This coming Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Toronto’s music scene will rally around one of its own for an unforgettable night of music and unity.
The Rec Room (255 Bremner Blvd) will host Back Outside, a cancer fundraiser for beloved Scarborough rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Bishop Brigante. Diagnosed with colorectal and peritoneal cancer in October 2023, Bishop has embarked on an uphill battle with an indomitable spirit. He’s launched several initiatives to both raise money for his fight, and also raise awareness about cancers that are increasingly impacting young Canadians. Having recently completed his chemotherapy, Bishop is now focusing on raising funds to continue alternative treatments outside of Canada.
“Right now, I’m kind of in a stagnant position because the resources that Canada has aren’t enough to help me with the rare cancer that I’m fighting,” Bishop explained.
“I’m currently waiting to be assessed and accepted into some kind of clinical trial—whether it be in America or abroad, overseas. I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign to get assistance with some of the incredibly expensive fees that are required for me to get the treatment outside of my home country.”
Bishop will headline the fundraising event, with support from an impressive lineup of special guests including JD Era, Tona, Richie Sosa, Sayzee, and KinSmuv—with even more expected.
DJ Law, who spun at Bishop’s recent NARC anniversary screening, will be running the music along with special guest DJ, Adrien “DJX” King of The Power Move Show, and Friday of the We Love Hip Hop Network is set to host.
Cornerstone of the Community
Bishop Brigante has long been a pillar of the Toronto hip-hop community, making his official debut with the DJX-produced “Kipling 2 Kennedy” on the Rap Essentials 2001 compilation. His evolution from gritty battle rapper to respected artist and savvy entrepreneur is nothing short of legendary.
Each phase of Bishop’s journey underscores his trademark grit and unyielding resilience, the same qualities he has shown during his fight with cancer.
“Bishop has always been a battler and his take on cancer is no different,” says HipHopCanada co-owner Mo Jointz. “His fight is marked by an admirable level of toughness and tenacity that most would surely struggle to find the strength for.”
It’s the same approach he’s taken with all aspects of his life, and one of the reasons so many have leaned on him for guidance over the years.
“Bishop is one of the guys I looked up to when I started rapping,” says JD Era, a longtime friend of Bishop’s, going back to before they were both members of The Wise Guys.
Era and Bishop originally met at an event called The Pony Battle in the early 2000s, and it wasn’t long before they were collaborating musically. They’ve dropped several tracks over the years, including the infamous “Good Riddance” diss track which also featured fellow Wise Guy member, Drake. Era was also featured alongside Drake on Bishop’s Spinz-produced “Shorty Grindin’” single which dropped back in 2008.
“He was one of the first battle rappers that I saw transition into making real songs,” Era says.
“He comes up with terrible group names, but his bars are always top tier. I’m honoured to be part of this lineup and even more honoured to consider him a friend.”
A countless number of Bishop’s friends have expressed their love for him. Some went as far as crediting Bishop with getting their minds right when it comes to their own wellbeing. He urges his loved ones not to be complacent and reactionary with their health.
Since his diagnosis, Bishop has dedicated much of his limited energy to spreading cancer awareness with a focus on the importance of early detection and the need to lower the current age for screening.
Early Detection Is Crucial
Colorectal cancer, often dubbed a silent killer, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined. Early detection is crucial, which is why Bishop has also been advocating to lower the age for routine colonoscopy screenings. His petition has gathered significant support, reflecting the urgency and importance of this cause. It’s already been tabled at the provincial level and will hopefully make its way to the senate floor in the near future.
“Getting to perform for such a great cause is an honour,” says producer and artist KinSmuv, reflecting on his long-standing friendship with Bishop from their days in the rap collective S.L.U.G.
“I’ve seen family and friends battling cancer, and I understand the tough road Bishop has ahead of him, emotionally and financially. He’s my brother, and I love him, and I just wanna do my part and contribute in any way I can to help him beat this thing.”
Bish and KinSmuv have a deep catalogue of collaborations—especially since S.L.U.G. released The Weight Is Over double mixtape in 2007—but they also connected on some other great records over the years which really resonated with fans. In 2008, Bishop was featured on the intro of KinSmuv’s mixtape S.L.U.G. Radio Volume 1: I’ve Got The Juice, and in late 2009, they connected on what was arguably one of Bishop’s biggest singles of the decade with the super-catchy “Money Train” (currently unavailable on DPSs but you can find it on YouTube).
“Money Train” is not to be confused with the Memorecks-produced “Money,” a single released by Chester Le rapper and JUNO Award-winning recording artist, Tona (formerly Daetona), which featured Bishop. It’s one of Bishop’s latest official features, and was the second single off Tona’s 2020 album, July 26th.
“This show is not just a regular showcase,” Tona emphasizes about the upcoming event on June 4.
“It truly is a testament to the character of Bishop and the energy he’s embodied for many years in this city. Even if you can’t make it, contribute by sharing the links, posting the flyer, etc. It all goes a long way.”
Back Outside: Good Vibes
When the HipHopCanada message board was in its prime, one of the most discussed happenings was the beef that kicked off between The Wise Guys—which consisted of Bishop, Ken Masters, Jonny Roxx, Young Tony (aka Hush) and Drake—and Team Offense, consisting of Aristo, Cali Snipes, Sayzee, the late Littles The General (RIP), Choice, Ceaza Leon, El Niño, and Menace.
The conflict wasn’t long-lived, but it produced one of the first diss verses that Drake ever released with the Boi-1da-produced “Good Riddance”—which Bishop is also featured on. After the smoke had cleared, Sayzee and Bishop made amends and it’s been all love ever since. Sayzee even credits Bishop with taking on a mentor-like role as he attempted to navigate his way through the cutthroat music industry.
“Bishop has kind of always been an older brother for me,” Sayzee recalled.
“He was the kind of person I would run things by to see if it was a good idea and stuff like that. Seeing him go through this shit and knowing how good of a husband and father he is… it’s awful. It just makes me double down on my support. We all have to do what we can, if not financially, share the links, flyers, anything.”
Bishop was the lone guest appearance on Sayzee’s 2021 mixtape, YFRWN7, on the 80 Rock-produced “Thirty First.” Earlier that same year, Sayzee had teamed up with producer Big Sproxx and another huge Bishop supporter, Richie Sosa, for the No Mercy EP.
“I heard about Bishop back in the day before I ever met him. He used to battle on the radio every Saturday against some dude named Shirley Dynamo and because Bishop was from Scarborough, you already know who I was rooting for,” Sosa reminisces.
Sosa connected with Bishop after launching his music career and commends his now long-time friend for always being ahead of the game.
“When nobody from the east side was getting on much music, he was,” he says. “Now he’s fighting for a cause everyone needs to get on board with. It’s remarkable how resilient he is. What a supportive father and talented artist he is.”
“He’s a true representation of the Toronto culture inside and out. Music, life, and everything in between.”
Bishop Brigante & Richie Sosa reppin’ The Ends (Supplied)
While the future may seem uncertain, one thing is forever undeniable: Bishop’s impact on his peers and the Toronto hip-hop scene is incredible. The overwhelming support pouring in for him is a testament to that. Beyond the crucial fundraising for his battle against cancer, this show serves a deeper purpose—it’s about rekindling Bishop’s spirit.
In his own words, “while I’m currently fighting death, I needed to find the one thing I could do that would make me feel alive again, and that’s always been being on stage and performing. I need this moment more than anyone knows.”
Mark your calendars for a night of powerful performances and heartfelt moments, as Toronto comes together to support Bishop Brigante in his fight for life and music.
GoFundMe for Bishop
Bishop recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the growing expenses he’s been incurring during this fight. Please click here to donate. Anything helps!
Back Outside Tickets
In the midst of his battle with cancer, Bishop Brigante has decided to come “Back Outside” for the first time since his diagnosis. As a launch for Canadian Music Week, Brigante has put together what he calls one of the dopest Toronto hip-hop shows in a very long time. With all of his emcee friends in support of his journey, there’s no telling who might pop up on that stage.
Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
