Indigenous artists win rap album of the year
Courtesy Snottynoserezkids.com
Snotty Nose Rez Kids became the first ever Indigenous artists to win best rap album of the year at this year’s Juno Awards, for their album Red Future, which features Kahnawa’kehró:non Kendall Horn on the cover.
“I was so happy to hear that they were nominated, and then for them to win made me even more proud,” Horn said. “Regardless of me being on the album or not, it’s exciting news for Indigenous peoples in general. They work really hard, they’re dedicated and passionate about what they do, and I’m happy that their efforts are being rewarded.”
Red Future is the sixth studio album from the Haisla duo, who hail from Kitamaat Village in British Columbia. Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce have been working together since high school, receiving various accolades, including making multiple shortlists for the Polaris Music Prize.
The Junos, often known as the “Canadian Grammys,” are the most prestigious awards in Canadian music.
“We really love rap music man, we really love hip-hop, which is why this award means so much to us right now,” said Nyce during their acceptance speech.
Red Future focuses on Indigenous futurism, building a vision of sovereignty and innovation with a host of features from other Indigenous artists, including Tia Wood, who performed with the group at the awards ceremony.
“We made this album to add voices for Indigenous people in the future. We created a vision for ourselves and where we can see ourselves in the future, and what Indigenous excellence truly looks like,” Nyce said. “Our people come from oral traditions where storytelling is important, our voices are important, and that’s why we’re honoured to be guests in this culture.”
The album cover features Horn standing in a turquoise sea, cradling her pregnant stomach, set against a deep red sky. She said she’s delighted to see the group be recognized at such a high level.
“They’re paving the way for other Indigenous artists and music groups,” she said. “It’s amazing.”
