” Black I Salute “

* Originally posted August 31st 2010.

If you googled “Black I” on the internet, you would be hard-pressed to find any info about this Toronto M.C. who passed away before he received his proper due…

When I first heard this song (No Laws) in 1996, I knew for a fact that I was hearing some NEXT SHIT !!!!! The way he rhymed was absolutely crazy, and his flow was 100 % dangerous…I have been on a mission for over ten years to find anything that he has released . If you guys out there have some hidden Black I treats, or any stories about the man, please don’t hesitate to shoot me some information…

“No Laws”- From the Beat Factory Rap Essentials compilation…

DOWNLOAD…

* Recently the producer of NO LAWS hit me up, which made my day….PEEP.

“yo i wanna say respect first yo for giving it up for black i ,this is vince price aka Drk the man behind black i’s music and friend for 19 years deep. again respect from me to yall keep on reppin the real”.

And just to keep it 100, here is the video for the very fresh “Where I’m From”…MAESTRO FRESH WES makes a cameo on the set, keep your eyes peeled.

Rest in Power Black-I aka Frankie (1972-2006)
Black I’s foray into the world of Hip-Hop began when he started out as a dancer for hometown hero Maestro Fresh Wes along with childhood friend and future producer D.R.K. The duo, then known as “Ez Duz It” and “Do It EZ”, can be seen showcasing their skills in various Maestro videos such as “Drop the Needle” and “Conducting Things”. After wowing the country with his dance moves, Black I began his affair with emceeing, landing the D.R.K. produced track “No Lawz” a spot on the classic 1996 Beat Factory compilation album, Rap Essentials Vol. I. Black I would spend the next few years dropping singles but it would be his 2000 release “Where I’m From” that would garner him the most respect in the local Hip-Hop scene.

In the video for this now-classic track, Black I takes on the character of Frank Mint, a news anchor for Mega City News, a televison network created for the hood by the hood. It’s said that cats in Toronto rap had to change up their whole style after this record came out.

In 2006, Black I was hospitalized after suffering a brain aneurysm and passed away shortly after. His memories will always live on and we salute his contribution to the Canadian music scene.