Kardinal Offishall is a famous rapper and record producer from Canada. His real name is Jason D. Harrow. He is one of the most popular Canadian rappers and is considered as “hip-hop ambassador” of his country. He is known for his unique dancehall and reggae style of hip hop music.
Kardinal was born in a small town of Scarborough situated in Ontario, located in eastern end of Toronto. His parents were Jamaican immigrants. Soon after the birth of Kardinal, the family moved in Oakwood-Vaughan which was near York. Kardinal began practicing rapping at a very young age of eight. By the time he turned twelve, he has already won several music competitions in school and neighborhood. The most cherishing moment of Kardinal life came when he was 12 years old, he performed live in front of Nelson Mandel during his official visit to Canada. In the year 1993, he decided to change his stage name from “KoolAid” to “Kardinal Offishall”. This name was inspired by a famous French politician of 17th century, Mr. Cardinal Richelieu.
Warner/Chappell Music Canada went into a contract with Kardinal when he was only 20 years old. His first single “Naughty Dreed” was released in the year 1996. It featured on Rap Essentials (Vol.I) compilations and even earned him a nomination for Best Rap Recording in the famous Juno Awards. Kardinal debut album was Eye & I, which was released in 1997. This album was under the label of Capitol Hill Music. In 1998, he also got a chance to be featured on “Northern Touch”, which was a Juno winning single and featured some other musicians like Thrust, Checkmate, Rascalz, and Choclair.
In beginning of 20th century, Kardinal went into contract with MCA Records. Quest for Fire: Firestarter (Vol.1) was Kardinal’s first album under this record label, released in the year 2001. Its two singles “Ol’ Time Killin’” and “BaKardi Slang” became instant hits. Due to some problems MCA folded in 2003, as a result of which Kardinal’s album Firestarter (Voulme.II): F Word Theory was stalled and he had to abandon the project. Another single/video by the name “Belly Dancer” which also featured Pharrell got shelved and Kardinal became very frustrated. At this point of time, he was without a record label and was trying his best to get into a contact with another label. This period was one of the most challenging periods of Kardinal’s life. Had his album Firestater: F Word Theory been released, he would have easily fetched contract with music giants such as The Neptunes, Timbaland and various others. He started his own production company The Black Jays and released a mixtape in the year 2004; it was titled Kill Bloodclott Bill. The mixtape got him noticed and soon another album titled Fire and Glory was released in November 2005 under the label of Virgin Record Canada. “Heads Up” and Everyday (Rudebwoy)” of this album ruled Canadian Songs charts and became very popular. Apart from this Kardinal also paired with Maestro Fresh Wes for the song “Bustin Loose” which featured on popular album of Maestro, “Ever Since”.
2007 was a big year for Kardinal Offishall. World famous rapper and singer Akon signed Kardinal for his labels Kon Live Distribution and Konvict Muzik. Not 4 Sale, was the Kardinal’s first album which was released under this label. Its hit number “Dangerous” reached at No.5 on Billboard Hot 100. Kardinal even won SOCAN Music Award for this song. Kardinal toured several places in the year 2009. He also performed at Denison University and CNE in Toronto.
To a large extent Kardinal has redefined rapping and has changed conventional notions about the genre hip-hop. He is unique, creative and energetic. Moreover, unlike most of other rappers who hail from New York, Atlanta or Los Angeles, Kardinal comes from a Jamaican background. In years to come, he will surely create history though his music. In recent years, his writing, singing, rapping abilities have improved considerably. He is also able to connect with the audience very well. Kardinal posses’ tremendous mass appeal and star power and this can be confirmed by looking at his huge fan base which not only includes people but also DJ’s, RJ’s, industry people etc.