural pride.
“Having SNRK share their insights and experiences about making hip-hop music in Canada is such a win for VIRL,” said Dalia Levy, VIRL librarian and event organizer, in the release. “I am sure many youths out there are surprised to see us partnering with the hip-hop community, but as a library system, we are always trying to attract new and younger library users and connecting with the arts is something we have always done. Libraries connect people to new ideas, opportunities, and each other, which is exactly what this workshop is primed to do.”
The free workshop, which takes place on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 5-6:30 p.m., is aimed at young people aged 30 years and under with special consideration for those who identify as Indigenous. Registration can be done through www.virl.bc.ca.
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