As a humble medium-sized city blog, Torontoist tends to miss a fair chunk of news and scene coverage. We opt for more selective, special interest stories (sometimes described as 'magaziney') that unfortunately falls way short of comprehensive reporting. One story that we never like miss out on, though, is when eye hip-hop critic and blogger Dave Morris gets called a name. Torontoist prides itself in reporting the various insults thrown at the man, and pays......

It's been a bizarre ride on the promotional side of things for Kanye West of late. After a poorly attended Getting Up Festival, a few random gum purchases and a quick little dust up at FLOW 93 last week, the rapper might be better off sticking to the MuchMusic stage for his next trip to Toronto. Or, even better, let his albums do the talking. Late Registration, released next week but in our hands today,......

Kanye West, in town for a little Getting Up and dropping his Late Registration soon, was spotted Sunday night in and around Queen and John. Here is what has been reported to Torontoist: umm i saw [Mr West] at a convenience store next to the sohomet, i dont know what he was buying, gum i think?? Our correspondent was buying Mountain Dew at the time of the sighting.......

Why is it so few Getting Up Festival write-ups avoid using the word "bling"? It's neither funny nor cute, and distracts attention from a rare Toronto appearance of Nas (a man who predates the word by over ten years). This weekend's Getting Up Festival was unquestionably Toronto's biggest-ever hip hop and hip hop culture showcase, and perhaps need more recognition for that. All references to "bling" aside, clothing designer Mark Ecko put his money where......

A relatively light upcoming week in shows still has some fine musical happenings to help you kill time while waiting for the apocalypse. And curiously, all on the waterfront. Harbourfront's excellent summer festival schedule continues Friday through Sunday with T.O. Twang, billed as "Toronto's first and only alt.country festival". In addition to musical performances from such excellent acts as The Sadies, Carolyn Mark, Billy Joe Shaver, Elliot Brood, Luther Wright & the Wrongs and The......

The Getting Up Festival really got up. On August 13-14, the hip hop music festival brings in Nas, Kanye West, Ciara, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Ludacris, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz, Keshia Chante, Brooke Valentine, Rascalz, Kardinal Offishal and mo'. Though not entirely clear, the music has something to do with an Atari video game of the same name. The event will be directed by Toronto-bred director, Lil X. The festival will......