More Or Les
Encyclopedia
More Or Les is a Canadian rapper, busker, DJ, producer
, and a member of the Backburner crew. He currently resides in his home town of Toronto, Ontario.
culture began as a DJ, learning to mix at the age of 11 with the help of his older brother Colin. As a freshman at Woburn Collegiate Institute
in Scarborough, Ontario
, Les began freestyling with other local emcees and performing regularly at school assemblies. It was around this time that Les created the emcee name for himself, and started to produce beats.
In 2001, More Or Les became one of the resident DJ's at Toronto's longest running open mic night known as In Divine Style. It was at this event where Les met and began working on music with several members of the Toronto Hip Hop community including Dorc, Vangel and the Wordburglar
. These connections led to the release of his first album I only stop for the Red Ants in 2003. A critical success, Les used the revenue generated from this version to release a "shrinkwrap edition" in 2004, a version with remastered tracks including a bonus song and a music video for the song A Little Too Much Weed. While deemed "too controversial" for airplay on MuchMusic
, the video has been shown on the Bravo program Richler Ink and received an award from the Next Festival in 2004, honouring the year's most innovative international videos. To further promote the album, Les not only performed at "regular" music venues, but also began busking on downtown Toronto streets, becoming a mainstay on Queen West on weekends for several years.
In 2005, More Or Les met and performed with UK Hip Hop band The Herbaliser
. This meeting has led to subsequent touring in Canada and Europe with the band, and recorded appearances on their album Same As It Never Was, released in 2008.
More Or Les has since released a second album The Truth About Rap in 2006, featuring several artists he has since been affiliated with, including the Wordburglar and Rhythmicru. This album has also been well-received by critics, cited as one of the Top 10 Hip Hop releases of 2006 by Exclaim!
, with songs receiving regular airplay on CBC Radio 3
.
In late summer 2009, More Or Les collaborated with Backburner crew producer Fresh Kils and DJ Uncle Fester to release The Les Kils EP. Meeting rave reviews from press, the EP debuted on Canadian college radio at #1. The song Pop N Chips has been played in high rotation on CBC Radio 3, with a music video for the release that has received play on Canadian channels MuchMusic
and MusiquePlus
.
In the latter half of October 2010, More Or Les released his third full length release Brunch with a Vengeance on Fuzzy Logic Recordings
. Featuring a number of local artists and an additional collaboration with The Herbaliser
, Les' new project is a concept album, compiling a list of various complaints from fans, friends and family and turning them into songs. In addition to the latest project, More Or Les continues to be a co-host of Hip Hop Karaoke in Toronto (with DJs Dalia, Numeric, Ted Dancin' and co-host Abdominal
), an event started in 2006.
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, and a member of the Backburner crew. He currently resides in his home town of Toronto, Ontario.
Career
More Or Les' interest in Hip hopHip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
culture began as a DJ, learning to mix at the age of 11 with the help of his older brother Colin. As a freshman at Woburn Collegiate Institute
Woburn Collegiate Institute
Woburn Collegiate Institute is a non-semestered secondary school on Ellesmere Road in the Scarborough district of Toronto. Its motto is Let the Zeal for Learning Flourish.- History :...
in Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough is a dissolved municipality within the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it comprises the eastern part of Toronto. It is bordered on the south by Lake Ontario, on the west by Victoria Park Avenue, on the north by Steeles Avenue East, and on the east by the Rouge River...
, Les began freestyling with other local emcees and performing regularly at school assemblies. It was around this time that Les created the emcee name for himself, and started to produce beats.
In 2001, More Or Les became one of the resident DJ's at Toronto's longest running open mic night known as In Divine Style. It was at this event where Les met and began working on music with several members of the Toronto Hip Hop community including Dorc, Vangel and the Wordburglar
Wordburglar
SJ the Wordburglar is a Canadian hip hop artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia, now based in Toronto. His style is best described as energetic and zany with an emphasis on wordplay and humour. He primarily works with his crews Backburner and Props Dept for all aspects of his music creation, including...
. These connections led to the release of his first album I only stop for the Red Ants in 2003. A critical success, Les used the revenue generated from this version to release a "shrinkwrap edition" in 2004, a version with remastered tracks including a bonus song and a music video for the song A Little Too Much Weed. While deemed "too controversial" for airplay on MuchMusic
MuchMusic
MuchMusic is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Bell Media. MuchMusic is dedicated to music-related programs, pop and youth culture.-History:...
, the video has been shown on the Bravo program Richler Ink and received an award from the Next Festival in 2004, honouring the year's most innovative international videos. To further promote the album, Les not only performed at "regular" music venues, but also began busking on downtown Toronto streets, becoming a mainstay on Queen West on weekends for several years.
In 2005, More Or Les met and performed with UK Hip Hop band The Herbaliser
The Herbaliser
The Herbaliser is a jazz rap band formed by Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba London, England during the early 1990s. Although currently signed to !K7 Records, they were one of the best-known acts from the Ninja Tune independent record label...
. This meeting has led to subsequent touring in Canada and Europe with the band, and recorded appearances on their album Same As It Never Was, released in 2008.
More Or Les has since released a second album The Truth About Rap in 2006, featuring several artists he has since been affiliated with, including the Wordburglar and Rhythmicru. This album has also been well-received by critics, cited as one of the Top 10 Hip Hop releases of 2006 by Exclaim!
Exclaim!
Exclaim! is a monthly Canadian music magazine that features in-depth coverage of new music across all genres with special focus on Canadian and cutting-edge artists...
, with songs receiving regular airplay on CBC Radio 3
CBC Radio 3
CBC Radio 3 is a radio station that consists of two parts devoted to Canadian arts and music: a radio service which is available on Sirius Satellite Radio and streaming audio, and several daily and weekly podcasts from the CBC Radio 3 website...
.
In late summer 2009, More Or Les collaborated with Backburner crew producer Fresh Kils and DJ Uncle Fester to release The Les Kils EP. Meeting rave reviews from press, the EP debuted on Canadian college radio at #1. The song Pop N Chips has been played in high rotation on CBC Radio 3, with a music video for the release that has received play on Canadian channels MuchMusic
MuchMusic
MuchMusic is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Bell Media. MuchMusic is dedicated to music-related programs, pop and youth culture.-History:...
and MusiquePlus
MusiquePlus
MusiquePlus is a Canadian French language Category A specialty channel owned by Astral Media operating from Montreal, Quebec.MusiquePlus is devoted to music and music related programming from various genres including pop, rock, RnB and focuses on a younger demographic than its sister station, MusiMax...
.
In the latter half of October 2010, More Or Les released his third full length release Brunch with a Vengeance on Fuzzy Logic Recordings
Fuzzy Logic Recordings
Fuzzy Logic Recordings is a Canadian independent record label, founded in 2002 and based out of Toronto, Ontario.Fuzzy Logic operates under the motto "Good Music, Good Friends, Good Times!"-Artists :*The Bicycles*Gravity Wave*The Midways*Peter Project...
. Featuring a number of local artists and an additional collaboration with The Herbaliser
The Herbaliser
The Herbaliser is a jazz rap band formed by Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba London, England during the early 1990s. Although currently signed to !K7 Records, they were one of the best-known acts from the Ninja Tune independent record label...
, Les' new project is a concept album, compiling a list of various complaints from fans, friends and family and turning them into songs. In addition to the latest project, More Or Les continues to be a co-host of Hip Hop Karaoke in Toronto (with DJs Dalia, Numeric, Ted Dancin' and co-host Abdominal
Abdominal (rapper)
- Biography :He grew up in Toronto and attended Northern Secondary School in the late 80s and early 90s, gaining a reputation there for his cartoons and graphic design work. Using the name Abdominal, he formed his first rap crew with DJ Serious and Scott C. called Rushholme and they started...
), an event started in 2006.
Albums
- Brunch With A Vengeance (2010)
- The Truth About Rap (2006)
- I Only Stop for the Red Ants - Shrinkwrap Edition (2004)
- I Only Stop for the Red Ants - Early Edition (2003)
Guest Appearances
- 2011 - "Round Table", Toolshed feat. WordburglarWordburglarSJ the Wordburglar is a Canadian hip hop artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia, now based in Toronto. His style is best described as energetic and zany with an emphasis on wordplay and humour. He primarily works with his crews Backburner and Props Dept for all aspects of his music creation, including...
and Savillion, album: The Lost - 2010 - "Rock Majorly", MisterE, album: Dusting for Prints
- 2010 - "Smell The Glove", Timbuktu feat. Muneshine, D-Sisive, Chokeules, Psybo, King Jus, WordburglarWordburglarSJ the Wordburglar is a Canadian hip hop artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia, now based in Toronto. His style is best described as energetic and zany with an emphasis on wordplay and humour. He primarily works with his crews Backburner and Props Dept for all aspects of his music creation, including...
, Apt, Modulok and Elete, album: Stranger Danger - 2009 - "Unorthadox", Peter Project, album: Fresh EP
- 2008 - "Game, Set, Match", The Herbaliser, album: Same As It Never Was
- 2008 - "Words", The Herbaliser feat. Jessica Darling, album: Same As It Never Was (Japanese release and bonus track on iTunes only)
- 2008 - "Repetitive Stress Injury", Peter Project, album: Peter Project
- 2008 - "Get Up Remix", Rhythmicru feat. Shad (rapper)Shad (rapper)Shadrach Kabango , credited as Shad or Shad K., is a Canadian hip hop artist.-Early life:Born in Kenya, of Rwandan parents, Shad was raised in London, Ontario. His mother worked in London as a hospital lab technician; his father, as a machinist...
, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 3 - 2008 (as DJ only) - "John Deere Out Here", Rhythmicru feat. Spesh K, Timbuktu, Wordburglar, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 3
- 2008 - "Keep It Moving", Rhythmicru feat. Wordburglar, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 3
- 2008 - "We Have Come For Your Children", Rhythmicru feat. Ghetto Socks, Wordburglar, Odario and Uncle Dropsi, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 3
- 2007 - "Safe No More", Jesse DangerouslyJesse DangerouslyJesse Dangerously is an alternative hip hop artist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is an active member of the Canadian East Coast music scene through the release of his own albums, appearing as guest vocalist on a large number of recordings by other artists, hosting a weekly radio show, writing a...
feat. Wordburglar and Apt, album: Verba Volant - 2007 - "Carnies", Rhythmicru feat. Wordburglar, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 2
- 2007 "Turn It Up", Rhythmicru, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 2
- 2006 (as DJ only) - "Laymen's Terms", Wordburglar, album: Burglaritis
- 2006 - "Spit Fresh", Wordburglar, album: Burglaritis (also appeared as DJ)
- 2006 (as DJ only) - "The Route" Wordburglar, album: Burglaritis
- 2006 - "Time Flies", Rhythmicru, album: D-Ray's Supertoke Mixtape vol. 1
- 2005 - "Three", Dragon Fli EmpireDragon Fli EmpireDragon Fli Empire is a hip hop duo from Calgary, Canada, comprising Tarik Robinson, also known as Teekay , and Adam Hicks, also known as DJ Cosm ....
feat. N'didi Cascade, album: InvasionInvasion (Dragon Fli Empire album)Invasion is the second album by Canadian hip hop duo Dragon Fli Empire, released in 2005 on Makebelieve Records. It was viewed as a progression in the duo's sound and features guest artists from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Tacoma and Portland. Several tracks were included in different CD... - 2005 - "Time and Space Remix", Green TaRA feat. N'didi Cascade, Deanna, Chi Turner, album: Music for a Mixed Nation (vinyl only)
- 2004 - "Beautiful Mutant", Mindbender feat. 4th Pyramid, Chuggo, Vangel, Fritz Da Cat, Ill Seer, Eternia, album: Beautiful Mutant (disc two)
Film
- 2007 - song "Emission Admission" featured in Animated Short Emission Admission by Sarah Lazarovic
- 2007 - songs "Maundoe Flute" and "Maundoe Fun" featured in Animated Documentary Mondo Condo by Sarah Lazarovic
Television
- 2004 - "MuchEminem" - in-studio freestyle battle on MuchMusic
- 2004 - "Urban Groove" - in-studio performance on bpm:tv
- 2004 - "Richler Ink" - featured music video "A Little Too Much Weed" on an episode on Bravo
Video Games
- 2010 - vocals featured on the soundtrack for "ModNation Racers" - Kart racing game available on Sony PlayStation 3
Music Video
- 2009 - "Pop N Chips" - feat. Ghettosocks and Timbuktu from the More Or Les and Fresh Kils release Les Kils EP - directed by Darrell Faria, produced by Mike MacMillan for Lithium Studios
- 2009 - "We Have Come for Your Children" - by Rhythmicru feat. Ghetto Socks, Wordburglar, More Or Les, Odario Williams, and Uncle Dropsi - directed by Arv Slabosevicius for Ghostmilk Studios
- 2008 - "Oscillate!" (as "Shoxxx" from the short film series Hot Snack Radio) - directed and co-written by Matt Eastman, music by Fresh Kils
- 2004 - "A Little Too Much Weed" - directed by Matt Eastman, produced by Sandy Hunter for Soft Citizen
Literary
- 2008 - "Get creative for cash: rap edition" - article in the Toronto Star
- 2006 - "E = emcees2" co-written with Jill Murray for The State of the Arts: Living With Culture in Toronto (published by Coach House Press)