Cadence Weapon (a.k.a. Roland “Rollie” Pemberton) has consistently exhibited a passion for taking rap into new and unexpected directions. The son of a pioneering hip-hop radio DJ, Pemberton grew up in Edmonton around a diverse library of music. After splitting time between the city’s experimental electronic and underground rap scenes, Cadence released Breaking Kayfabe and Hope In Dirt City, both of which were shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, Canada’s critics award for best album of the year. Known for his sharp lyricism, Pemberton served as Poet Laureate of Edmonton from 2009 to 2011, making him the literary ambassador of his hometown.

Currently based in Toronto, Cadence has returned with a new self-titled album that expands his stylistic range by incorporating elements of trap, funk, electro, techno and grime. Featuring production by KAYTRANADA, Jacques Greene, FrancisGotHeat, Blue Hawaii, Dubbel Dutch, Harrison and more, this record finds Cadence refining his songwriting as he explores themes of individuality, race, technology and existentialism.

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