Rebel
#SPOTTED: COI LERAY IN TORONTO AT “REBEL”
She’s one of the biggest emerging names right now in Hip-Hop, but don’t be fooled, Coi Leray’s success story has been years of hard work. Rapping since the age of 14, things have taken off quick for Boston-born Leray, a daughter of Rapper Benzino. Things took off quicky with her 2021 hit “No More Parties”, followed by “Blick Blick” on which she collaborated with Nicki Minaj. 2023 however has been Leray‘s big year, her Grandmaster Flash-sampling “Players” becoming a certified Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten smash and also a viral hit on TikTok.
Leray is prepping the release of her second studio disc, the self-titled “Coi“, to be released in Canada by Universal Music June 23, 2023. The album is boosted by the release of super-catchy new NSFW (though there is a clean version) single “My Body” which simples Lesley Gore‘s “It’s My Party” which doubles as a an empowering sex-positive anthem, and also a get-even track.
She performed for the first time ever in Canada last night in Montreal with a set at Festival Metro Metro, followed by a performance tonight in Toronto at Rebel! We are a huge fan of Leray and were so delighted to meet her! She is so absoultely sweet and energetic – just like imagined! Coi Leray is a real force and has all it takes to run this game.
Though you likely need little introduction to her music, here’s a refresher in case you needed a name to the tune!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music Group)
#SPOTTED: “BLING EMPIRE” STAR KIM LEE IN TORONTO AT REBEL
Some girls just have it all! Gorgeous Kim Lee brought Toronto back out to the clubs tonight as Ontario has removed capacity limits on indoor events in this latest stage of our re-opening. The Model, DJ and star of hit Netflix Reality Series BLING EMPIRE, headlined at Rebel Night Club on the City’s Waterfront. The Series absolutely saved us during the Pandemic!
Lee currently is playing a weekly gig at the Wynn in Las Vegas and amidst her busy schedule, made this her first appearance ever in Toronto! And she Tweeted that she loves it here!
Damn I’m lovin it here in Toronto 😍
— ᴋɪᴍ ʟᴇᴇ (@OfficialKimlee) March 5, 2022
She was able to fit-in a super quick visit at Z1035 studios as well after arriving!
Lee was met on-stage with a drumming band and cheerleaders!
We were so drawn to Lee after learning about her story on BLING EMPIRE, and were so touched by her journey searching for her father. We just can’t wait to see more in Season Two which is said to be coming soon!
It was amazing getting to meet Lee quickly, exchanging our love for another! So beautiful inside and out♥️
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Netflix)
#SPOTTED: CANADA’S TOP MUSIC ACTS AT YOUTUBE CANADA’S UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OF CANADIAN MUSIC
In celebration of YouTube‘s upcoming streaming service launch in Canada, YOUTUBE MUSIC, the Country’s biggest stars in Music stepped-out at Rebel Night Club by Toronto’s waterfront to celebrate the occasion! Hosted by our v. own Lilly Singh, who has found meteoric international success as a YouTube star-turned-Entrepreneur, the packed house including a mixture of ad buyers, Music industry and contest winners.
The audience was treated to three-plus hours of genre-spanning Music including hot musical acts like Brett Kissel, Roy Woods, DVSN, Jessie Reyez, Johnny Orlando, The Glorious Sons, Charlotte Cardin, Scott Helman and headliner, Daniel Caesar. PartyNextDoor originally was to appear but had cancelled unfortunately, although the audience was more than delighted with the evening’s offerings.
Singh along with fellow YouTube personality Humble the Poet, unveiled her new puppy who sat patiently waiting on his mommy at the event with a handler. Singh tells the audience “This was the best decision I ever made”, own taking-on pet ownership. As a tribute to her hometown, she named the puppy “Scarborough” and he is adorable, being hoisted in the air without flinching to feverish cell phone snaps from the sea of adorers.
See some highlights of the night, which as touted truly was unforgettable!
Jessie Reyez
Lilly Singh x Scarborough
Daniel Caesar
“Daniel’s Caesar” – one of the Evening’s official cocktails
Roy Woods
Jazz Cartier
Brett Emmons, The Glorious Sons
Charlotte Cardin
Brett Kissel
DVSN
KRNFX
Jenna Walker, The Reklaws
Sign-up for updates on YouTube Music Canada here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: KHALID IN TORONTO AT REBEL
He’s definitely the future. 19-year-old Texas-born Singer/Songwriter Khalid has developed an ardent fan base rapidly over the past year and he’s showing no signs of stopping any time soon.
Touring in support of his U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Top Ten-charting debut disc AMERICAN TEEN, he consistently has sold-out venues, delivering his unique Alternative/Electronic twist on R&B, adorned with his smooth Texan-inflected Baritone.
He brought his American Teen tour to Toronto’s trendy Rebel on the waterfront, bringing a majority late-teen-to-twentysomething crowd to their feet. Many were seen dancing on the club’s cozy couches and shoulder-riding. The experience was enhanced by sophisticated LED visuals and a high-energy duo of back-up dancers – Khalid himself full of moves.
Dressed in a sharp gingham two-piece with pants which ripped mid-set, he left the stage momentarily but got back into the groove quickly in a “Black Creatives Matter” t-shirt and track pants.
Khalid was front and center in a high-energy, compact set highlighting his short but promising catalog of material including American Teen, Let’s Go, Location and Young Dumb and Broke, striking a deep chord with many Millennials who sang along start to finish.
We had the pleasure of meeting Khalid after his show, him taking the time to meet some of his Fans, many bearing handmade gifts and letters to him, which he looked genuinely appreciative to receive, full of hugs.
The nominee for Best New Artist at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards, tells me he is devastated by the loss of his beloved suit, but perhaps he will retire it as a pyjama. But this isn’t an invitation to snooze… check out some of Khalid‘s Music below:
See our Snaps (hover cursor left and right to navigate slideshow):
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Sony Music)
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