Kingston’s own Shiznick has been sharpening his lyrical sword for years — repping his roots, pushing the culture forward, and building a legacy rooted in realness. In this interview, he dives into the early sparks that lit his hip hop fire, the artists who shaped his sound, and how community, fatherhood, and collaboration continue to influence his creative path. With new projects and a bittersweet farewell to Overtime show on Saturday May 31, Shiznick’s artistry is defined by “just getting started” consistently, always leaving room for growth.

For rapper Shiznick, hip hop isn’t just a sound — it’s a calling that’s been echoing since the first time he freestyled at a party and saw the crowd light up. “That feeling I got when I dropped a dope line and got a reaction — that was the first spark to the fire,” he recalls. While early experiments with guitar, drums, and keyboards didn’t quite stick, it was clear he’d found his lane when it came to rhyming. And he hasn’t looked back.

Shiznick’s influences run deep and wide. The name itself is a nod to Tha Shiznit by Snoop Dogg, combined with a Ludacris-style play on his own name. Lyrically, he cut his teeth on legends like Eminem, Big L, Biggie, Tupac, and Busta Rhymes, as well as Canadian staples like Kardinal Offishall, Classified, and D-Sisive. “It was always amazing and inspiring to have talent like that coming from what felt like just down the road,” he says.

Even as he levels up his bars and builds collabs with some serious names, the heart of Shiznick’s hustle stays close to home. “The local Kingston scene is amazing,” he says. “Fellow rappers have become long-time friends, and venue owners have become close acquaintances. It means a lot to make so many connections with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.” That spirit of community runs deep in his own actions too — helping other artists when and where he can, the way others once did for him.

Lately, Shiznick has been exploring new lyrical ground. Life as a father of two daughters has him eyeing more heartfelt or even comedic themes — think parenting, growing older, and mid-life transitions — but the right beats have to meet him halfway. “Mostly, I just try to up my pen game lyrically,” he explains. “So that no matter what I’m doing, I’m making something I would enjoy listening to, and that makes people want more.”

And there’s definitely more on the way. Shiznick is currently working on two new projects: one full of collaborations, including a recent single, Cali to Canada with Tash from Tha Alkaholiks, plus upcoming releases featuring Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Bubba Sparxxx — and another made entirely of remixes, including a rework of Em and LL Cool J’s Murdergram.

Fans can catch him live on May 31 at Overtime Sports Bar, a spot that’s been key to his journey. “It might be one of the last hip hop shows there,” he notes, as the venue’s future hangs in the balance. “I’ve made a ton of memories performing there. This could be my last show there, and I’m planning to make it count.” Posted: May 28, 2025