In what promises to be a scorching hot summer north of the border, there is a new wave of artists from Toronto who are starting to create a post-Drake sound and narrative. Late 2012 was Derek Wise’s rap introduction when he dropped his first project Vacay, a balanced, hard-hitting album that encapsulated a rich, textured new sound and established him as a force in the city’s burgeoning new hip-hop scene.

Since then, Wise has remained busy immersing himself in the dark and wild after-hours underground scene the Dot’s increasingly becoming known for and like a mad genius, channeled all that energy into crafting an even darker, more textured sound that describes his latest single “AWKWARD.”

Derek Wise began rapping at the age of 10. Because of vast musical influences, he’s developed a sound that is natural in every setting along with his command of rhythm and cadence, a highlight of his rap arsenal. However, the stresses of being a young black male growing up in Toronto are still very real and the social conditions that hip-hop has always highlighted are very much prevalent in Derek’s music. He’s faced many tough times with his mother playing the role of both parents throughout his childhood, a theme you hear often in his music. We sit down and talk with Derek about his new single and where he is headed next.

New Project. Darker Sound. What’s happened since “Vacay”?

Shit’s been crazy. Time flew, I met a lot of new people got myself deeper rooted into the scene to the point where my face has been recognized in the city. The release of ‘Vacay’ showed me how fast and real things can actually get so that made me want this even more so I took time away to work on my craft. I want this so I realized how hard I needed to work for it and that’s exactly what I did.

Your song ‘LXVE‘ was definitely the transition period when you indulged into a darker sound. Would you say AWKWARD is the best piece of music to date from you? 

Everything I record and allow the public to hear is the best piece of work I create, I don’t have less favorite songs than others. The project I’m working on, Mom’s Basement, is a part of me so everything I put out is just another emotion or scenario. I want you to feel exactly as I felt while making it and put you in the state of mind I’m curating. This is just the beginning.

Being part of the Toronto downtown scene you have witnessed a lot. Obviously the music is the reflection of that lifestyle but do you mind breaking it down for us still?

This side isn’t talked about often or at all for the most part, shit’s hidden as fuck to the point of it being considered sketchy. Afterhours/afterparties that are still going on when people are starting their day, the drugs and liquor, the women, the women and can’t forget about the women. All of these things are daily when you’re in the downtown Toronto scene and along with that comes all the fucked up stories that those situations create. I love it though…it’s glamorous.

Get Home Safe. That is the crew you rep. Are there other artists in your crew? Do you mind telling us about them?

It’s a brotherhood, we’ve all been through the best and the worst together from comedowns to trials and tribulations, making money, partying, sluttin’ the streets so ‘Get Home Safe’ is more than just a motto, it’s what we naturally say to each other when we know one of us gotta get home. It became us. Got my two brothers Jazz Cartier and Drew Howard. They’re coming for that spot. I want them to give you their introduction, there’s no words I can say to describe what they are about to drop.

Cristo Meth and Lantz made the beat for AWKWARD. What was the process that went behind creating this single?

The process of me making awkward was built up frustration overall, just me pissed off at shit and certain people in the city talkin’ glamorous. The actual physical process was me recording it with my in-house engineer Geoff Wood and Quincy obviously there giving his opinion on takes. I helped construct the beat alongside Cristo Meth & Lantz to fit my vocals. In a nutshell this record is a middle finger.

Summer is right around the corner and every rapper/artist in T.O. is trying to own the summer by releasing bangers. What are some of your goals for this summer?

To remain focused on perfecting my sound, keeping the work ethic consistent and experiencing new things in life with people I have around me. The guys (Get Home Safe) and I are ready to kill the summer with fresh new music. Can’t wait till ya’ll hear it man.

Are you planning to apply a lot more pressure this year? meaning, more projects in the works other than ‘Mom’s Basement’?

Yes definitely a lot more pressure will be applied this year. A lot more free music. It’s looking like two new projects this year but we’ll see how it goes.

What are the most important things for you when it comes to making a mark with your music?

I want to be a great. There isn’t much more to it, I want the accolades and status that comes with it. I’m not here to be heard and have no impact in people’s lives. I’m gonna be the reason why people around the world get intoxicated and leave shows with ripped shirts from mosh pits. I’m gonna be the reason why cult-like fans make venues and arenas overcapacity. I’m gonna be the reason why every fucking rapper from the north gains hope and doesn’t sideline their talent for some square shit.  I’m going to be the reason why people see this other side to my city. Those are the most important things for me. Fuck everything else until i get there.

If I was to turn on your ipod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Doja Cat – Mvce Windu
Sidewalk Kal – Paranoid
Yung Nimbu$ – Boofin
Drew Howard – Uncle Tona
Jazz Cartier – Count on Me

Very very exclusive look, thank me later.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?

Inspiration literally comes from any and everything on top of actual experiences and scenarios I’ve been put through. It could be movies, music, pictures, conversation, bitches, drugs, meditation. I keep my music as genuine as possible, so once i get an idea from any of those elements that triggers my memory…that’s all i need.

Ten years from now you will be…

At a motherfucking thanksgiving dinner with Kanye, Hov, Bey and Kim eating three thousand dollar turkey talking about fashion fails on the red carpet. I honestly don’t even know I just know I’m gonna be something great sitting somewhere with a great view surrounded by great people and living greater than I could have ever imagined.

Show some love to Derek Wise and check out his latest single AWKWARD below.