Representing to the fullest
Asad Kiyani

Last weekend, Canadian Hip-Hop legend Maestro (Fresh Wes) took to the stage in downtown Kitchener.

On the road promoting his new album Built to Last, Maestro (as he now calls himself) was the sole act on Thursday night at Stages.

Born Wesley Williams 30 years ago, Maestro is looking to revitalize the Canadian Hip-Hop scene with his unique blend of party anthems, R and B and harder rap.

Looking at his new haircut, his new name and his new album, one gets the feeling that Maestro is also trying to reinvent himself as a hip-hop artist in the mold of more commercial and marketable figures like Mase and LL Cool J.

He agrees that he has changed greatly since the huge success of Let Your Backbone Slide ten years ago, but says that "[You have to] give people a chance to grow. You can’t expect me to stay the same, to be typecast the whole time the same way."

The American Experience

Maestro seemed to have disappeared for the past five years, following the release of his third album Naah...Dis Kid Can’t Be From Canada.

The album, recorded while Maestro was in New York, was a commercial failure. Yet Maestro remained in Brooklyn until the making of his latest record.

When asked if his experience down south affected Built to Last, Maestro was quick to respond. "Of course man, all experiences influence what you are."

As for the accusations that Maestro’s southern sojourn was akin to disowning Canada, he defended himself strongly. "I’m still here. Canada is my territory, my foundation," said Maestro.

So why did he leave for New York? According to Maestro, "I get tired of just getting pats on the back without growing as an artist."

The Canadian Scene

Having returned to Canada, Maestro is on a strong promotional tour. He has gone out west, performed on Thursday night and is reportedly returning next week for a charity show at the University of Waterloo.

His return strengthens a growing Canadian hip-hop scene that is grooming fresh domestic talent with acts like the Choclair and Rascalz steadily gaining more prominence.

Maestro is impressed with the recognition that Canadian artists are garnering, but warns that there is a long way to go. "I’m proud of these guys...I’m very proud of them," said Maestro.

"[But] I think it will take more than 1 or 2 acts to get [Toronto] more notoriety… as the next Mecca of Hip-Hop," said Maestro. "We as a whole have a long way to go - we all struggling."

Does this mean that the burden rests solely on the shoulders of Canda’s most well-known hip-hop artist? "There’s no Puff Daddy, no LL Cool J - its up to me to do what I can," said Maestro. "[But remember] no matter how big the record is, its still a small thing."

Maestro also feels that Hip-Hop artists have been slighted by the Canadian recording executives and record labels.

According to Maestro, "The industry doesn’t respect domestic Hip-Hop, and R and B records [the way it should]."

The New Record

Built to Last was released last fall with the first single Stick to Your Vision quickly reaching the upper echelons of the charts.

According to Maestro, the album has widespread appeal. "I got cats in jail feelin’ me, Baptist ministers wanting me to sing at their church - it’s a broad record."

Yet Canadian critics are still wary that the success of the record will once again take Maestro south of the border, in search of greener pastures. In reply, Maestro says, "People gotta realize this is not a game - we’re dealing with a man’s life, his livelihood."

He uses a popular analogy to describe his motives for going to Canada. "What kids gotta realize, if they’re playing ball or something and they get no scholarship to a school up here or a full ride at Georgetown University, which are they gonna’ take?"

Said Maestro, "I always represent Canada to the fullest."

Joining the Industry

According to Maestro, there is only one thing to do in order to get a solid start in the hip-hop industry. "Grassroots level - that’s what I’ve been doing for nearly 20 years now. From ’82… I’ve been doing underground shit."

What aspiring artists need is a good start playing local clubs and events. "I did a lot of underground shows at Club Fresh - RPM; its now the Guvernment," said Maestro.

Yet Maestro’s big break came from an unexpected source - Electric Circus. "Regardless of whether or not you like the show or the music, its national exposure - everybody sees you," explained Maestro.

But there is one piece of advice that Maestro feels is paramount. "Regardless of where you are, represent where you’re from."

Asad likes rap. "My name is Asad and I’m here to say, call me ‘Rap-Master-A.’ Yo. I’m the baddest rapper in K-town and I can really get down. Yo."