In the heart of Toronto, where rhythms of music pulse through the city’s veins, a beacon of hope and unity emerged this past June 4th. The Rec Room transformed into a sanctuary of support and love for Bishop Brigante, the revered Scarborough rapper, actor, and entrepreneur battling cancer.
Back Outside was more than a fundraiser; it was a testament to the power of community and the unwavering spirit of an artist who has given so much to his craft, his city, and loved ones.
Bishop Brigante takes the stage at Back Outside (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
Back Outside kicked off with the dynamic sounds of DJ Law, who was also on the decks at Bishop’s special NARC anniversary screening, setting a tone that was both electrifying and heartfelt. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, ready for a night that promised not just great music, but a collective embrace of one of their own.
HipHopCanada asked the artists on the bill for their thoughts on the event and the support Bishop was receiving. Their responses were filled with emotion and a shared sense of purpose, highlighting the unity within the Toronto music scene.
Music For A Great Cause
Mississauga’s rising star Presley took the stage as the first opening act, his voice resonating with gratitude.
“I feel so blessed. It was great to be a part of this event as the opening act. I think the city needs more of this to be honest. It’s great to see the event bring everyone together and vibe to music for a great cause,” Presley shared, his words echoing the sentiment of many in the room.
Presley, Jesse James, Swann & Dre Specz (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
Next up was Jesse James, whose performance added a raw, soulful energy to the night. He would later return to the stage during Bishop’s headline set for a performance of his 2021 Bishop-assisted single, “Have Mercy.”
The stage then welcomed Ayoo Bigz, who energized the crowd with his track “Sixside.”
His words carried a powerful message: “This event is for a good cause. Bishop is fighting for his life right now and it’s good to see the city of Toronto come out and support.”
Bigz actually dropped his latest project, Where Do I Begin, on the day of the show via 100 MAD, and teased some of the songs off the release during his set.
Ayoo Bigz performs at Back Outside (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
As the evening progressed, longtime Bishop supporters Dre Specz and KinSmuv graced the stage. Dre Specz performed several songs from his catalogue (with support from Swann) including the Axel Rosa (RIP)-produced “Lodi Dodi,” the Pound Banga and Mic Gutz-assisted “Fukd Up,” and a track off his latest album, Commacho’s Revenge, the Atlas ADG-produced “SouthPaw.”
“One of the best shows put on in the city,” Specz proclaimed. “Some of the illest MCs from the city.”
Aritst-producer KinSmuv’s performance was a showcase of some of his biggest hooks over the years and well known songs from his deep catalogue. After belting out the catchy choruses to Kid Cocky’s “Streets Keep Calling Me,” and Gangis Khan’s “Big Bang,” he performed tracks like “Confessions” and “Take It There,” before eventually returning to the stage for Bishop’s set.
KinSmuv performs at Back Outside (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
“I just wanna send love to Bishop Brigante for putting together this event. I know he’ll overcome this and beat it. I know he will,” KinSmuv declared, his voice filled with determination and hope.
Bishop and KinSmuv were both members of the Scarborough collective, S.L.U.G. and have collaborated countless times over the years. The pair performed the track “It’s Over,” for the first time in over a decade, much to the delight of the vibrant crowd.
The Power of Unity and Respect
DJX, who Bishop credits with discovering him years ago, kept the momentum going with a masterful set that paid homage to hip-hop legends and local heroes alike. The room vibrated with the sounds of Nas, Biggie, Q-Tip, and KRS-One, interwoven with nods to Canadian icons like Kardinal Offishall, who later took the stage.
Kardi spoke about the importance of supporting and raising awareness for Bishop’s fight for his life, while encouraging others to be thankful for their own well-being.
Kardinal Offishall addresses the crowd at Back Outside (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
“I love the vibes,” said Kardi. “I love seeing everybody from every part of the city, from all different eras and all different vibes… It’s all about the city love at the end of the day.”
It was at that point that the man of the hour was ready to grace the stage. His entrance brought out a powerful presence that ignited the crowd, reminding them what they were ultimately there for.
Bishop kicked off his set with “The Juice,” a fitting anthem for the night’s raw energy and emotion. Joined by his son Carlito (aka Bigg Lito), who crushed his role as Bishop’s hypeman despite having never done it before, Bishop continued the show with inspired performances of the Nate Dogg (RIP)-assisted 4/20 anthem, “It’s Fo Twenty,” and his 2017 single, “My Style,” among other songs from his catalogue.
Bishop Brigante with support from KinSmuv, DJ Law & his son Bigg Lito (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
Longtime friend and collaborator Mikey G joined Bishop on stage for a memorable performance of his classic anthem “6 Up.”
“I think the show was really dope,” says Mikey.
“Being on stage with him again, and the added edition of his son Lito up there with him, was an amazing experience. The energy from the crowd was crazy, he was happy to be up there and I felt that. I hope he gets to do that again real soon because I know what that did for him. Positive night for a great cause.”
The duo also showcased Bishop’s latest single “Rollin,” featuring Mikey G, and Mikey’s track “Let Me Go,” which includes a guest appearance by Bishop.
Mikey G performs at Back Outside (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
Toronto legend and JUNO Award winner Tona of Naturally Born Strangers then joined Bishop for their 2020 collaboration, “Money,” off Tona’s 2020 album, July 26th. Tona also performed the song “Links” from the same album.
“Only the power of unity and respect could bring half the city out on a Tuesday night,” says Tona.
“I’d do that 3x over to raise my money for my brother.”
Tona hits the stage at Back Outside (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
It was at this point that Bishop made a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with the audience. As the room fell silent, the Scarborough rapper and beloved community figure expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from fans, family, and supporters of his GoFundMe campaign. His words, filled with sincerity and hope, captured the essence of a community rallying around one of its own in a time of need.
Bishop acknowledged the significance of the support that has poured in from all corners. “The support means everything to me,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
“It’s not just about the money or the fundraiser; it’s about the love, the unity, and the shared spirit that we have as a community. Each one of you, by being here tonight and supporting me in this fight, has shown me that I am not alone.”
Bishop Brigante: Real Life Legend
The night continued with more from the impressive lineup, including Sayzee, Richie Sosa, Ro Dolla, and Choclair, who each joined Bishop on stage to contribute to the memorable evening.
Sayzee & Choclair join Bishop on stage (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
Bishop, who was featured on Choclair’s 2002 album, Memoirs of Blake Savage (“When I’m High”), served as the hypeman as Choclair performed his classic, “Let’s Ride,” and then the two performed their latest collaboration, “Tuxedo,” which should be hitting digital streaming platforms in the near future.
Richie Sosa, who has long supported Bishop as an artist, came out to perform one of his biggest records with “Good Day,” off his 2019 album, From Time.
Richie Sosa, Tona & Rochester (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
“He’s a true representation of the Toronto culture inside and out,” Sosa expressed before the show. “Music, life, and everything in between.”
Due to some unforeseen technical difficulties, Sayzee was unable to perform his set, but he did drop an acapella verse that flexed his lyrical prowess. Despite the technical setback, Sayzee was thrilled to be in attendance to support Bishop and was impressed with how the night unfolded.
“The event was crazy,” says Sayzee. “There was something in the air that night. I can’t explain it. The support, the artists that came out… no violence… just pure respect for the legend. Bishop is a staple in the Toronto scene and I was overwhelmed to see all the support this guy has in the city.”
Ro Dolla on stage with Bishop Brigante (Photo: Lee Solo / @shotbysolo)
He continued: “I haven’t seen Toronto like that in 15 years. All the legends in the building, positive vibes, nobody shooting at each other. It was magic bro. And then Bishop got on stage and did an hour and a half set with this son…. and killed it bro. He didn’t miss a step. He was 20 years old up there. Real life legend.”
In a poignant conclusion to the concert, Bishop Brigante and Mikey G delivered a stirring performance of “About 2 Change,” a powerful anthem that showcased Bishop’s indomitable spirit. As the words “I will survive” reverberated through the venue, the atmosphere was charged with raw emotion.
As the night drew to a close, Bishop hugged his son, a perfect way to capture the love and resilience that had defined the evening. The crowd’s cheers echoed long after he exited the stage, a resounding affirmation that with the support of a community, the beat of hope never stops.
Bishop & his son Bigg Lito (Photo: Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada)
Written by Jesse Plunkett / HipHopCanada with support from Michael Meanchoff
Photography by Michael Meanchoff / HipHopCanada
Photography by Lee Solo / @shotbysolo
Bishop’s GoFundMe Campaign
Bishop recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the growing expenses he’s been incurring during this fight. Please click here to donate.
