John River (rapper): Difference between revisions
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Upon release, ''The Storm'' received positive reviews; Erin Lowers from ''[[Exclaim!]]'' wrote that River is "secure enough with himself to be vulnerable, to make mistakes and express emotions," further noting that "''The Storm'' demonstrates the growing pains of modern day rap — balancing the ability to be lyrically aggressive without being heartless..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/john_river-storm|title=John River The Storm|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en}}</ref> The mixtape featured production from [[WondaGurl|Wondagurl]].<ref name=":0" /> In support of the mixtape, River embarked on a college and university tour in late 2015.<ref name=":1" /> |
Upon release, ''The Storm'' received positive reviews; Erin Lowers from ''[[Exclaim!]]'' wrote that River is "secure enough with himself to be vulnerable, to make mistakes and express emotions," further noting that "''The Storm'' demonstrates the growing pains of modern day rap — balancing the ability to be lyrically aggressive without being heartless..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/john_river-storm|title=John River The Storm|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en}}</ref> The mixtape featured production from [[WondaGurl|Wondagurl]].<ref name=":0" /> In support of the mixtape, River embarked on a college and university tour in late 2015.<ref name=":1" /> |
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In June 2015, River sampled the [[James Arthur]] song "[[Get Down (James Arthur song)|Get Down]]", with altered rap lyrics and verses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2015/06/john-river-get-down-video/|title=John River – Get Down [Video]|date=2015-06-24|access-date=2016-06-26}}</ref> A music video for "Get Down" was released in June as well.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/john_river-get_down_video|title=John River 'Get Down' (video)|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en}}</ref> |
In June 2015, River sampled the [[James Arthur]] song "[[Get Down (James Arthur song)|Get Down]]", with altered rap lyrics and verses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2015/06/john-river-get-down-video/|title=John River – Get Down [Video]|date=2015-06-24|access-date=2016-06-26}}</ref> A music video for "Get Down" was released in June as well.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/john_river-get_down_video|title=John River 'Get Down' (video)|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en}}</ref> A music video for River's version was shot in [[Mississauga]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]] and was directed by Abstrakte and produced by MadRuk Ent.<ref>[http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2015/06/john-river-get-down-video/ HipHopCanada: John River – Get Down [Video]]</ref> It premiered on River's official [[YouTube]] channel on 23 June 2015. |
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River's version of the track was featured prominently in the second season of the popular [[web series]] ''[[Teenagers (web series)|Teenagers]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://urbanologymag.com/?p=920|title=New webseries shines spotlight on real-life teen experience - Urbanology Magazine|date=2014-01-15|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-26}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=teenagers web series|title=teenagers web series - S2.E9 - "A Cinderella Ending" (Season Finale)|date=2015-09-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGdtwi4TSSs|accessdate=2016-06-26}}</ref> written and directed by [[M. H. Murray]], who also attended Clarkson Secondary School.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/6521190-mississauga-director-s-web-series-a-raw-take-on-teenage-life/|title=Mississauga director's web series a raw take on teenage life {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Clay|first=Chris|date=2016-04-29|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en-CA}}</ref> |
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In 2017, ''NOW Magazine'' reported that River is working on a new project in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/toronto-musicians-to-watch-in-2017-hip-hop-edition/|title=Toronto musicians to watch in 2017: hip-hop edition|date=2017-01-31|work=NOW Magazine|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en-us}}</ref> |
In 2017, ''NOW Magazine'' reported that River is working on a new project in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/features/toronto-musicians-to-watch-in-2017-hip-hop-edition/|title=Toronto musicians to watch in 2017: hip-hop edition|date=2017-01-31|work=NOW Magazine|access-date=2017-11-04|language=en-us}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 08:57, 5 November 2017
John River | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 19, 1994 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years active | 2012–present |
Matthew John Derrick-Huie (born September 29, 1994), better known by his stage name John River, is a Canadian rapper and songwriter.[1] Since 2012, River has released several music videos and two mixtapes, The Calm and The Storm.[2]
Early life
River was born and raised in Mississauga, a city within the Greater Toronto Area. He attended Clarkson Secondary School,[3] where he began writing songs and participating in rap battles that took place in the school's stairwells.[4] River did not graduate from high school, instead opting to drop out and focus on pursuing a career in the music industry.[5] River also spent some time in France and Italy, where he trained to become a professional soccer player before concentrating on music.[6]
Career
2012–2014: The Calm and early recognition
River released his first mixtape, The Calm, in 2012, at the age of 18; it received positive reviews from music critics. HipHopCanada wrote that the track "Every Evening", "nicely showcased [River's] ability to tell a story, deliver a message and be mindful of keeping the music catchy."[7] Chris Dart of the Torontoist called The Calm a "big, ambitious, high-concept project," concluding that "in an era where rappers are afraid to tackle issues, River doesn’t shy away from talking about things like gun violence, the justice system, and teenage pregnancy."[8]
2015–present: The Storm and further success
In January 2015, River released a music video for his song "Hope City II",[9] which has, as of 2017, amassed over 800,000 hits on YouTube.[10] The music video for "Hope City II" was nominated for a Much Music Video Award for Best Hip Hop Music Video, ultimately losing out to Drake's viral video for "Hotline Bling".[11][12] That summer, River's song "BLVD", dedicated to fellow rapper Redway, who was killed in a shooting, was chosen by NOW Magazine as one of Toronto's "songs of the summer."[13] Both "Hope City II" and "BLVD" were featured on River's second mixtape, The Storm, which was released in 2015.[14]
Upon release, The Storm received positive reviews; Erin Lowers from Exclaim! wrote that River is "secure enough with himself to be vulnerable, to make mistakes and express emotions," further noting that "The Storm demonstrates the growing pains of modern day rap — balancing the ability to be lyrically aggressive without being heartless..."[15] The mixtape featured production from Wondagurl.[14] In support of the mixtape, River embarked on a college and university tour in late 2015.[6]
In June 2015, River sampled the James Arthur song "Get Down", with altered rap lyrics and verses.[16] A music video for "Get Down" was released in June as well.[17] A music video for River's version was shot in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and was directed by Abstrakte and produced by MadRuk Ent.[18] It premiered on River's official YouTube channel on 23 June 2015.
River's version of the track was featured prominently in the second season of the popular web series Teenagers[19][20] written and directed by M. H. Murray, who also attended Clarkson Secondary School.[21]
In 2017, NOW Magazine reported that River is working on a new project in Los Angeles.[22]
Artistry
River has been called a "conscious rapper" on several occasions.[8][23][24] In 2016, XXL praised him for being "fearlessly earnest," and described his music as "a touch of J. Cole for his introspective lyrics and flow delivered over solid, stadium-ready beats."[25]
Activism
River often speaks out regarding various social justice issues, most notably voicing support for Black Lives Matter and taking part in various protests in support of the movement.[26] At the 2015 Much Music Video Awards, River walked the red carpet wearing a shirt that said "Black Lives Matter" in large, block letters across the front.[27] The Huffington Post called River's shirt "a bold statement."[28] The following year, at the 2016 ceremony, River attracted media attention when he wore a shirt that said "Stop Blaming Muslims" on it.[29]
River is also a supporter of gender equality and the LGBT community.[6]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Much Music Video Awards | Best Hip Hop Music Video | "Hope City II" | Nominated | [11] |
Discography
Mixtapes
- The Calm (2012)
- The Storm (2015)
References
- ^ "'I'm very, very proud of this place,' Mississauga rapper John River on the place that shaped him". CBC News. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "John River Brings The Storm From Mississauga".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ "The Next Big Name Out of Mississauga John River Set to Hit the Road". Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ ""You've got to work your miracles"". The Varsity Magazine. November 14, 2013. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "Rapper John River on dropping out, repping Mississauga". CBC News. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ a b c "A rapper with heart | The Journal". www.queensjournal.ca. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "John River – The Calm [Mixtape]". HipHopCanada.com. November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ a b Torontoist (December 12, 2012). "Sound Advice: The Calm by John River". Torontoist. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ video for Hope Ciyy ii
- ^ John River (January 27, 2015), John River - Hope City II, retrieved November 4, 2017
- ^ a b "John River Nominated for MMVA Video Award | WhatTheHYPE". WhatTheHYPE. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
- ^ Gasparek, Brian. "And the 2015 MMVA nominees are…". www.theloop.ca. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "Toronto's songs of summer". NOW Magazine. August 26, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ a b "John River - The Storm". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "John River The Storm". Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "John River – Get Down [Video]". June 24, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
- ^ "John River 'Get Down' (video)". Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ HipHopCanada: John River – Get Down [Video]
- ^ "New webseries shines spotlight on real-life teen experience - Urbanology Magazine". January 15, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
- ^ teenagers web series (September 27, 2015), teenagers web series - S2.E9 - "A Cinderella Ending" (Season Finale), retrieved June 26, 2016
- ^ Clay, Chris (April 29, 2016). "Mississauga director's web series a raw take on teenage life | Mississauga.com". Mississauga.com. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "Toronto musicians to watch in 2017: hip-hop edition". NOW Magazine. January 31, 2017. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "Sarah Jay's Picks: Top 40 Up-And-Coming Canadian Rappers & Rap Crews Of 2015". HipHopCanada.com. January 2, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "The First Ever Toronto Edition Of The TeamBackPack Cipher Just Dropped". HipHopCanada.com. January 20, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "The New New: 10 Canadian Artists You Should Know - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "MTV Best Red Carpet Looks".
- ^ "The Next Big Name Out of Mississauga John River Set to Hit the Road". Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "John River's 2015 MMVA Red Carpet Ensemble Makes A Bold Statement". HuffPost Canada. June 22, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2017.
- ^ "MMVAs 2016: John River Makes A Statement With 'Stop Blaming Muslims' Shirt On Red Carpet". HuffPost Canada. June 20, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2017.