Everyone has at least one true love in life, if they’re lucky. For Jorun,
that love is music – and he’s been producing Hip-Hop beats since its
beginnings on Canada’s East Coast. As a devoted, understanding and loyal
Hip-Hop head, Jorun has maintained nearly a two decade long love affair with
the local urban sound. From crate-digging to beatmaking to performing, this
cat loves it all, and he’s earned the respect of Halifax’s best known
Hip-Hop artists (and has worked with most of them).
It all started in 1985, when Jorun formed the group Down By Law - Jo was the
DJ. The group (which later changed members and morphed into Modr’n World
Thang) went on to open for Public Enemy in 1989 and Sign onto DTK records
(a new brunswick label which moved to Halifax) In 1990.
In the early 1990s, as the Halifax scene seemed to stagnate, Jo kept on
doing this thang. He brought together MCs Haslam (Buck 65), Tallisman (who
later worked with Nelly Furtado), Bonshah, P. Smooth & Shingai in 1992 to
form the Haltown Projex. With the help of a local investor, Jorun was
offered a chance to get funding to compile a full-length compilation of
local Hip-Hop talent. The resulting Haltown Meltdown compilations helped
define and refine the local scene. They inspired many Hip-Hop performers to
do it themselves…leading to more self-produced recordings and more local
artists.
Jorun is the man behind the music that’s put Halifax Hip-Hop on the map.
He’s produced beats and/or cuts for the likes of Sixtoo (Ninja Tune), Warner
Music artist Buck 65 (on the albums Square and Talkin’ Honky Blues),
MuchMusic Video Award Nominees Universal Soul, Scribble Jam Champion and
National DMC Runner-up Skratch Bastid, Wordburglar, Spesh K and Classified
(who
has mentioned Jorun as an inspiration in his video "No Mistakes") Jo’s
undeniable talent has earned him repspect from many major players in
Hip-Hop.
As well as providing rap artists with fresh instrumental production and
sound advice, Jorun is currently invested in his own projects (including his
7” vinyl and latest Compilation, Jorun’s Way). He maintains one of the
deepest beatdiggin’ vinyl collections this side of Montreal - and his beats
are better for it. His latest work charted nationally, and is earning him
favour with DJs and Hip-Hop fans from the Maritimes,across the country, and
the continent. Jorun also rocks live sets solo and performs (on both the
tables and the mic) with the group First Words, with Sean One, Above and DJ
STV. And in Halifax he DJ's regularly at a funk/old school hip hop night
at Tribeca called "All City" which has been Halifax's #1 old school night 3
years in a row.
Be on the lookout for upcoming projects featuring Jorun including "first Words" 2nd full length album, The "Anti-Mixtape Movement" 7" vinyl E.P., Markit's debut album "Mark My Words" and other appearances TBA.
