Classified, the acclaimed hip-hop artist, released his latest single “Hardy Boyds” through HalfLife Records & Big Story Entertainment. The track features a collaboration with his brother and esteemed Nova Scotian MC, Mike Boyd, celebrating a powerful comeback filled with confidence and camaraderie.
Describing the single, Classified shares, “This is straight-up boom bap hip hop. I wanted to bring in hard-hitting beats and clever lyrics, bouncing off my brother Mike, tapping into that old-school flow and vibe. Plus there’s a funny connection between the Hardy ‘Boys’ brothers and ‘Boyd’, our last name, so we had to lean in to that and make it a mystery for us to solve in the music video. Just all around fun with this one. It was an absolute blast creating this track and shooting the video.”
“Hardy Boyds” encapsulates a nostalgic essence intertwined with maturity, embracing personal growth while staying rooted in the past. Set against an old-school boom bap backdrop, the song delves into themes of resilience, family, and authenticity in the face of skepticism. References to “dad rap” and homage to classic hip-hop elements underscore the track’s reverence for tradition while embracing contemporary influences. Ultimately, it’s a testament to embracing life’s beauty, following passions, and asserting one’s individuality.
Classified, recognized as a trailblazer in East Coast hip-hop by the Chronicle Herald, is poised to unveil his forthcoming album, which includes his recent track “Hardy Boyds” (watch the official video here). Renowned for bridging the gap between performer and audience, Classified stands as one of Canada’s most respected rap artists, producers, and songwriters. With an impressive discography spanning 18 studio albums, Classified has collaborated with luminaries in the hip-hop realm, including Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, Royce da 5’9”, DJ Premier, Joe Budden, Brother Ali, Maestro Fresh Wes, and more.
His 2013 self-titled release made waves by debuting at No. 1 on the Canadian Nielsen SoundScan Chart and achieving 2x Platinum certification, selling over 1 million singles. The album boasted two Top 10 singles, “Inner Ninja” featuring David Myles (certified 6x Platinum), and “3 Foot Tall” (certified Platinum).
In 2021, Classified took an acoustic turn with his album, “Retrospected,” revisiting his greatest hits and fan favorites. The success of “Retrospected” led to a sold-out 40-date tour across Canada. His accolades extended to the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, where he clinched the title of Artist Innovator of the Year. Additionally, his autobiography, “Off The Beat ‘N Path,” soared to No. 1 on Amazon’s Pop Biographies chart.
Accumulating over 250 million global streams, Classified remains one of Canada’s most influential hip-hop artists. A multiple JUNO Award winner and the host of the 2014 JUNO Awards, he has garnered 30 nominations and secured 10 wins across the MuchMusic Video Awards, JUNO Awards, and East Coast Music Awards.
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