Articles by Vernon Ayiku

Janet Jackson Reminded Toronto Why She's an Icon

Budweiser Stage, May 23

PUBLISHED May 26, 2023

Signalling the official start of summer in Toronto, Janet Jackson christened the city's Budweiser Stage on Tuesday night with a massive 40-...

Lil Wayne Wowed Toronto with a Surprise Guest — Yes, It's Who You Think It Is

History, April 12

PUBLISHED Apr 13, 2023

Much like a Lil Wayne mixtape verse, it was hard to predict what exactly Toronto would get from the "best rapper alive" at his sold-out sho...

Ari Lennox Was Soulful Rather Than Showy in Toronto

History, March 7

PUBLISHED Mar 8, 2023

Under bright purple lights and shrouded by a white curtain that only revealed her silhouette, Ari Lennox gracefully sang to a sold-out crow...

De La Soul's Albums Ranked from Worst to Best

PUBLISHED Mar 7, 2023

One of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, De La Soul's status as icons in the culture is unquestionable. The originators of t...

Sam Smith Gets in Their Own Way on 'Gloria'

PUBLISHED Jan 27, 2023

Going into their fourth studio album, the bar for Sam Smith is pretty damn high. Exploding into popularity in 2014 with their debut contemp...

Stormzy Takes Us to Church with 'This Is What I Mean'

PUBLISHED Dec 7, 2022

Coming off one of the last decade's most internationally successful U.K. hip-hop projects, Stormzy has become a gateway for North American...

Jessie Reyez Finally Took Her Victory Lap in Toronto

History, November 28

PUBLISHED Nov 29, 2022

When Jessie Reyez spoke with Exclaim! back in September before the release of her second studio album, Yessie, her mandate was clear: she w...

Thanks to 21 Savage, 'Her Loss' Is a Win for Drake Fans

PUBLISHED Nov 7, 2022

If you've ever listened to Andre 3000 speak about making music, it becomes immediately apparent why Outkast would never work without Big Bo...