While there are a slew of Canadian MCs (
Saukrates,
Choclair,
Rascalz, and
Swollen Members) who appear ready to reverse the stigma of the up north rapper, as of yet, none have been able to elude the novelty label. On "Bakardi Slang," the anthemic lead single to his
Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1 major-label debut, Toronto's
Kardinal Offishal declares "
Kardinal gonna show you how the T-Dot rolls."
Kardinal, much like his fellow Circle member
Choclair, displays flashes of promise here.
Firestarter takes on many identities: the insightful consciousness of "Man by Choice" (which explores the origin of the "N" word and all of its nasty connotations), and the underground delight of the
Saukrates-featured "Gotta Get It," and "Husslin'." Yet, there is also a commercial element at work here, as a slew of tracks (e.g., "Powerful" and "Quest for Fire") are undermined by R&B hooks, which actually make you appreciate
Lil' Mo. Granted,
Kardinal does attempt to showcase some versatility with
Firestarter, whether through the low-budget musing of "U R Ghetto 2002" or by soaking
Firestarter with his tropically enhancing West Indian heritage, which is a major influence here.
Firestarter has enough Jamaican dancehall riddims to make the average
Bounty Killer fan say "Bwoy." ~ Matt Conaway