In the world of hip-hop, The Runaway is an old soul. The Canadian emcee’s music proclaims hip-hop as “fun, light, life and community”. These tenets, found in the mouths of hip-hop’s founding fathers are notably absent in today’s culture, yet are represented admirably by the 28-year old Milton, Ontario artist.
The Runaway (aka Jon Corbin) found his love for hip-hop culture while attending university. At the time, Corbin wore many hats – media writer, promoter and college radio host. “I was a fresh faced kid, furiously devouring any piece of information I could find. Being involved in music put me in the company of a lot of passionate artists who still saw hip-hop culture as an expression of community.” It was this company that encouraged Corbin to pick up his own mic. Almost a decade later, The Runaway has been rocking stages big and small all over southern Ontario, Canada, providing a dynamic show and converting many to the virtues of hip-hop.
Corbin recently released his newest offering, Round Two, a follow up to his impassioned debut, A Brief Word. This 6-song EP reveals The Runaway’s playful side, his spiritual self and his devotion to social justice. In this vein, The Runaway is donating all funds from this project to the Toronto-based social advocacy network Urban Ex. Em Johnson, the founder of Urban Ex, recalls that Corbin approached her with a completed project and his offer of support: “After one listen, I emailed Jon in amazement. This CD is an audio version of our work.” Clearly, something special is brewing in this music.
This ‘something special’, Corbin hopes, is felt by the audience. “I really want the listener to be blessed. I have found immense benefit from artists who make music with their heart and soul – and I can only hope that people have had the same experience with my work. My goal is to make this work inspire a change in the listener’s perspective. There’s no telling the outcome on our world if that happens".
Round Two features local and international talent. Production credits range from The Runaway himself, his brother Qu-C, all the way to the UK, with the Scribbling Idiots’ Re:Flex. And, to the delight of the hip-hop fan, the enticing posse cut, “Spit Hot Fire”, produced by Theory Hazit (Scribbling Idiots), features rising star Shad, underground staple Relic, Sivion (Deepspace 5), Braille (Lightheaded), ILL Seer (of the UK’s Delegates of Culture), Die-Rek and Shua James. Indeed, the community is represented.
"Round Two is available digitally at iTunes, Sphere of Hip Hop and Bandcamp."
Round Two Launch Tour Footage
Away We Go
