PainKiller

City Fidelia

Canada’s hip hop scene is at an inflection point, with a sea of talented underground artists constantly being overshadowed by something more stylish and trendy. The good news is that Ottawa’s City Fidelia—nicknamed “The Mayor”—does a better job representing this scene than any elected official ever could. City doesn’t leave any room for doubt that he belongs. On his debut album, he switches through flows like a six-foot-nine NBA wing— whether it’s towering R&B vocal performances or airtight bars about overcoming the odds, the talent is crystal clear. City’s voice sounds warm and familiar so it’s no surprise that he sounds right at home over more pop-leaning songs like “Therapeudick,” but where this album really shines is when City’s paranoia cuts through the pleasantries on tracks like “Can’t Sleep,” or in the chilling bars he raps over a blues-y gospel beat switch on “T.A.P.” This album has no time for the vanity of the moment. One can only imagine the possibilities of this artist once he develops even more confidence and is given more of the artistic freedom he deserves.