‘The award really isn’t about me’: Kardinal Offishall on his social justice honour and how to make philanthropy cool for kids

Last year, Canadian Music Week presented its first-ever Social Justice Award to Chuck D, the pioneering U.S. hip hop artist, activist and co-founder of Public Enemy.

On Saturday, the 2023 honour will go to Kardinal Offishall, a top-selling Canadian hip hop artist and a local legend who has dedicated his career to lifting up those around him.

“The award isn’t really about me,” said Offishall, with typical modesty. “It’s for everyone else.”

Offishall’s career has been defined by a sense of purpose: he uses hip hop as a form of education, empowerment and resistance. He said his focus is clear: “How can you provide a good service for what people’s needs are?”

As a father of three, uplifting youth is an ongoing passion. “Kids are heavily influenced by the arts,” he said. “Once you make philanthropy cool, you start that ripple effect within their schools, communities, and neighbourhoods.”

Last year, Offishall saw the movie “The Woman King” as an opportunity to empower young Black women. “We bought out some theatres, invited different community organizations, and had a communal experience together with dialogue after the movie,” said Offishall, who created similar experiences for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and, most recently, “The Little Mermaid.” The night before our interview, he performed at the Canadian Women’s Entrepreneur Gala.

Offishall said that growing up in a community where philanthropy was valued, with a mother who was involved at City Hall, inspired him. “I feel blessed to give back by doing what I love,” he said.

But, growing up in Rexdale in the ’90s, there was no successful template for a hip hop career. “It’s tough for Black music to exist in Canada; other places didn’t think good music could come from Canada,” said Offishall, adding that he couldn’t afford bus fare before he signed his first deal. “That’s how rough it was.”

Around that time, Offishall teamed up with Choclair, Socrates and Jully Black to form a mutual motivation society. It worked. Eventually, all the artists found success. Offishall got his start at RCA Records and went on to score international hits like “Beautiful” and “Dangerous” with Akon. He’s also collaborated with Rihanna, Daniel Caesar and Drake.

Now, as a TV personality on “Canada’s Got Talent,” Offishall is looking forward to finding new ways to reach different communities. “Season 3 will have a million dollar prize, which is the largest globally (on the show),” he said. “It’s great to be invited into family homes and to watch the show together.”

Next up: Offishall will perform a Def Jam show in Vancouver for Juneteenth, and this fall, he’ll be involved in a major philanthropy group for artists, as part of TIFF.

As for new music? “I need to figure out who I am as a man at this stage of my career,” said Offishall. “As soon as I figure that piece out, then I can drop some more music.”

On Kardinal’s culture calendar

Top emerging artist: “Susan Carol is an artist originally from Texas that I signed; we’re working on her album. She’s absolutely incredible.”

Go-to Toronto restaurant: “Pai. The ambience and the food are amazing. They play hip hop and reggae and it’s 5,000 per cent a vibe.”

Top three songs on Spotify right now: “Water Get No Enemy: by Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, “Tyrant” by Massacre, and any song by Lavish.”

Favourite family summer activity: “Swimming in our pool. My kids will be in that pool looking at it right now from when they get up in the morning til you have to drag them out at night.”

Correction, June 8 2023: This article has been changed to correct an error. The story originally stated that Kardinal Offishall was the only Canadian hip hop artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In fact, Offishall has never reached first place on the charts.