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The flint grinds a spark illuminating the fierce face of Canadian hip hop. Saukrates lights a green tea candle and places it on the steps of the fire escape outside Toronto’s Blacksmith studio. Standing up straight, dreadlocks pulled back, he reveals his goliath aura. Performer, songwriter, musician, producer—notes, melodies and lyrics flow through the veins of the eyes that stare intently at me.

“The name came to me in my sleep. I was 16. It didn’t mean much. I just wanted to stand out. Now…now it means one of the most refined in the game. If someone hears Saukrates, I want them to hear colourful music and intellectual lyrics that equals entertainment and inspiration.

“I was born in Ottawa and moved to Scarborough at age 9. My parents expected me to follow through with school until I proved myself at the Harbourfront Fresh Arts Concert in 1993. I conducted the choir, played acoustic bass in the band, and performed with Kardinal and Marvel. Through the hills and valleys, my family has never changed their care for my success. That alone is very motivational. And, when they go to work, they brag about me.

“I’ve been playing music since age 7. I started classical music with the violin. Then at 13 I added to it with hip hop, writing lyrics and composing. I realized at a young age that I had the talent for putting words together just as good as those who I idolized. I learned from NWA, EPMD, Redman, KRS1, Big Daddy Kane, Pete Rock, D’Angelo, Omar from the UK, Handel, Curtis Mayfield, Mozart, Bach, and especially Quincy Jones.

“My most intense learning has come outside of school. Extra curriculars, musical ventures, symphony orchestras, fresh arts, meeting Chase my manager, and having a son. The streets of Toronto have taught me much; from Scarborough to Rexdale, and everything in-between. My travels to Brooklyn and L.A. taught me to follow my instincts because within that triangle, I learned we are all much the same. We all share the same struggle—poverty, prejudice, perseverance.

“My sound has been influenced by grit of the East coast, the funk of the West coast, the soul of the South, the classical of Europe, and the percussive nature of South America and Africa.

“My voice speaks from what perseverance brings. You find a lot of that interwoven in my lyrics. I’ve always written from the angle of, not necessarily the underdog, but the sufferer. In life, period. Overall, people born into poverty. People who have real dreams, but no line connecting them from A to B. I have been sometimes able to draw that line—for myself and for others. It’s the only way I can speak it to others, because I’ve been able to do it myself. Lead by example.

“My message is live, learn, love. I wouldn’t have said that years ago, but I say that now because I have a son. He gives me reason to challenge myself because it’s not only for me anymore. I gotta make him proud. He knows I make music. He knows I perform. He knows I’m on TV. ‘Cause he’s been there. Dakota is five years old. “Back then, I would’ve said pursue your dreams.

“Why should anyone listen to what I have to say? I approach music with a blue-collar honesty. I learned from Curtis Mayfield that, as long as you keep your music human and deal with true human emotions, you find that you speak to more people than just one narrow demographic.

“Hip hop to me is a form that I can express my thoughts and be respected for them regardless if the listener agrees or not. It’s given me a public voice. It’s been the bridge to my future.”

Saukrates is currently working on his solo album, Redman’s album at Gilla House and Andreena Mill’s debut album. He has worked with: Redman, Method Man, Common, Xzibit, Kurupt, Eric Sermon, Masta Ace, OC, Pharoahe Monche, and Helta Skelta.

Canadian artists he’s worked with include: Nelly Furtado, Kardinal, K-os, Divine Brown, Jully Black, Choclair, Baby Blue Soundcrew, Rascalz, Swollen Members, Billy Talent, Andreena Mill, Melanie Durrant, Brassmunk, King Reign, Big Black Lincoln, Ray Robinson and Sugar Jones.

Born and raised / No silver spoon / But had mom and dad / Stick together through it / Now I’m two techs / Who want it / We are blessed but burdened / By the same beast who pulled five aces / Like there’s two decks / Hope says there’s no visual yet / But up your periscope and take it back / It ain’t cool kept / Nah man, we need that / We need rap / We need that funk / Yes my business has arrived /Give me two cheques.

“Hope” Saukrates a.k.a. Big Soxx. 2003.