M.O. Littles

1) How did you start off in Sudbury?
I started off when I was about 10 years old writing poetry, which eventually turned into raps as I got more exposed to hip hop. Both of my parents were english teachers, so writing came naturally to me. It wasn't till I was 12 or 13 that I started vocalizing my rhymes and recording them on my homie's grandma's hand held tape recorder. We practiced and practiced cause we only had one take to do the whole song haha.

2) What is the most difficult thing you've had to endure in the music industry?
The most frustrating thing, I think, is the people who are out there to take advantage of young artists. There is a huge learning curve with this business and there's a lot of people out there who will exploit those who are more inexperienced for their own personal gain. I've encountered my fair share of snakes in the grass but I've never been the type to let anyone else stop me.

3) When you were coming up which artists did you listen to for inspiration and which local artists did you go to for advice?

Growing up, Tupac was a huge source of inspiration for me. My girlfriend used to make fun of how much I would listen to him, but his music spoke to me so much that he really was one of the main reasons I started writing. There weren't too many local artists to go to for advice back in the day. I'm pretty sure the only guys I ever looked up to were, at the time, Project Wyze. They go by the name Dead Celebrity Status now and it's amazing to see that they are still making music and have remained relevant. I've had to opportunity to perform with them on numerous occasions and it really is amazing to see things come full circle from listening to them as a kid to sharing a stage with them as an established artist. Major shoutout to Yas & Bobby!

4) How does it feel to finally be getting your big break?

Ha ha ha. The term 'big break' is a bit of an enigma. I've gotten to where I am sheerly from hard work and determination, plus a little talent ;). I'm very proud of my accomplishments but this game isn't about getting to a certain level and feeling like, that's it I've made it. It's a journey, not a destination. If you think I've done well so far, you ain't seen nothing yet.

5) Which well known artists have you had the opportunity of working with?

I've had the honor of working with some of the artists I idolized as kid and never dreamt I'd have the chance to actually meet them, let alone record and perform with them. I've had the chance to tour and perform with Bone Thugs N Harmony, Mos Def & Talib Kweli, AZ, Dead Prez, Machine Gun Kelly, Snak The Ripper & Celph Titled & Apathy just to name a few. I've also been fortunate enough to record songs with Juju of The Beatnuts, Madchild, Termanology, SonReal, Rich Kidd & Saukrates. Needless to say, I've seen some of my dreams come true and it's only motivated me to go further.

6) Which artists would you still love to work with?

I'd love to work with Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. They're both artist who push boundaries and would love to watch their process.

7) What inspired you to get into the music industry and did you always believe you could make it coming from a small town?

Nothing really inspired me to get into the music business per se. I've always been listening to, and making music. Even before I started writing I would hum little tunes I'd make up and I think always knew it was what I would do. At that young age you don't think of it as a business, you just want to create. Getting involved in the business of music was just something that came out of necessity to continue on the path I'd chosen. I guess it's just been music itself that inspired me to get into the music business. I can't imagine ever doing anything else. Being from a small town was never really a deterrent for me. I left pretty much right out of high school to see the world and pursue my dreams. And even though I left, I always find myself coming back. Sudbury has shown me so much love and support over the years that I am eternally appreciative for it.

8) How would you define your music?
Lol I hate this question but if I had to say I guess it's real life music with a positive vibe. A mix of Pusha T and Mac Miller but a tad iller.

9) What advice can you give local talent who wish to pursue a career in the music industry?

The only advice I can give is keep at it. You have to be a 110% dedicated and willing to sacrifice to get what you want. That means giving up on your social life, missing birthdays and possibly being a broke ass for quite some time lol. If it's just a hobby for you then that's cool too but you need to recognize that this isn't a part time hustle and if you really want to make something of it, then you have to give it your all.

10) Where can we find you online?

I just released a new album called "Welcome To The Shot Club." It is available for free download for a limited time at www.MOLITTLES.com. The video for the first single "Let Me Go" can be viewed on my youtube channel listed below.

You can also find me on social media at the addresses listed below
Instagram @mdotodot
www.facebook.com/mdotodot
www.twitter.com/mdotodot
www.soundcloud.com/molittles
www.youtube.com/famnproductions

Thanks for having me! - 20something Magazine

"It's just a hip hop thing, Bonnie," M.O. Littles, a rocking, socking hip hop artist from this region, tells me so musically! I'm looking forward to his performance at REZFEST on Friday, May 29, on Manitoulin Island at the Wikwemikong Thunderdome, along with talented local and provincial bands, coming in from Sudbury and Toronto.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 6:30; tickets are sold at the door for $10 and $30 for a VIP ticket to meet the local musicians and showcase original songs performed by students from the Music Business Program at Wasse Abin High School in Wikwemikong.

I'm lucky to get teacher Jason Thibault on the phone. "We are looking forward to REZFEST, Bonnie, and expect 400 fans to attend. This is a course we developed to teach entrepreneurship in music, Our talented 15 students are enthusiastic and dedicated, and REZFEST is our happy concert put on by the students. Go to Facebook.com and look up REZFEST 2015 to see who is performing."

This sounds like so much fun. I know It's through M.O. that I've learned more about hip-hop, and he displays originality, verve and style. Which has earned him critical acclaim as a Toronto rapper with a big following. M.O. was recently on tour: Vancouver for three weeks, travelling with Mercules, an artist from Vancouver, and JD Era from, Toronto.

"Our audiences have been great. All three of us are touring artists and have fan bases all across the country, and we've been touring for years."

Growing up in Sudbury, M.O. recalls, "My pal, Jamie Nassas and I would sit in his bedroom, using his grandma's tape recorder and old cassettes. We'd have to get the entire song right in one take, so it was good practise for me early on in the development of my recording process. I hardly remember those songs now. I've written over 500 songs and released almost 100 of them."

With hip-hop, there's a certain amount of swag, which is expected. Some artists forcefully push, and others, like M.O., are natural. His beat is easy on the ear and he has a clean voice of the times, enthusiasm, a love of life and exhilaration to share lyrically what he knows with us.

His first CD, Vicarious, offered 18 songs. Followed by Short days, Long Nights and No Matter What. He has released music with many groups through the years. And toured and opened for many international groups like MGK, Blackstar Bone Thugs N Harmony and The Beatnuts.

Recently, M.O. was on tour across Canada, doing 15 dates in three weeks, traveling with Merkules, an artist from Surrey and JD Era, from Toronto. His next album, Momentum, will be released in the fall.

"I was able to tour Europe last year, nine countries in 12 days, and while I was exhausted, it was exhilarating. On a tour, I can do a mashup, performing 10 to 15 songs in a 30-minute set. I have prerecorded recorded music. Hip-Hop's always changing and I love to work with the crowd."

What I Live for is his most recent track, produced by Kajmir Royale. "We recently held a remix contest and music producers from all over the world submitted their amazing submissions. We'll be announcing the winner this week. Check it out at www.youtube.com/famnproductions and www.molittles.com."

Sudbury gala June 10

My friend, Sudbury's busy, charitable Cathy Nadjiwon, a former VP of Sudbury Business and Professional Women, tells me about the gala awards evening to be held on June 10.

"Our club celebrates 70 years existence in Sudbury. I've been a member since 1990 and adore supporting our international federation. The aim of BPW is to develop and create the professional and leadership of women at all levels. Since the root of this work is embedded with the United Nations, BPW has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Members are everywhere."

She takes a breath. "I love giving back. What the work does is to collect evidence on the return on investment when women become top executives.

"This evening will be a very special awards gala as we unveil our new award, the Rachel Proulx Memorial Award, in honour of a member of our club who was a past president of the club, an honorary lifetime BPW member, a past national BPW president and was the founding chair of College Boreal."

I learn BPW strives to support and promote the return on investment when women are included as decisions-makers at all levels of society. Cathy says: "We'll have a souvenir gift for all guests that night. Lots of surprises in store for those attending our beautiful lakeside venue on June 10th. Our Sudbury club has had the largest per capita member in both Canada and North America for 13 years running: we love our monthly meetings. We've had a $10,000 endowment at Cambrian College for 15 years. At the gala dinner, we will bestow seven awards to deserving Sudbury women.

Tickets are $75, advance purchase only; please call Donna Quenville at 705-671-2022 ext. 210.

Our Bonnie will be soon be in Sudbury, to see friends, to attend the Manitoulin Trade Fair, REZFEST and the BPW Gala Awards Dinner. If you see her, please say hello! She is at BonniKogos@aol.com . - The Sudbury Star

On-air radio interview - Laurentian University CKLU 96.7

On-air radio interview. - DJ 2 Creamz

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152067925053900 - The Episode

Proudly Present
Elegantly Wasted Vol 1
M.O. & DJ Blaster have teamed up for the 1st edition of their Elegantly Wasted mixtape series and as a gesture of appreciation to the fans they are providing the download free of charge. The mixtape includes music by M.O., Chad Ashe, Mugz, Uness, Tek Luciano, Midnite & more.
M.O. & Blaster are also performing at venue’s throughout Quebec and Ontario under the same name so be on the lookout for that.
Click link to download now
http://slightlyillegal.podomatic.com/entry/2010-02-15T15_39_39-08_00 - Peace Magazine

Proudly Present
Elegantly Wasted Vol 1
M.O. & DJ Blaster have teamed up for the 1st edition of their Elegantly Wasted mixtape series and as a gesture of appreciation to the fans they are providing the download free of charge. The mixtape includes music by M.O., Chad Ashe, Mugz, Uness, Tek Luciano, Midnite & more.
M.O. & Blaster are also performing at venue’s throughout Quebec and Ontario under the same name so be on the lookout for that.
Click link to download now
http://slightlyillegal.podomatic.com/entry/2010-02-15T15_39_39-08_00 - Peace Magazine

Chucky: What’s the story behind your name?

M.O.: I’ve always wished I had some magical story behind my name. Really it was just what my homie who I started rapping with, B Littlez, used to call me. It started out as Mo and turned into M.O. I may just have to make up some crazy story one of these days to start telling people lol.

Chucky: How did you get into the rap game?

M.O.: I’ve always been a hip hop fan and I’ve been penning raps since as far back as I can remember. Me and my homie used to play whatever instrumentals we could get our hands on and record on a little handheld dictaphone. That’s how it all started. It was until I made the move to Montreal that I really started doing it. I got hooked up with some of the main heads doing it at the time, ICM, and they really put me on. I was taking Audio Engineering as well so I got the opportunity to intern with ICM as credit towards my diploma. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to show production and some of the politics of the game.

Chucky: Are you still going to school?

M.O.: No I’m not in school. I have an Audio Engineering degree as well as various Marketing courses taken at University level.

Chucky: Research tells us your a frequent traveler between both provinces of Ontario and Quebec; which city does your heart belong to?

M.O.: I travel and tour all over Canada on a regular basis so it’s hard to say where my heart is. I guess I’d have to say Montreal. That’s my shit. But I got mad love for Van City and I recently made the move to Toronto and you know already know that’s the spot.



Chucky: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?

M.O.: I’d have to say my mom is my biggest inspiration. If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t have made it as far as I have.

Chucky: Who’s in your ‘Top 5 Dead Or Alive’ list of rappers?

M.O.: That’s such a tough question. But here goes in no particular order

1. 2pac
2. Jay-z
3. Drake
4. Nas
5. Wiz

Honorable mentions – Andre 3000, Big L, Biggie, Mac Miller, Pusha T, Em, Kanye

Chucky: What’s to expect from M.O. in the next year?

M.O.: In the next year I plan on continuing to do what I’ve been doing but I’m trying to take it to the next level. I tour pretty much non stop so this year I wanna take it to the U.S. a lot more and I wanna start reaching out to Europe and Asia. Also expect a lot more music, videos and collabos. #NOSLEEP coming soon!

Chucky: If you could work with any other artist, who would that be, and why?

M.O.: If I could work with any other artist it would probably be Kanye just because he’s so talented and I feel like the studio experience with him would be so creative and mind opening.

Chucky: What advice would you give others that are rapping?

M.O.: I would say never give up and learn to sacrifice if you really love this shit. You need to eat, breath and shit this shit. Oh and try making some good music while you’re at it.

Chucky: This is your time to shine, any last words or shout outs you’d like to put out there?

M.O.: Anyone who has supported me along the journey, my momma, the whole 705, Jesse Walker & DJ Blaster and Morgan squared . Cop that Short Days Long Nights project at www.momusiclive.com



Features or Bookings:
Email: mdotodot@gmail.com
Site: http://www.momusiclive.com
Twitter &/or Facebook: @mdotodot

Support Canadian Hip Hop:
- North Star Hip Hop

Chucky: What’s the story behind your name?

M.O.: I’ve always wished I had some magical story behind my name. Really it was just what my homie who I started rapping with, B Littlez, used to call me. It started out as Mo and turned into M.O. I may just have to make up some crazy story one of these days to start telling people lol.

Chucky: How did you get into the rap game?

M.O.: I’ve always been a hip hop fan and I’ve been penning raps since as far back as I can remember. Me and my homie used to play whatever instrumentals we could get our hands on and record on a little handheld dictaphone. That’s how it all started. It was until I made the move to Montreal that I really started doing it. I got hooked up with some of the main heads doing it at the time, ICM, and they really put me on. I was taking Audio Engineering as well so I got the opportunity to intern with ICM as credit towards my diploma. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to show production and some of the politics of the game.

Chucky: Are you still going to school?

M.O.: No I’m not in school. I have an Audio Engineering degree as well as various Marketing courses taken at University level.

Chucky: Research tells us your a frequent traveler between both provinces of Ontario and Quebec; which city does your heart belong to?

M.O.: I travel and tour all over Canada on a regular basis so it’s hard to say where my heart is. I guess I’d have to say Montreal. That’s my shit. But I got mad love for Van City and I recently made the move to Toronto and you know already know that’s the spot.



Chucky: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration?

M.O.: I’d have to say my mom is my biggest inspiration. If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t have made it as far as I have.

Chucky: Who’s in your ‘Top 5 Dead Or Alive’ list of rappers?

M.O.: That’s such a tough question. But here goes in no particular order

1. 2pac
2. Jay-z
3. Drake
4. Nas
5. Wiz

Honorable mentions – Andre 3000, Big L, Biggie, Mac Miller, Pusha T, Em, Kanye

Chucky: What’s to expect from M.O. in the next year?

M.O.: In the next year I plan on continuing to do what I’ve been doing but I’m trying to take it to the next level. I tour pretty much non stop so this year I wanna take it to the U.S. a lot more and I wanna start reaching out to Europe and Asia. Also expect a lot more music, videos and collabos. #NOSLEEP coming soon!

Chucky: If you could work with any other artist, who would that be, and why?

M.O.: If I could work with any other artist it would probably be Kanye just because he’s so talented and I feel like the studio experience with him would be so creative and mind opening.

Chucky: What advice would you give others that are rapping?

M.O.: I would say never give up and learn to sacrifice if you really love this shit. You need to eat, breath and shit this shit. Oh and try making some good music while you’re at it.

Chucky: This is your time to shine, any last words or shout outs you’d like to put out there?

M.O.: Anyone who has supported me along the journey, my momma, the whole 705, Jesse Walker & DJ Blaster and Morgan squared . Cop that Short Days Long Nights project at www.momusiclive.com



Features or Bookings:
Email: mdotodot@gmail.com
Site: http://www.momusiclive.com
Twitter &/or Facebook: @mdotodot

Support Canadian Hip Hop:
- North Star Hip Hop

M.O. is Canada’s hottest up and coming hip hop artist. Splitting his time between Toronto & Costa Rica, M.O. is constantly on tour across Canada, the U.S. and Europe opening for acts like Blackstar, The Beatnuts, Onyx, AZ, Matixando, Boot Camp Click, Nipsey Hussle, Statik Selektah & Termanology & Classified. - NoBuzz.net

M.O. is Canada’s hottest up and coming hip hop artist. Splitting his time between Toronto & Costa Rica, M.O. is constantly on tour across Canada, the U.S. and Europe opening for acts like Blackstar, The Beatnuts, Onyx, AZ, Matixando, Boot Camp Click, Nipsey Hussle, Statik Selektah & Termanology & Classified. - NoBuzz.net

The newest single off M.O.'s Short Days Long Nights features Vancouver based artist Madchild of Swollen Members and The Battleaxe Warriors. - NME

The newest single off M.O.'s Short Days Long Nights features Vancouver based artist Madchild of Swollen Members and The Battleaxe Warriors. - NME

Montreal, QC – This is the “Short Days Long Nights” video from up and coming Real City rapper M.O. The song is the title track off M.O.’s new project, Short Days Long Nights, which features the likes of Juju of The Beatnuts, Madchild of Swollen Members and Vancouver’s rising star, SonReal. M.O. also takes the credit for directing the video. You can find Short Days Long Nights on Bandcamp. - Hip Hop Canada

Montreal, QC – This is the “Short Days Long Nights” video from up and coming Real City rapper M.O. The song is the title track off M.O.’s new project, Short Days Long Nights, which features the likes of Juju of The Beatnuts, Madchild of Swollen Members and Vancouver’s rising star, SonReal. M.O. also takes the credit for directing the video. You can find Short Days Long Nights on Bandcamp. - Hip Hop Canada

Bring in the nostalgia. From back in my hometown Montreal, Quebec, Canada – M.O. drops science with a fluid old-school flow that kicks in my Hip Hop heart strings.

M.O. is one of Canada’s hottest up and coming hip hop artists. Splitting his time between Montreal & Toronto, M.O. is constantly on tour across Canada, the U.S. and Europe opening for acts like Blackstar, The Beatnuts, Onyx, AZ & Classified.

In this well produced feature video with a solid stamp on Montreal’s landmarks, M.O. delivers a vibrant story board setting in “Chosen One”, from La Ronde to a stroll downtown on Mtl’s main drag Ste. Catherine street.

Indeed. Street life meets mellow grooves in this classic montage of what it takes to make Mama proud of her hot to trot Rap star.

With standard must have Goose and soda references to sending groupies packin’, this cat delivers a rocked out, easy to kick it with, lyrical barrage that carries us to a laid back, ease and seckle, let’s get ripped vibe that begs to be listened to time and again.

Nice one M.O. I got you. Catsask is definitely on board and vibin’ to your sound. Nice. - Catsask Magazine

Bring in the nostalgia. From back in my hometown Montreal, Quebec, Canada – M.O. drops science with a fluid old-school flow that kicks in my Hip Hop heart strings.

M.O. is one of Canada’s hottest up and coming hip hop artists. Splitting his time between Montreal & Toronto, M.O. is constantly on tour across Canada, the U.S. and Europe opening for acts like Blackstar, The Beatnuts, Onyx, AZ & Classified.

In this well produced feature video with a solid stamp on Montreal’s landmarks, M.O. delivers a vibrant story board setting in “Chosen One”, from La Ronde to a stroll downtown on Mtl’s main drag Ste. Catherine street.

Indeed. Street life meets mellow grooves in this classic montage of what it takes to make Mama proud of her hot to trot Rap star.

With standard must have Goose and soda references to sending groupies packin’, this cat delivers a rocked out, easy to kick it with, lyrical barrage that carries us to a laid back, ease and seckle, let’s get ripped vibe that begs to be listened to time and again.

Nice one M.O. I got you. Catsask is definitely on board and vibin’ to your sound. Nice. - Catsask Magazine

My loveable, highly respected, brilliant curmudgeon, cranky ole Ev Mudge of Kagawong, sits in his well-built stone house on Whiskey Hill overlooking the Bay named for his ancestors and e-mails me: "Dear Rambunctious New Yorker, here I still sit, after days of reflection on the Olympic Games and its impact on the populace. We received excellent comments throughout the media on how good everyone was and the positive nature of Canadians. Every single thought on which I reflected, any adjective I've come up with, has been spewed in the media, including yours."

Uncle Mudge alternately harrumphs and chortles, often bemoaning the state of the Provinces and the Lower 48. But this time, he shares a gem: "The final men's hockey game was a thriller," he wrote. "Too bad someone had to lose that one. When I was young, my dad attempted to find solace for me when my team lost. He said, 'Look at all the people the losing team made happy!' Thank you, USA Olympic Hockey Team!!! You've made a lot of Canadians happy!"

I realize how much we text, we tweet, write e-mail and send jokes. Are we living virtually, or virtually living? I realized it watching the Olympics, holding my breath for almost two weeks.

However, when tired of the Manhattan scene, I go to www.ManitoulinLiviing.comand watch the sailboat for a few minutes, or tune into young Canadian Rapper, M.O., originally from Manitoulin and Sudbury.

Ah, the next e-mail is from M.O.: "Bonnie, listen to this! I wrote and recorded this song an hour after Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime. By the following morning hundreds of people had listened and downloaded my song!"

And I tune in. A bit of it is, "Oh Canada, Go, Go Canada, We the champs; ain't no chance for the amateurs. Standing on the podium, smiling for the cameras."

To listen, go to momusiclive.com,or www.twitter.com/mdotodot.I listen to M.O.'s smart and snappy music, smiling, realizing the Internet has changed our lives.

M.O.'s work is a great example of using the Internet.

"Over the last year, I've been focusing on my Internet presence by releasing new music online weekly calledM.O.'s Pick of the Weekvia social networks and blogs. This project has received a lot of attention and downloads; we're setting up a tour for the spring. Bonnie, this situation is a perfect example of how the Internet has changed everyone's life," M.O. writes happily. "The Internet is an amazing vehicle. I'm able to stay in touch with and promote to people all over the world without having to call or mail anything. Contacts and fans stay up to date with me, up to the minute, by following me on Twitter to see where I'm at and what I'm doing. It's beautiful for the independent artist."

He performs throughout Quebec and Ontario.

"I've recently hooked up with DJ Blaster to release the first in a series of club/party mixtapes called Elegantly Wasted Vol 1. This project has been receiving a lot of attention and downloads. We're setting up a tour for spring under the same name."

The next e-mail is from the lovely Sheila Bowes, Marketing Coordinator for the Manitoulin Tourist Association: "Hi, Bonnie, we're currently rearranging our website to better serve our valued tourists. We're inviting anyone, everyone who has ever been on Manitoulin to participate in a songwriting contest to write and submit a song about Manitoulin. If your song is chosen, it will be uploaded onto our new website. We invite all musicians, young and old, country, rock or soul. Basically anyone who has a passion for music can send us their song."

I phone Sheila to tell her my original song,The Manitoulin Waltz,is already on the way! She laughs; "Bonnie, we've so much talent on Manitoulin as well as around it and abroad. We'd like to give artists an opportunity to not only be part of our new website, but also a change to showcase their talent," she said.

Sheila, who was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, has spent every summer of her life on Manitoulin, before moving here full time when her parents, Brian and Sandra Bowes, retired here in 2000.

"So many people have a secret connection to Manitoulin and part of this songwriting contest is about sharing some of those sacred memories," Sheila says. "Have you spent time on Manitoulin and dreading the days you had to leave?"

"Yes, Sheila, I often dream about crossing the old swing bridge."

"It's amazing how the islands hold many things for many people and if anything this contest is about sharing a small part of that," Sheila replies. "The winning song will be placed on the MTA's new website, designed by talented Patrick Kiley, owner of Manitoulin Media, located in Mindemoya. Patrick's a web designer and journalist originally f - The Sudbury Star

My loveable, highly respected, brilliant curmudgeon, cranky ole Ev Mudge of Kagawong, sits in his well-built stone house on Whiskey Hill overlooking the Bay named for his ancestors and e-mails me: "Dear Rambunctious New Yorker, here I still sit, after days of reflection on the Olympic Games and its impact on the populace. We received excellent comments throughout the media on how good everyone was and the positive nature of Canadians. Every single thought on which I reflected, any adjective I've come up with, has been spewed in the media, including yours."

Uncle Mudge alternately harrumphs and chortles, often bemoaning the state of the Provinces and the Lower 48. But this time, he shares a gem: "The final men's hockey game was a thriller," he wrote. "Too bad someone had to lose that one. When I was young, my dad attempted to find solace for me when my team lost. He said, 'Look at all the people the losing team made happy!' Thank you, USA Olympic Hockey Team!!! You've made a lot of Canadians happy!"

I realize how much we text, we tweet, write e-mail and send jokes. Are we living virtually, or virtually living? I realized it watching the Olympics, holding my breath for almost two weeks.

However, when tired of the Manhattan scene, I go to www.ManitoulinLiviing.comand watch the sailboat for a few minutes, or tune into young Canadian Rapper, M.O., originally from Manitoulin and Sudbury.

Ah, the next e-mail is from M.O.: "Bonnie, listen to this! I wrote and recorded this song an hour after Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in overtime. By the following morning hundreds of people had listened and downloaded my song!"

And I tune in. A bit of it is, "Oh Canada, Go, Go Canada, We the champs; ain't no chance for the amateurs. Standing on the podium, smiling for the cameras."

To listen, go to momusiclive.com,or www.twitter.com/mdotodot.I listen to M.O.'s smart and snappy music, smiling, realizing the Internet has changed our lives.

M.O.'s work is a great example of using the Internet.

"Over the last year, I've been focusing on my Internet presence by releasing new music online weekly calledM.O.'s Pick of the Weekvia social networks and blogs. This project has received a lot of attention and downloads; we're setting up a tour for the spring. Bonnie, this situation is a perfect example of how the Internet has changed everyone's life," M.O. writes happily. "The Internet is an amazing vehicle. I'm able to stay in touch with and promote to people all over the world without having to call or mail anything. Contacts and fans stay up to date with me, up to the minute, by following me on Twitter to see where I'm at and what I'm doing. It's beautiful for the independent artist."

He performs throughout Quebec and Ontario.

"I've recently hooked up with DJ Blaster to release the first in a series of club/party mixtapes called Elegantly Wasted Vol 1. This project has been receiving a lot of attention and downloads. We're setting up a tour for spring under the same name."

The next e-mail is from the lovely Sheila Bowes, Marketing Coordinator for the Manitoulin Tourist Association: "Hi, Bonnie, we're currently rearranging our website to better serve our valued tourists. We're inviting anyone, everyone who has ever been on Manitoulin to participate in a songwriting contest to write and submit a song about Manitoulin. If your song is chosen, it will be uploaded onto our new website. We invite all musicians, young and old, country, rock or soul. Basically anyone who has a passion for music can send us their song."

I phone Sheila to tell her my original song,The Manitoulin Waltz,is already on the way! She laughs; "Bonnie, we've so much talent on Manitoulin as well as around it and abroad. We'd like to give artists an opportunity to not only be part of our new website, but also a change to showcase their talent," she said.

Sheila, who was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, has spent every summer of her life on Manitoulin, before moving here full time when her parents, Brian and Sandra Bowes, retired here in 2000.

"So many people have a secret connection to Manitoulin and part of this songwriting contest is about sharing some of those sacred memories," Sheila says. "Have you spent time on Manitoulin and dreading the days you had to leave?"

"Yes, Sheila, I often dream about crossing the old swing bridge."

"It's amazing how the islands hold many things for many people and if anything this contest is about sharing a small part of that," Sheila replies. "The winning song will be placed on the MTA's new website, designed by talented Patrick Kiley, owner of Manitoulin Media, located in Mindemoya. Patrick's a web designer and journalist originally f - The Sudbury Star

It's all about the hustle for homegrown hip hop artist M. O., and his latest gig opening for Canadian rapper Kardinal Official at Summerfest proves his hard work is paying off.

"It's just all about working harder than the next guy," he said. "I'm an independent artist, so I constantly have to be working on the business."

Although he has been performing and recording as an independent artist for several years, M. O., born Morgan Little, has taken every opportunity to move forward.

He has released four CDs with his Montreal-based band, FAMN, designed and sold his own clothing line for the band and toured extensively.

The release of his upcoming album "Vicarious" marks his first solo project -- one that has been five years in the making.

M. O. said that the primary element that drives his music and writing is living life.

"It's about life experience. Life inspires me," he said. "I go on hiatus where I will just live and I can come back and it just pours out of me."

His songs are mostly about relationships, but M. O. is quick to point out he does his best to diversify. When songwriters are writing songs about their personal lives, there is a fine line between private and public content, and M. O. seems to relate to the concept.

He said his songs about relationships have not caused conflict in his personal life, but there is a sly tone when he wonders out loud whether that is an accurate statement.

"I sometimes wondered if it could, but it hasn't been figured out yet. That's the beautiful thing, you can say things that people won't figure out," he said, then laughed. "It's funny you ask that question, but I'm not going to say any more."

The Summerfest performance marks the first time M. O. has been back performing in Sudbury since leaving nearly 10 years ago.

After living in Ottawa for a few years he made his way to Montreal, where he studied audio engineering at the Trebas Institute.

While in Montreal, he met up with his bandmates for FAMN and has been performing and travelling for his music in the years since.

M. O. said his solo album was a five-year process because he never felt ready to finish.

"It's my Deer Hunter," he said. "It has to be perfect."

"Vicarious" is a combination of old and new music all written by M. O. and its release will coincide with the launch of a music video for Much Music. The song "Things Unchanged" is the lead single.

While he said it is challenging to be an independent artist in Canada, M. O. has been enjoying the work.

"I would love to have someone do the business and administrative stuff, but I still love it," he said.

He funded the album largely on his own with a small government grant.

After the Summerfest show, M. O. said he is focusing on the fall release of "Vicarious" and touring.

M. O. hits the Summerfest stage Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 p. m. CDs can be purchased on iTunes and cdbaby.

For clips of M. O.'s music and tour dates visit,

www.myspace.com/mdotodot

- - -

MORE M. O.

iTunes and cdbaby.; tour dates visit,www.myspace.com/mdotodot. M. O. hits the Summerfest stage Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 p. m. CDs can be purchased on - Sudbury Star

It's all about the hustle for homegrown hip hop artist M. O., and his latest gig opening for Canadian rapper Kardinal Official at Summerfest proves his hard work is paying off.

"It's just all about working harder than the next guy," he said. "I'm an independent artist, so I constantly have to be working on the business."

Although he has been performing and recording as an independent artist for several years, M. O., born Morgan Little, has taken every opportunity to move forward.

He has released four CDs with his Montreal-based band, FAMN, designed and sold his own clothing line for the band and toured extensively.

The release of his upcoming album "Vicarious" marks his first solo project -- one that has been five years in the making.

M. O. said that the primary element that drives his music and writing is living life.

"It's about life experience. Life inspires me," he said. "I go on hiatus where I will just live and I can come back and it just pours out of me."

His songs are mostly about relationships, but M. O. is quick to point out he does his best to diversify. When songwriters are writing songs about their personal lives, there is a fine line between private and public content, and M. O. seems to relate to the concept.

He said his songs about relationships have not caused conflict in his personal life, but there is a sly tone when he wonders out loud whether that is an accurate statement.

"I sometimes wondered if it could, but it hasn't been figured out yet. That's the beautiful thing, you can say things that people won't figure out," he said, then laughed. "It's funny you ask that question, but I'm not going to say any more."

The Summerfest performance marks the first time M. O. has been back performing in Sudbury since leaving nearly 10 years ago.

After living in Ottawa for a few years he made his way to Montreal, where he studied audio engineering at the Trebas Institute.

While in Montreal, he met up with his bandmates for FAMN and has been performing and travelling for his music in the years since.

M. O. said his solo album was a five-year process because he never felt ready to finish.

"It's my Deer Hunter," he said. "It has to be perfect."

"Vicarious" is a combination of old and new music all written by M. O. and its release will coincide with the launch of a music video for Much Music. The song "Things Unchanged" is the lead single.

While he said it is challenging to be an independent artist in Canada, M. O. has been enjoying the work.

"I would love to have someone do the business and administrative stuff, but I still love it," he said.

He funded the album largely on his own with a small government grant.

After the Summerfest show, M. O. said he is focusing on the fall release of "Vicarious" and touring.

M. O. hits the Summerfest stage Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 p. m. CDs can be purchased on iTunes and cdbaby.

For clips of M. O.'s music and tour dates visit,

www.myspace.com/mdotodot

- - -

MORE M. O.

iTunes and cdbaby.; tour dates visit,www.myspace.com/mdotodot. M. O. hits the Summerfest stage Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 p. m. CDs can be purchased on - Sudbury Star

Living not far from Broadway in N. Y. C., I've grown up on musicals and movies, with songs like "Singing in The Rain." Though my hood is Manitoulin and Manhattan, the Sudbury Summerfest is coming up.

"When Summerfest started," Vic Theriault told me with enthusiasm, "it was a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy, basically a flatbed trailer in a grocery store parking lot. It's morphed into a major four-day festival in Northern Ontario, Aug. 21 to 24.

Go to the website: www.sudburysummerfest.org.

"We're in our 11th year at Bell Park," Summerfest's entertainment director says. "Over the four-day weekend, more than 20,000 people will wander in. Our best component is that we appeal to families. We feature local artists."

Then Vic says: "In fact, I've been wanting to book Morgan Little at the Sudbury Summerfest for the past three years. But he's been busy!"

"You mean Morgan Little -- 'MO' from Sudbury -- is famous?"

"He's going to be," Vic says. "MO's working hard, like the rest of us. I'm glad we're bringing him back home to perform. Jaws are sure going to drop when they hear him!"

Natch, I phone up MO in Montreal, knowing he is interesting. How does a Gore Bay-Sudbury person growing up become a rapper? I learn last November, MO performed at the 2007 Hip Hop R&B Billboard Awards held in Atlanta. One of his hits, "Bounce," was declared winner 10 times in the K103 radio battle of song tracks.

MO's band, Famn, was also voted Best Hip Hop Act in the Montreal Mirror's readers' poll in 2007. Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette's musical columnist wrote: "MO writes music that's gritty and infectious."

MO is 26 and is a fitness instructor as his day job. He works out every day. Is he a dancer? "I'm fairly animated when I move around the stage."

As we chat by phone, I won't allow myself to feel stupid around hip-hop and rap? Why? Because I care about Sudbury, and MO's Sudburian with strong roots. "MO, care to rap for me over the phone," I giggle, telling him Sudbury concert violinist Philip Candelaria willingly played for me over the phone.

Snappy MO's instantly in gear, rapping with a beat, delivering cogent lyrics with wit and style I can understand! He's got it. I'm

charmed. Whatever it is, I'm catching on.

"Way to go, dude," I exclaim.

"Wanna hear my song, 'The Manitoulin Waltz?' "

Knowing he's got a new fan in his three masterful stanzas, he graciously says, "Sure, Bonnie."

I sing two verses, ask if he can translate it into rap? "You bet! Send it to me." In seconds, I've got a copy in an envelope.

MO's based in Montreal, with his recording company, Famn Productions. MO and his rap team will appear at Sudbury Summerfest at Bell Park on Aug. 22, along with bands Kardinal Offishal and Classified.

MO studied audio engineering in Montreal at the Trebas Institute, "which taught me what I needed. I started my own recording company and along the way, a line of clothing called Famn Fatigues."

In the day of a life of MO as a rapper, "I'm in the gym every day, then I go to the recording studio to put finishing touches on my first original solo album. Sixteen songs. 'Things Done Changed' is my lead song," he says. His manager is Benny Hero at www.Superglossy.TV.Find MO at ndototodot@gmail.com.As we chat, my lingo gets groovier, and he expands. "I'm ecstatic about performing in a hometown show, especially at Bell Park. It'll be a 30-minute set, a mash and medley of material," says MO.

I'm never without a notebook and pen, phrases hit me so often.

MO shares his style. "I move with my BlackBerry, recording ideas and songs. Rapping is something I've always done. When I wrote my own raps, I never though it would develop, but it stuck with me and I stuck with it. I style whatever's at the top of my head, even a coffee cup. What's in front of me at the time. I've written hundreds of songs," he says. "Sure, I rap and reference Manitoulin and Sudbury. Everything I write is personal, and it shows up in my work. I can't imagine doing anything else."

If you don't make it to the Sudbury Summerfest, in Manitowaning you'll enjoy a production of "Broadway and Beyond" at Burns Wharf Theatre on Aug. 22 and 23. Tickets are $10. The theatre's a small air-conditioned gem seating 110 people. Performers Esther Anstice, Peter Baumgarten, Ann-Marie Scott and Ray Scott will sing two of my favorite Broadway songs, "It's a Grand Night for Singing" and "Singing in the Rain." Musical Directors are Marilyn Wohlberg and Dorothy Anstice. Phone 705- 859-3808 for tickets. The newly for - Sudbury Star

Living not far from Broadway in N. Y. C., I've grown up on musicals and movies, with songs like "Singing in The Rain." Though my hood is Manitoulin and Manhattan, the Sudbury Summerfest is coming up.

"When Summerfest started," Vic Theriault told me with enthusiasm, "it was a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy, basically a flatbed trailer in a grocery store parking lot. It's morphed into a major four-day festival in Northern Ontario, Aug. 21 to 24.

Go to the website: www.sudburysummerfest.org.

"We're in our 11th year at Bell Park," Summerfest's entertainment director says. "Over the four-day weekend, more than 20,000 people will wander in. Our best component is that we appeal to families. We feature local artists."

Then Vic says: "In fact, I've been wanting to book Morgan Little at the Sudbury Summerfest for the past three years. But he's been busy!"

"You mean Morgan Little -- 'MO' from Sudbury -- is famous?"

"He's going to be," Vic says. "MO's working hard, like the rest of us. I'm glad we're bringing him back home to perform. Jaws are sure going to drop when they hear him!"

Natch, I phone up MO in Montreal, knowing he is interesting. How does a Gore Bay-Sudbury person growing up become a rapper? I learn last November, MO performed at the 2007 Hip Hop R&B Billboard Awards held in Atlanta. One of his hits, "Bounce," was declared winner 10 times in the K103 radio battle of song tracks.

MO's band, Famn, was also voted Best Hip Hop Act in the Montreal Mirror's readers' poll in 2007. Bill Brownstein, Montreal Gazette's musical columnist wrote: "MO writes music that's gritty and infectious."

MO is 26 and is a fitness instructor as his day job. He works out every day. Is he a dancer? "I'm fairly animated when I move around the stage."

As we chat by phone, I won't allow myself to feel stupid around hip-hop and rap? Why? Because I care about Sudbury, and MO's Sudburian with strong roots. "MO, care to rap for me over the phone," I giggle, telling him Sudbury concert violinist Philip Candelaria willingly played for me over the phone.

Snappy MO's instantly in gear, rapping with a beat, delivering cogent lyrics with wit and style I can understand! He's got it. I'm

charmed. Whatever it is, I'm catching on.

"Way to go, dude," I exclaim.

"Wanna hear my song, 'The Manitoulin Waltz?' "

Knowing he's got a new fan in his three masterful stanzas, he graciously says, "Sure, Bonnie."

I sing two verses, ask if he can translate it into rap? "You bet! Send it to me." In seconds, I've got a copy in an envelope.

MO's based in Montreal, with his recording company, Famn Productions. MO and his rap team will appear at Sudbury Summerfest at Bell Park on Aug. 22, along with bands Kardinal Offishal and Classified.

MO studied audio engineering in Montreal at the Trebas Institute, "which taught me what I needed. I started my own recording company and along the way, a line of clothing called Famn Fatigues."

In the day of a life of MO as a rapper, "I'm in the gym every day, then I go to the recording studio to put finishing touches on my first original solo album. Sixteen songs. 'Things Done Changed' is my lead song," he says. His manager is Benny Hero at www.Superglossy.TV.Find MO at ndototodot@gmail.com.As we chat, my lingo gets groovier, and he expands. "I'm ecstatic about performing in a hometown show, especially at Bell Park. It'll be a 30-minute set, a mash and medley of material," says MO.

I'm never without a notebook and pen, phrases hit me so often.

MO shares his style. "I move with my BlackBerry, recording ideas and songs. Rapping is something I've always done. When I wrote my own raps, I never though it would develop, but it stuck with me and I stuck with it. I style whatever's at the top of my head, even a coffee cup. What's in front of me at the time. I've written hundreds of songs," he says. "Sure, I rap and reference Manitoulin and Sudbury. Everything I write is personal, and it shows up in my work. I can't imagine doing anything else."

If you don't make it to the Sudbury Summerfest, in Manitowaning you'll enjoy a production of "Broadway and Beyond" at Burns Wharf Theatre on Aug. 22 and 23. Tickets are $10. The theatre's a small air-conditioned gem seating 110 people. Performers Esther Anstice, Peter Baumgarten, Ann-Marie Scott and Ray Scott will sing two of my favorite Broadway songs, "It's a Grand Night for Singing" and "Singing in the Rain." Musical Directors are Marilyn Wohlberg and Dorothy Anstice. Phone 705- 859-3808 for tickets. The newly for - Sudbury Star

His music is gritty and infectious. M.O. is definitely hungry for success” – Bill Brownstien, Montreal, Gazette

To “make it”, they say, it takes 10% talent, 90% hustle and a little bit of luck. Having the talent part covered, M.O. has spent the last 7 years polishing his hustle. A true do-it-yourself artist, and never one to shy away from adversary, M.O. learned early on the value of hard work as he earned his Audio Engineering Degree by day and perfected his craft by night. His invitation to perform at the R&B Hip Hop Billboard Conference Awards in Atlanta, Canadian Music Week in Toronto, his hit weekly hip hop residency Chuurch in Montreal and his 2010 cross Canada Vicarious Tour to promote his debut solo album of the same name have made his presence felt and shown that he is not going away.



The founding member and driving force behind FAMN (pronounced famine), a trend setting hip-hop group on Montreal’s burgeoning music scene, M.O. had been paving the way for his solo career. Since its inception FAMN has gone from 10th position in the Montreal Mirror’s Readers Poll in 2003 to 1st in the 2007 edition while another project the self proclaimed workaholic was heavily involved in, The Farm Team, took the number 1 spot in 2006. Line that up beside 6 independent releases, tracks placed on various compilations, his own clothing line, FAMN Fatigues, hundreds of live performances around Canada and regular air play on both CKUT 90.3 and K103 in Montreal, most notably being retired from K103’s Battle of the Tracks after winning 10 times in a row with FAMN’s hit “Bounce”, and it goes to show that M.O. has an appetite for success.


What’s the first thing you would say to someone to describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a charismatic artist & performer with a tireless work ethic. But I balance that out with having tons of fun while doing it and I think that comes through in my music.

How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been taking my career seriously for the past 5 or 6 years but I’ve been rapping and making music since I was 12.

Do you have any projects out now?
Yes, I released my debut solo album Vicarious this past summer on my cross Canada Tour. I’ve also released 8 other projects with my group FAMN and in Feb I have a 90's mixtape dropping and a slew of videos coming out over the coming months. Also in February I’m part of a high school tour in the Montreal area called Music with Meaning. In March I’m doing a small Costa Rica tour and my 2nd cross Canada tour is in the works for the Summer.
Mp3 – WAY TOO LONG: M.O.


What inspires your music?
Life experiences, obviously, love, various relationships. I think all artists take inspiration from these things. I really feed off of real life itself. My music is all very real and very personal for me so I really make sure I live life to the fullest so my music kind of creates itself through that.

Where are you from?
I’m based now in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. That’s what I rep. I love this city. I’ve lived in British Columbia, Ottawa, Toronto but I grew up in Sudbury, Ontario so I still and always will put on for my hometown. And just to prove it I got the 705 area code tattooed on me haha.

What artist in the industry inspire you the most?
I’d have to say Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller. That’s pretty much all I been listening to lately. I really like to stay up on up and coming artists like Mac, Big Sean, J. Cole, Yelawolf, Adam Tensta and you can’t not listen the big boys like Kanye, Drake, Wayne, Rick Ross.

Why is that?
Just the vibe of the new music. It’s fun and feel good and creative at the same time. That’s what I really like to come through in my music so I guess I’m just drawn to similar artists.

What makes you different from other artist today?
I feel like the music speaks for itself. I make good music. I don’t think you can deny that. Other than that I think I work harder than a lot of artists and I want this more than anything else. I’m determined!

What do you want your future fans to know about you?
I would just like future fans to know that I appreciate the love and support. I really feed off it. I do it for them as much as myself. I just want everyone to have a good time when they’re at my shows or bumpin me in their ipod. Enjoy!

How can we connect with you online?
www.momusiclive.com
www.youtube.com/famnproductions
www.facebook.com/mdotodot
www.twitter.com/mdotodot
www.myspace.com/mdotodot - Alwayz Therro Magazine

His music is gritty and infectious. M.O. is definitely hungry for success” – Bill Brownstien, Montreal, Gazette

To “make it”, they say, it takes 10% talent, 90% hustle and a little bit of luck. Having the talent part covered, M.O. has spent the last 7 years polishing his hustle. A true do-it-yourself artist, and never one to shy away from adversary, M.O. learned early on the value of hard work as he earned his Audio Engineering Degree by day and perfected his craft by night. His invitation to perform at the R&B Hip Hop Billboard Conference Awards in Atlanta, Canadian Music Week in Toronto, his hit weekly hip hop residency Chuurch in Montreal and his 2010 cross Canada Vicarious Tour to promote his debut solo album of the same name have made his presence felt and shown that he is not going away.



The founding member and driving force behind FAMN (pronounced famine), a trend setting hip-hop group on Montreal’s burgeoning music scene, M.O. had been paving the way for his solo career. Since its inception FAMN has gone from 10th position in the Montreal Mirror’s Readers Poll in 2003 to 1st in the 2007 edition while another project the self proclaimed workaholic was heavily involved in, The Farm Team, took the number 1 spot in 2006. Line that up beside 6 independent releases, tracks placed on various compilations, his own clothing line, FAMN Fatigues, hundreds of live performances around Canada and regular air play on both CKUT 90.3 and K103 in Montreal, most notably being retired from K103’s Battle of the Tracks after winning 10 times in a row with FAMN’s hit “Bounce”, and it goes to show that M.O. has an appetite for success.


What’s the first thing you would say to someone to describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a charismatic artist & performer with a tireless work ethic. But I balance that out with having tons of fun while doing it and I think that comes through in my music.

How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been taking my career seriously for the past 5 or 6 years but I’ve been rapping and making music since I was 12.

Do you have any projects out now?
Yes, I released my debut solo album Vicarious this past summer on my cross Canada Tour. I’ve also released 8 other projects with my group FAMN and in Feb I have a 90's mixtape dropping and a slew of videos coming out over the coming months. Also in February I’m part of a high school tour in the Montreal area called Music with Meaning. In March I’m doing a small Costa Rica tour and my 2nd cross Canada tour is in the works for the Summer.
Mp3 – WAY TOO LONG: M.O.


What inspires your music?
Life experiences, obviously, love, various relationships. I think all artists take inspiration from these things. I really feed off of real life itself. My music is all very real and very personal for me so I really make sure I live life to the fullest so my music kind of creates itself through that.

Where are you from?
I’m based now in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. That’s what I rep. I love this city. I’ve lived in British Columbia, Ottawa, Toronto but I grew up in Sudbury, Ontario so I still and always will put on for my hometown. And just to prove it I got the 705 area code tattooed on me haha.

What artist in the industry inspire you the most?
I’d have to say Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller. That’s pretty much all I been listening to lately. I really like to stay up on up and coming artists like Mac, Big Sean, J. Cole, Yelawolf, Adam Tensta and you can’t not listen the big boys like Kanye, Drake, Wayne, Rick Ross.

Why is that?
Just the vibe of the new music. It’s fun and feel good and creative at the same time. That’s what I really like to come through in my music so I guess I’m just drawn to similar artists.

What makes you different from other artist today?
I feel like the music speaks for itself. I make good music. I don’t think you can deny that. Other than that I think I work harder than a lot of artists and I want this more than anything else. I’m determined!

What do you want your future fans to know about you?
I would just like future fans to know that I appreciate the love and support. I really feed off it. I do it for them as much as myself. I just want everyone to have a good time when they’re at my shows or bumpin me in their ipod. Enjoy!

How can we connect with you online?
www.momusiclive.com
www.youtube.com/famnproductions
www.facebook.com/mdotodot
www.twitter.com/mdotodot
www.myspace.com/mdotodot - Alwayz Therro Magazine

Best Hip Hop Act
1. Island City Monsters
2. Farm Team
3. Nomadic Massive
4. Team Canada
5. Eye 2 Eye
6. M.O./FAMN
7. Northern Lights
8. Meta4ce
9. Euphrates
10. Gage

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2006/051106/bom06_6.html - Montreal Mirror

Best Of Montreal Readers Poll 2005

Best Hip Hop Act
1. Farm Team
2. Paco and Pesh
3. Offsides
4. Eye 2 Eye
5. M.O. of FAMN
6. Northern Lights
7. Euphrates
8. ICM
9. Butta Babees
10. Shades of Culture

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2005/051205/bom05_6.html - Montreal Mirror

Best Local Music Label
1. ICM
2. Ninja Tune
3. FAMN
4. Stomp
5. Alien8
6. Indica
7. Dare to Care
8. Mile End
9. Justin Time
10. Turbo

No big changes at the top of this list, except for hip hop outlet FAMN, home of M.O. (see “Best Hip Hop Act,” above), climbing up the ranks.

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2006/051106/bom06_6.html - Montreal Mirror

The Hard Rock Café, Montreal, got a little taste of Hip Hop, R&B, and Dancehall last Friday night as The Farm Team, Montreal’s newest urban collective rocked the Hard Rock to a sold out crowd. Wiz Kilo and Kidd along with their backup dancers set the tone for the night with their energetic brand of Pop / R&B although it was strangely familiar, does anyone know if Justin Timberlake is in town? Like most shows this one started late, people including myself started getting a little anxious and the drinks at the Hard Rock do not come cheap. The crowd finally warmed up when The Farm Team took the stage for a nonstop “move your body or get out” set of songs from their debut album and yet untitled sophomore release. Fueled by the energy of the crowd, The Farm Team flowed from song to song, expertly building a tight set. Highlights included Nikole Kaye’s sassy performance of “Fascination” with Rani who surprised the crowd with an inspired electric guitar solo. Rani’s mellow acoustic version of his single “Wanna Get Away,” chilled everyone down but that much needed rest was ended abruptly with an energetic performance by Reason. Natasha Hynes’ sweet voice took the crowd back with her old school jam “In My Life” which featured rhymes from the newest member of the team, a female MC by the name of Katana Montana. M.O. A.K.A. Mr. Personality; had the crowd on their feet all night long performing “Grind Mami” with Fatboy and “Money Done” with Kysshus, Farm Team’s Dancehall chanter. M.O. capped of the evening with his current single “Flawless,” eventually inviting everyone in the building onto the stage. I decided it was better that I just stay where I was.

- Orcasound.com

Best Hip Hop Act
1. FAMN
2. Preach Ankobia
3. Nomadic Massive
4. Annakin Slayd
5. Omnikrom
6. Eye 2 Eye
7. Side C
8. Gage
9. Addictiv
10. Egotestical

After top-slot takers FAMN, who’ve boldly climbed up from last year’s sixth-place position, the conscious cats rank high here. Kalmunity collaborator Preach Ankobia and his frequent stage-mates Nomadic Massive grab second and third, respectively, and while Annakin Slayd does, on the surface, seem a more straightforward good-time MC, his rhymes do carry an undertone of social commentary. Omnikrom—whose rhymes carry an undertone of commentary about cute girls and partying, debut in fifth place this year (great to see a French-language act on board), followed by ICM’s Eye 2 Eye and live-hop sextet Side C. Gage also climbs up this year from his previous tenth place, rap/R&B crossover queen Addictiv debuts and Egotestical pops up just to show he’s got balls, y’all.

Hungry-man music


>> FAMN’s BOM win further whets their appetites


CHANGE FOR THE BETTER: FAMN


by SCOTT C

Those of you who voted for last year’s pick in the Best Hip Hop Act category, the Farm Team, might be familiar with this year’s winners, FAMN, because they’re part of the same extended family. FAMN consists of MCs M.O., Tek Luciano and Midnight, and by some stroke of luck, they just dropped a new album called Things Done Changed on May 26, complete with a launch party at les Minots. “We were supposed to be shooting some scenes for the video for ‘Things Done Changed’ at the launch,” explains M.O., “but the cameras cancelled at the last minute, so we’re working on that now.”

Frontman M.O. has been at it for years, getting everything in order to bring the sounds of FAMN to the people, working very closely with Farm Team founder and producer Menoza, who contributed tracks to the new CD, along with producers Whyer and Apex. Menoza and M.O. met while studying in the audio engineering program at the Trebas Institute here in Montreal, and have done much to help each other’s sounds from track to track.

Hatched out of the idea that the super-hungry FAMN are prepared to do whatever it takes to make a dent in people’s musical consciousness, these guys are getting ready for a busy summer ahead, with a tour with FBI and Psynlangwage in the works.

Rapping over an interpolation of Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” Tek Looch speaks his mind on “That’s FAMN,” a declaration of intent. “Spittin’ fire fearless dog/I’m hittin’ them with heat rash/All up on my dick/I tell these tricks that they can eat that/Laid-back FAMN clique/ Son, you know the sordid game/Get up in our way and pussies get crushed like soda cans.”

Although FAMN enjoy regular radio play on K103 and CKUT, they’re still far from household names in Montreal, which makes their BOM win all the sweeter. “We’ve been working really hard on this new record,” says M.O., “and we did put the word out for people to vote for us for sure, but it means a lot to actually win.”

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epkedit_media.asp?epk_id=42110&rand=9361

- Montreal Mirror

FAMN - "Things Done Changed"

Genre: Independent Hip-Hop
Review Date: July 13, 2007

Website: www.famn.ca
Label: FAMN Productions


Review - "Things Done Changed":
How many artists can truly say that they are hungry to grow in this game? How many have spent their last dollar to buy studio equipment; sacrificed paying bills to fund a show or to drop a new album? Many; and some have even sacrificed good meals in order to fund their hip-hop needs. Despite the name, FAMN pronounced "famine" seems to be highly nourished; with great energy, poise, lyrical and production abilities.

I personally believe in order to survive as an artist as well as a human being there must be a consistent hunger in place that pushes you to do better, gain more and excel higher. When you become full you become content, comfortable and no longer push yourself with the same determination if at all. True hunger is: understanding one’s purpose in life and striving to achieve it at all costs.

And hunger is indeed present within this roster that makes up the FAMN team. At first listen I can hear a desire to gain it all in their voices. Not only that, but I hear a bit of respect for those who laid the path of hip-hop before us; through some of the sample selections and production techniques FAMN used. They clearly went through the crates on this album.

Despite some of the typical topics and phrases used on this album, out of the 18 plus tracks I am digging Things Done Changed, That’s Famn and Best For U the most, but overall this is a sweet album. With clear musical direction and some self-improvement this group of young emcees will become the next to do it, and do it big.

- ScholarMan

http://www.hiphoplinguistics.com/underground/2007/thingsdonechanged.php - http://www.hiphoplinguistics.com

Heaviest Local Act
1. Priestess
2. Bionic
3. Arcade Fire
4. FAMN
5. Kataklysm
6. Try to Win
7. Mad Parish
8. AIDS Wolf
9. Dead Messenger
10. Dutch Oven

Montrealers define heaviosity in many ways, from the classic FM rawk of Priestess to the churchy lurching of Arcade Fire, the hip hop of FAMN and the breathtaking new-age Tesh-isms of Bionic. Other winners here—AIDS Wolf, Mad Parish, Dutch Oven—are repeat customers in the category.

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epkedit_media.asp?epk_id=42110&rand=9361
- Montreal Mirro

Hip hop artist M. O. plays Summerfest

It's all about the hustle for homegrown hip hop artist M. O., and his latest gig opening for Canadian rapper Kardinal Official at Summerfest proves his hard work is paying off.

"It's just all about working harder than the next guy," he said. "I'm an independent artist, so I constantly have to be working on the business."

Although he has been performing and recording as an independent artist for several years, M. O., born Morgan Little, has taken every opportunity to move forward.

He has released four CDs with his Montreal-based band, FAMN, designed and sold his own clothing line for the band and toured extensively.

The release of his upcoming album "Vicarious" marks his first solo project -- one that has been five years in the making.

M. O. said that the primary element that drives his music and writing is living life.

"It's about life experience. Life inspires me," he said. "I go on hiatus where I will just live and I can come back and it just pours out of me."

His songs are mostly about relationships, but M. O. is quick to point out he does his best to diversify. When songwriters are writing songs about their personal lives, there is a fine line between private and public content, and M. O. seems to relate to the concept.

He said his songs about relationships have not caused conflict in his personal life, but there is a sly tone when he wonders out loud whether that is an accurate statement.

"I sometimes wondered if it could, but it hasn't been figured out yet. That's the beautiful thing, you can say things that people won't figure out," he said, then laughed. "It's funny you ask that question, but I'm not going to say any more."

The Summerfest performance marks the first time M. O. has been back performing in Sudbury since leaving nearly 10 years ago.

After living in Ottawa for a few years he made his way to Montreal, where he studied audio engineering at the Trebas Institute.

While in Montreal, he met up with his bandmates for FAMN and has been performing and travelling for his music in the years since.

M. O. said his solo album was a five-year process because he never felt ready to finish.

"It's my Deer Hunter," he said. "It has to be perfect."

"Vicarious" is a combination of old and new music all written by M. O. and its release will coincide with the launch of a music video for Much Music. The song "Things Unchanged" is the lead single.

While he said it is challenging to be an independent artist in Canada, M. O. has been enjoying the work.

"I would love to have someone do the business and administrative stuff, but I still love it," he said.

He funded the album largely on his own with a small government grant.

After the Summerfest show, M. O. said he is focusing on the fall release of "Vicarious" and touring.

M. O. hits the Summerfest stage Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 p. m. CDs can be purchased on iTunes and cdbaby.

For clips of M. O.'s music and tour dates visit,

www.myspace.com/mdotodot

http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplayGenContent.aspx?e=7498
- Sudbury Star

http://wwsmag.com/updates/?p=3091

How did you get started with your music?
M.O.: I‘ve always been into music since a kid so it was just a natural progression for me to star the FAMN movement in 2002. FAMN (pronounced famine) represents that hunger that is in all of us. The hunger to succeed. It’s something, I think, everyone can relate to.

What are you currently working on?
M.O.: Right now we’re putting a big push on our newest release “Things Done Changed”. Doing as many shows as possible and just getting our music to the people. Since we were voted Best Hip Hop in Montreal we’ve had a great response from everything we’ve been doing so its real motivation to keep it up. Also we’re in the process of finishing up videos for the title track and our second single “Bounce” so watch out for those.

What’s your opinion on mainstream music today? What do you like or not like?
M.O.: Mainstream music is what it is. It’s there to entertain. I mean you can’t go and say it’s all bad but we’re bombarded with so much information today that you got to filter thru a lot of bull shit to get to the good stuff. There’s definitely good music out there you just got to listen. Like this competition between 50 and Kanye now, I think is kind of good thing. It’s going to push them to put out a quality product if they want to win because they’re both in a position to pretty much put out whatever they want and it’s going to sell. This forces them to step their game up.

Who do you admire?
M.O.: I admire Tek Luciano, haha. The dude shit is crazy and I ain’t just saying that because I know him. And I got to give it up to Lil Wayne. The shit he comes up with and volume of material is impressive. Plus he keeps it interesting.

What is your local music scene like?
M.O.: Recently it has started to get a little more exciting. If anybody knows Montreal, they know it’s a city of music and artists but the hip hop scene in the past has been full of people trying to do everything themselves with no unity. Now it’s getting better. Also it’s split between French and English so that make it even more complicated.

What suggestions do you have for other artists in the music industry?
M.O.: Grind. Work on your craft and make contacts. It’s all about contacts. Those are the main ingredients

Any additional information you would like us to know?
M.O.: Watch out for our videos. We got a DVD coming soon that you got to check out. Its give people a much better view of what FAMN is really like. Check out the website (www.famn.ca). Holla at us for collaborations. Get at Whyer for beats. His shit is fire. Stay Hungry.

- WWS Mag

Helping hand

by SCOTT C


A couple of weeks ago, I found myself waiting for my girlfriend to come out of a changing room at Winners, into which she had disappeared with a bunch of stuff to try on. In the meantime, I had decided to enjoy the wide array of size 13 shoes that Winners has to offer, and no, that’s not my size, but those are some big-ass shoes. Out of nowhere, this little old lady at the end of the aisle starts desperately trying to flag me down. I ignored her at first, convinced she had mistaken me for a store employee, but then realized that she was indeed trying to get my attention. As I approached her, she spoke to me in Portuguese and broken English and pointed to her feet. “Please, help,” she said, blushing, and motioned to the svelte, three-inch heels that seemed to be cutting off her circulation. She slowly sat down, and I proceeded to pull the super-tight boots off of her gnarly old feet. She thanked me repeatedly, and quickly waddled off into the houseware department.

This little act of kindness gave me quite a little boost, to my surprise, and I laughed about it the rest of the day. It’s good to help out once in a while. For instance, remember FAMN? They won in the Mirror’s Best of Montreal hip hop category this year, regardless of whether you’ve heard of them or not. So, FAMN will be performing at the 2007 Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Conference and Awards, in Atlanta, Nov. 28–30. Now in its eighth year, the event brings together the music professionals that help to create, produce, promote and distribute some of the most popular music on the charts today. Attendees include over 700 industry players, including agents, artists, managers, producers, press and record-label executives. Its three days are packed with conference sessions, artist showcases, networking opportunities and the awards program. FAMN will be in the company of 50 Cent, Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Usher, while several artists get maximum exposure at one of the industry’s most important business events of the year.

Anyone can apply to snag a showcase spot, and if you’re selected, you’ve got to make the most of it. So to help out with the performance fee, airfare and lodging that FAMN will have to pay for themselves, they’re having a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 10 at le Social. The night will be split into three parts, starting with a buffet dinner, then a performance by Mugz, Alex Montyro and FAMN, followed by a party with sounds from DJ Technical. Tickets are $20 for buffet/show/party, or $10 after 11 p.m. Half the proceeds will go to helping Kenyan children get an education through an organization called Tabasamu (www.tabasamu.org), and it’s FAMN MC M.O.’s birthday as well. Lend a hand if you can.

- Montreal Mirror

http://wwsmag.com/updates/?p=3091

How did you get started with your music?
M.O.: I‘ve always been into music since a kid so it was just a natural progression for me to star the FAMN movement in 2002. FAMN (pronounced famine) represents that hunger that is in all of us. The hunger to succeed. It’s something, I think, everyone can relate to.

What are you currently working on?
M.O.: Right now we’re putting a big push on our newest release “Things Done Changed”. Doing as many shows as possible and just getting our music to the people. Since we were voted Best Hip Hop in Montreal we’ve had a great response from everything we’ve been doing so its real motivation to keep it up. Also we’re in the process of finishing up videos for the title track and our second single “Bounce” so watch out for those.

What’s your opinion on mainstream music today? What do you like or not like?
M.O.: Mainstream music is what it is. It’s there to entertain. I mean you can’t go and say it’s all bad but we’re bombarded with so much information today that you got to filter thru a lot of bull shit to get to the good stuff. There’s definitely good music out there you just got to listen. Like this competition between 50 and Kanye now, I think is kind of good thing. It’s going to push them to put out a quality product if they want to win because they’re both in a position to pretty much put out whatever they want and it’s going to sell. This forces them to step their game up.

Who do you admire?
M.O.: I admire Tek Luciano, haha. The dude shit is crazy and I ain’t just saying that because I know him. And I got to give it up to Lil Wayne. The shit he comes up with and volume of material is impressive. Plus he keeps it interesting.

What is your local music scene like?
M.O.: Recently it has started to get a little more exciting. If anybody knows Montreal, they know it’s a city of music and artists but the hip hop scene in the past has been full of people trying to do everything themselves with no unity. Now it’s getting better. Also it’s split between French and English so that make it even more complicated.

What suggestions do you have for other artists in the music industry?
M.O.: Grind. Work on your craft and make contacts. It’s all about contacts. Those are the main ingredients

Any additional information you would like us to know?
M.O.: Watch out for our videos. We got a DVD coming soon that you got to check out. Its give people a much better view of what FAMN is really like. Check out the website (www.famn.ca). Holla at us for collaborations. Get at Whyer for beats. His shit is fire. Stay Hungry.

- WWS Mag