Politic Live is a hip-hop group that fuses their West Indian roots with past and modern day hip-hop influences. Their name, which represents the balance of art and commerce, is reflected in their subject matter which ranges from songs about the cons of Alberta’s economic boom (Boom Or Bust), rising violence in Edmonton (Black Steele), to finding companionship (Is This Love).
Together since 2002, Politic Live’s most notable work is their 2006 sophomore album, Adaptation. Popular among campus radio the album spent 10 Weeks on Canada's National Campus Radio Hip-Hop Charts where it peaked at #2. State's side the album had a similar streak with chart activity in Waterville, San Jose and Chicago, where the album's single "Droppin' Gems" charted on Illinois Record Pool's Weekly Top 200 Urban Singles for 13 straight weeks – peaking at #69. Praised for its honest lyrics, varied topics, and diverse sound, Adaptation also received critical acclaim in both Canada and the US along with a multiple Award Nominations.
Politic Live’s body of work includes having 4 music videos added to rotation at Much Music, touring western Canada on multiple occasions, showcasing at nationally recognized music conferences like Canadian Music Week and the Western Canadian Music Awards, opening for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Nas, and syncs in indie films like John Hollinger’s Doppelganger.
In Edmonton Politic Live are well known for their community work. In addition to mentoring upcoming artists, Politic Live has raised over 6,000 lbs of food for the Edmonton Food Bank in 8 years through their initiative Hip-Hop For Hunger.
This summer Politic Live will release their third album, Ellipsis.
WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS SAYING ABOUT POLITIC LIVE
RapReviews.com (US)
"Adaptation" disproves the Canadian hip-hop stigma of artists releasing inferior music. All I have to say is that U.S. emcees have some competition headed their way.
PopMatters.com (US)
Politic Live's strengths are formidable. First, dope beats. Second, catchy hooks. Third, and most importantly, the group exudes sincerity.
Dose Magazine (CAN)
Politic Live is the most underrated hip-hop act in Canada. Fortunately, with Edmonton’s burgeoning urban culture, they may finally get their due.
Exclaim (CAN)
Adaptation is a solid addition to what is fast becoming the niche of Canrap: brainy, organic and challenging hip-hop.
POLITIC LIVE’S AWARD NOMINATIONS
2009 – Western Canadian Music Award Nomination
Outstanding Rap Recording, The Mavericks Team Election Year.
2008 – Canadian Independent Music Awards (The Indies) Nomination
Favourite Urban Artist/Group or Duo of the Year, Politic Live
2007 – CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award Nomination
Best Rap Recording, Politic Live Block O RMX.
2007 – Western Canadian Music Award Nomination
Outstanding Urban Recording, Politic Live Adaptation.
POLITIC LIVE’S SUMMARIZED FESTIVAL & SHOWCASE HISTORY
National Industry Festivals & Showcases
2008 – 26th Annual Canadian Music Week (Toronto, ON)
2008 – 17th Annual New Music West (Vancouver, BC)
2006 – 24th Annual Canadian Music Week (Toronto, ON)
2006 – 15th Annual New Music West (Vancouver, BC)
Regional Industry Festivals & Showcases
2010 – SOS Fest (Edmonton, AB)
2010 – Edmonton Poetry Festival (Edmonton, AB)
2009 – Western Canadian Music Awards (Brandon, MB)
2008 – Western Canadian Music Awards (Edmonton, AB)
2008 – NeXtFest (Edmonton, AB)
2007 – Western Canadian Music Awards (Moose Jaw, SK)
2007 – I Heart Alberta Hip-Hop (Calgary, AB)
POLITIC LIVE’S SUMMARIZED OPENING ACT CREDITS
2010 – Opened for VP/Atlantic recording artist, SEAN PAUL
2010 – Opened for Slam Jamz recording artists, PUBLIC ENEMY
2010 – Opened for Penalty recording artists, THE BEATNUTS
2009 – Opened for VP recording artist, BEENIE MAN
2009 – Opened for Kon Live recording artist, KARDINAL OFFISHALL
2008 – Opened for Poe Boy/Atlantic recording artist, FLO RIDA
2007 – Opened for Def Jam recording artist, NAS
2007 – Opened for Sony/BMG recording artist, OMARION