Defenders of the Faith Archives

An illustration of rapper Checkmate, from the set of his May Flowers video shoot.

Music

Checkmate Videos “May Flowers” and “Fly & Incredible” Hit Hard

TLDR: Checkmate drops two standout visuals—”May Flowers” with Concise and “Fly & Incredible”—delivering sharp energy and depth from his Pro Game 2 album. Vancouver...

Johnny MazarattiJune 20, 2025

Checkmate demonstrates his 'pro game' with a performance in Toronto at OVOFest.

Features

Checkmate Talks Pro Game 2, Legacy and Vancouver Hip-Hop

TLDR: Veteran Vancouver emcee Checkmate shares insights on his latest album Pro Game 2, his approach to music and promotion, and what’s next for...

Capital WaveJune 20, 2025

West Coast Canadian hip-hop mainstay Spictacular

Features

Spictacular Talks Capital Wave, Legacy and West Coast Hip-Hop

TLDR: Our new interview with Spictacular traces his path from artist to West Coast tastemaker, diving into Capital Wave, Latin roots, and Canada’s evolving...

Johnny MazarattiMay 7, 2025

Music

DJ Kemo & Checkmate enlist Ras Kass for new single “Aviator Game”

Our Song of the Day is a not to be missed new single presented by Vanguards Music and Natural Game Records. Bridging the gap...

@HipHopCanadaJanuary 16, 2021

Song of the Day: Vancouver artist Checkmate and Vago team up for Brazy single

Music

Song of the Day: Vancouver’s Checkmate & Vago team up for “Brazy” single

Our Song of the Day is the latest single from West Coast legend Checkmate. “Brazy” is one of several new Checkmate records produced by...

@HipHopCanadaOctober 13, 2019

DJ Kemo makes directorial debut with W.Y.K.A.M. by Concise

Music

DJ Kemo makes directorial debut with “W.Y.K.A.M.” by Concise

Vancouver artist Concise recently dropped fresh visuals featuring the directorial debut of legendary West Coast producer DJ Kemo for Vanguards Media. “W.Y.K.A.M.” or ‘What...

@HipHopCanadaMay 19, 2018