The McKee Agency (Booking Agency)

Recent McKee Agency Concerts

2012-02-22T14:45:00.003-05:00

Canadian Music Week Submissions - McKee Agency Showcase March 24, 2012

2012-02-15T14:47:00.004-05:00

The McKee Agency is hosting its annual showcase as part of the 30th Annual Canadian Music Week www.cmw.net and is opening up ONE showcase slot to submissions.

We are accepting submissions with ONE YouTube link of your BEST song in the R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Dance or Electronic genres. To submit your YouTube link, go to http://mckeeagency.ca/contact-us/

The artist chosen will get to perform Saturday March 24, 2012 @ Faces Nightclub 224 Richmond St W. Toronto, ON as part of Canadian Music Week in front of some of Canada’s top music executives and label reps. Plus, you will receive a complimentary Artist Pass for the CMW conference & concert series and get an opportunity to network with the who’s who of the music industry & Canada’s top musicians.

Some Rules for Submitting:

No cost to submit or perform
NO MP3 submissions
The song must not have ANY references to violence, drugs or criminal activity.
Please DONT send bio’s or pics.
Send the song title, artist name, what city you are from & your contact info.
You will be judged simply on the merit of this ONE song only.

Submissions end Feb 22, 2012

McKee Agency Books The Biggest Hip Hop Tour of 2011 in Canada

2011-12-28T15:15:00.004-05:00

The McKee Agency Books The Biggest Hip Hop Tour of 2011 in Canada!
Ghostface Killah, Sheek Louch, Killah Priest, Trife Da God & Peter Jackson all on 1 stage from Nov 27 to Dec 21.

Check out some of the video blogs of the tour here for footage in your city. Follow Peter Jackson on tour with Ghostface Killah & crew:

Youtube "Inside The Music Ghostface" & you can see 10 episodes (more to follow)
or go to http://www.youtube.com/user/PeterJacksonTV

THE MCKEE AGENCY – 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW

2011-12-24T12:06:00.001-05:00

THE MCKEE AGENCY – 2011 YEAR IN REVIEW

The McKee Agency is a Toronto based boutique booking agency that puts together concert tours across Canada. 2011 was our biggest year yet & the marked the year The McKee Agency became the premier booking agency in Canada for hip-hop and R&B acts in Canada.

Artists toured in Canada in 2011 include: D12, Shawn Desman, Danny Fernandes, Royce da 5’9, Black Sheep, Digable Planets, JRDN, Naughty By Nature, Maestro, Choclair, Aleesia and many more.

The McKee Agency closed out 2011, by booking the biggest hip-hop tour of the year, making history with the 21 city Canadian tour for GHOSTFACE KILLAH of WU TANG CLAN. The tour also featured guests Sheek Louch of D-Block, Killah Priest, Trife Da God & Doo Little. Many doubters said “that Ghost would never be allowed in Canada.” Sold out concerts coast to coast have proved many wrong and have set the stage for additional large scale tours across Canada coming up in 2012.

2011 saw continued progression for management client PETER JACKSON. Jackson closed out the year as the sole support act on the Ghostface Killah Tour as well as dozens of additional dates this year in support of Snoop Dogg, D12, Digable Planets, Royce da 5’9 and more. Jackson is finishing up his 2nd album which is slated to be released in March of 2012 with guests including Karl Wolf, Sheek Louch, Joe Budden, Classified & more. www.peterjacksonmusic.ca
HYDEE – Recent addition to the roster is Toronto’s top Dub Step DJ who saw national gigs in Montreal, Ottawa, St. Johns and a west coast tour in progress for early 2012.
2011 saw the partnership with the agencies involvement with Indie Week www.indieweek.com which will continue in 2012.

The McKee Agency would like to thank you for your continued support in 2011 and would also like to keep the door open for new partnerships in 2012 and beyond.

McKee Agency Weekly Event @ Jukebox Live

2011-11-07T19:54:00.002-05:00

The McKee Agency new weekly event every Thursday night @ Jukebox Live in Pickering 1211 Kingston Rd.

The opening night (November 17) features R&B star Danny Fernandes (MuchMusic Award Winner & JUNO nominee) hosting the festivities to be followed by a series of other big name musicians & celebrities.

Nov 24 sees JUNO winning R&B starlet Keshia Chante hosting Jukebox to promote the release of her new album Nov 8 "Night & Day" followed by another JUNO winning R&B star in Dru (Dec 1). The former front man for the group In Essence is promoting the release of his single "Gettin It In" which is being played at dozens of radio stations across Canada.

The weekly Thursday event has a slew of additional TV celebrities & musicians on tap for the following weeks.

Toronto Star - Peter Jackson Front Page Story

2011-10-11T14:09:00.002-04:00

Rapper Peter Jackson: 905 representin’

Peter Jackson.

By Christian Pearce
Special to the Star
Oct 10, 2011

For those who come straight outta the ’burbs, breaking in to the big-city business of hip hop is no small task. You need an in, some way to bridge the proverbial gap. Born and raised in Ajax, Ontario, Peter Jackson cut his key in the concert business.

It all started in the Durham Region, though reports differ as to exactly where. The bio on his website connects the 20-something rapper (performing Oct. 13 at Toronto’s Annex Wreckroom) with Ajax’s neighbour Oshawa, pointing to parallels between the “Sh’wa” and Detroit — home, of course, to the preeminent against-all-odds white rap success story, Eminem. Oshawa, so says Peter Jackson’s bio, has given Canada its own “pretty decent white (boy) that can rhyme.”

So where does that place him in the northern rap game? Jackson can make a claim to being Canada’s best connected (after Drake, anyhow). He has opened for everyone from Nas to Tech N9ne to, yes, Drake. His album In My Life — which grazed the top 10 in Toronto upon its release in May — featurded guests like ultra-hot producer Boi-1da and Eminem’s collaborator Royce Da 5’9”. It’s a remarkable network — remarkable enough, in fact, to generate some nasty rumours (more on that later).

When I meet up with Jackson and his manager, Chris McKee, for our interview, it’s at a grimy little pub nestled into a nondescript strip mall blocks from his studio. Dive-y and drunken — even in mid-afternoon — the bar captures at least part of the character of the Shwiggity (as Oshawa is sometimes known). Sitting down on the patio to escape the revelry inside, Jackson orders an iced tea.

Representing one’s real origins is a core value in hip-hop culture, and he’s quick to explain the facts of his upbringing on the south side of Ajax. Jackson speaks with a natural grace, ego absent, but at the same time, he takes evident pride in championing something bigger.

“It’s funny ’cause if you read Ajax papers, or Pickering papers, they’ll say I’m from Ajax or Pickering. If you read an Oshawa article, they’ll say I’m from Oshawa . . . But I really am from Ajax — I have Ajax tattooed on my wrist and things like that.”

Still, I have to ask about whether growing up outside the big city affects small-town rappers’ music. The roots of hip hop, after all, emerged out of broken homes and housing projects, not nuclear families and cookie-cutter suburban tracts.

The beneficiary of an exceedingly supportive family — Jackson’s mom goes to many of his shows — the rapper answers, “I don’t know what the temptations are like growing up in Brooklyn, New York, but I know exactly what they’re like growing up in Ajax . . . I think we’re going through the same things, just on different scales in different areas.”

Sex, drugs and violence exist on the corners of Durham’s small towns just as they do in New York or Toronto. The night before our interview, Peter Jackson tweets, “These crack heads in Oshawa going ham (hard as a motherf---er) right now lol King and simcoe (sic) clicking.” Having wrestled, he says, with drug addiction and the loss of his best friend to drunk driving as a teen, there’s no reason to doubt the authenticity of Peter Jackson’s suffering.

If Ajax raised Jackson, it’s been Oshawa that gave him his break. It’s here that he began promoting hip-hop concerts, at times headlining shows of his own, at other times bringing A- and B-list acts including Kardinal Offishall, Wu-Tang and the Clipse to hungry hip-hoppers. His career role model seems to be someone even bigger, though.

“There’s a big difference between a Jay-Z and (Alabama rapper) Rich Boy,” says PJ. “Jay-Z is obviously a businessman, and that’s how I think a lot of these guys can take it to the next level, is being on point with their business . . . working around with what they have inside.”

What Jackson had was the ability to build relationships with these bigger artists whose shows he was promoting, setting the foundation for his own rap career. This approach explains his Classified-produced single “Certified,” featuring Treach of Naughty By Nature fame. Nowadays, collaborations with the likes of Detroit’s Royce Da 5’9” on “Paper Boy” spring from road work as an opening act.

“Those are people that I have relationships with,” says Jackson, “because I’ve had the chance to tour across the country with them for weeks on end.”

McKee’s also a concert promoter who’s slated Jackson to open for Ghostface Killah on a 13-stop Canadian tour, starting on Nov. 26 with Toronto’s Sound Academy. He explains how Jackson works his connections:

“How we get stuff done for the album is when he goes on tour, he builds that rapport with the artist. Like, I ask Ghost, ‘hey, we want a feature for my dude.’ And he says, ‘ten grand’ right now, but wait ’til we’re on the road . . . And (Jackson) says, ‘let’s do a track, we got f---in’ 12 hours to kill between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg,’ and so that’s how we end up getting a lot of this s--- done.”

Jackson’s various roles in putting on concerts have been integral to his emergence. “It’s been a massive piece of the puzzle — don’t let that out,” he says, jokingly wary of the information’s value. “It put me in position to win in so many different ways.”

Sonically, Jackson’s style vacillates between deep introspective beats and rhymes covering his life’s tribulations, and empty head-nodders designed to capture clubs, a reflection of the tension he admits exists between a desire to make music for himself and commercial viability.

But in the Screwface Capital, as the T-Dot is sometimes labelled in hip-hop circles, there is always a more nefarious explanation for why a rapper rises. Watching Jackson open for Brooklyn’s Joell Ortiz late last year, another indie emcee told me, “This guy pays promoters to get on bills.”

Other Canadian emcees have been similarly accused of buying their way in. But I put the accusation to Jackson directly. “Never once in my life have I have ever done that,” he says, instantly grave. “I get paid to do shows.”

“I’m his f---ing agent, so I’m the one placing him on,” says a mildly irate McKee. “I get calls like that, from Winnipeg to Halifax, rappers that wanna pay to go on this tour, and I say I am not taking a single penny for a buyout for any artist to be on any show.”

The godfather of Canadian rap, Maestro Fresh Wes, has said what stands out about Jackson is his work ethic. And while Jackson is still finding his ultimate voice as a rapper (spending eight hours a day in the studio), when he asserts, “I literally am willing to do whatever it takes to get to the next level,” it’s hard not to believe him.

Peter Jackson appears live October 13 at the Annex Wreckroom for Indie Week.

Indie Week Showcases Oct 12 & 13

2011-10-06T11:32:00.002-04:00

The McKee Agency is presenting 2 showcases for Indie Week www.indieweek.com

Oct 12 is the R&B & Pop Showcase - Oct 13 is the Hip-Hop Showcase

The winner gets a single released on Richmond Street Records/Fontana & a slot in the Indie Week Finals to win a chance to perform @ Indie Week in Ireland in 2012!

Oct 12 set times
10:30pm Devon
10:50 - Massimo Borselli
11:10 - Tara Priya
11:30 - Tuzzy
11:50 - Silver Roland (aka Solitair)
12:10 - Patrick Christopher
12:30 Ray Robinson
12:50 Emmerson Brooks

Oct 13 set times
10:30pm - Killa Gens
1045 - Tiny Danza
11 - Meeko
11:15 - Abstract Artform
11:30 - Blockz
11:45 - Juma
12 - Jus Randy
12:15 - So Sick Social Club
12:40 - Peter Jackson

McKee Agency Goes Dubstep! Adds DJ HYDEE To Roster For Bookings

2011-08-09T16:14:00.002-04:00

The McKee Agency is pleased to announce the addition of Toronto's top Dubstep DJ to its roster for bookings across Canada:

DJ HYDEE

Hydee is Toronto's top dubstep DJ & MC and is a resident DJ for top promotion company Embrace Presents, The Business & Bassmentality.
He has headlined club nights across Canada & shared the stage at sold out events with Rusko, DJ Zinc, Skrillex & more.

Check out Hydee's Official Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hydee/109507019133370
or
Join Hydee on Twitter @hydeedubstep

Below is a list of Hydee's upcoming shows:

Aug 12 - 14 @ WEMF (South Algonquin) Sat night main stage set
RUSKO / SKRILLEX / ANDY C / PENDULUM / DOCTOR P / FLUX PAVILION / NOISIA / + MUCH MORE

Aug 19 @ Dub Fire Fridays (Guelph)
HEADLINING

Aug 26 @ Mod Club Toronto
HEADLINING - LET THERE BE BASS

Sept 10 GUELPH UNIVERSITY - FROSH WEEK

Sept 24 @ VOLA NIGHTCLUB
w/ CRISSY CRISS (UK (HYDEE BDAY JAM)

Sept 30 @ Mod Club
THE KILLABITS + LOCALS

Oct 15 @ Koolhaus
w/ SKRILLEX / FOREIGN BEGGARS / 12th PLANET

Oct 21 @ The Guvernment
w/ SKREAM + BENGA

Oct 29 @ FREAKOUT (DESTINY + EMBRACE)

Indie Week Announces Urban Showcases Presented by The McKee Agency

2011-08-01T18:16:00.002-04:00

Indie Week Announces Urban Showcases Presented by The McKee Agency

Toronto, ON - Aug 2, 2011 - Indie Week and The McKee Agency are joining forces to deliver a knock-out lineup for the festival's urban showcases on Oct 12 & 13 at the Annex Wreckroom.
Prizes include: A single to be released by Richmond Street Records/Fontana and serviced to urban radio stations across Canada.
The McKee Agency is operated by award-winning booking agent Chris McKee, who in recent years has put together concerts across Canada for international artists including: Rihanna, Akon, Flo-Rida, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Busta Rhymes, D12, Slaughterhouse, and many more. Read more about the Agency here: www.mckeeagency.ca

Artist submissions will be open for one month to urban, hip hop, R&B, dance, and electronic acts. Applicants can submit their electronic press kits at
http://www.sonicbids.com/Opportunity/OpportunityView.aspx?opportunity_id=105195
Selected performing artists will showcase before members of the music industry, who discreetly judge the showcases based on a variety of factors including songwriting, stage presence, and the 'it' factor. The top band will perform again at Indie Week's closing party at Tattoo Rock Parlour on Sunday, October 16, where the 10+ top acts of the 160+ band festival perform for top-tier industry. The top band wins headlining showcases at Indie Week Ireland, taking place in Dublin in the spring, complete with free flights and accommodation for up to five band members.
Selected artists will receive full Indie Week accreditation including access to showcases, events, and music-industry panels.

Confirmed judges for the McKee Agency Showcases include:

Chris McKee - Owner of The McKee Agency & Co-Owner of Richmond Street Records
Greg Baptiste - Music Director for MuchVibe & Rap City
Touch - JUNO & MMVA Winning R&B singer from In Essence
Peter Jackson - Artist & Co-Owner of Richmond Street Records www.peterjacksonmusic.ca
Jonathan "Bizz" Brown - Writer for www.hiphopcanada.com
Rich Massiah - Owner of Swagg Magazine www.swaggnews.com
Jacqueline Wilson - Embrace Presents www.embracepresents.com
More to be added.

Links
http://www.indieweek.com
http://mckeeagency.ca
http://www.sonicbids.com/indieweek
http://www.facebook.com/indieweek
http://www.twitter.com/indieweek

To view this email in a seperate browser click:
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=3fc882332116c3871ae7fb956&id=5b7297c263&e=
For all media inquiries: media@indieweek.com

Sarah Riches | Indie Week
media@indieweek.com
647.893.9468 ext. 2

Recent McKee Agency Concerts 2011

2011-07-18T15:04:00.001-04:00

Recent McKee Agency Concerts 2011

INSIDE THE MUSIC - DOC Pt 2 & 3 - PETER JACKSON

2011-07-18T14:56:00.002-04:00

Here are the links to Episode 2 & 3 of Peter Jackson's "Inside The Music" documentary series.

Episode # 2 features Peter on tour with Grammy winners Naughty By Nature & more

Episode # 3 features behind the scenes footage with Royce da 5'9 (Shady Records), Rock The Bells festival & more

INSIDE THE MUSIC - DOCUMENTARY - PETER JACKSON

2011-06-21T14:07:00.002-04:00

INSIDE THE MUSIC - DOCUMENTARY - PETER JACKSON

Please take a moment to view Episode #1 of Peter Jackson's documentary series "Inside The Music"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59PXbkAgdLQ&feature=share

"Inside The Music": The brand new documentary series from (Toronto based rapper) Peter Jackson www.peterjacksonmusic.ca

The web series will follow PJ throughout the last 4 years of his rise into the music Industry. Viewers follow Peter on tour with Akon, Naughty By Nature, Slaughterhouse, Busta Rhymes & more! Some exclusive footage includes: Behind the scene video shoots with Royce Da 5'9 (Shady Records), studio sessions with D12 & Cali Swag District as well as interviews with press from around the world.
This series will give you an in depth look at what it looks like..............Inside The Music.

The documentary series was edited & produced by Dan Garrity Photography
Executive Producer's - Chris Mckee & Peter Jackson

McKee Agency - Management Client Updates

2011-06-13T16:59:00.004-04:00

PATRICK CHRISTOPHER has released his new single "Way U Love Me" to radio & DJs across Canada. To have a listen or free download click here: http://soundcloud.com/themckeeagency
Tandem Tracks Promotions will be working the radio campaign for Patrick.

PETER JACKSON has cracked the 5000 CDs sold in Canada mark.

- On June 14, the highly anticipated lead single called "The Whole World Is Watching" from reggae star Sizzla Kalonji's new album is set for release & features Peter Jackson with a guest verse on the song. (The song was recorded in Sept in the legendary King Jammy studios in Kingston, Jamaica)

- On June 2 in Toronto, Jackson shot the FACTOR sponsored video for his current single "Certified" featuring Grammy Award winners Naughty By Nature with director G-Dot & will be ready for release in mid-June.
For a free download of "Certified" click: http://soundcloud.com/themckeeagency/certified-peter-jackson-feat-naughty-by-nature

- Peter is also set for a slew of tour dates across Canada in June in support of the likes of Snoop Dogg & Digable Planets.
Below is the list of upcoming tour dates:
June 1 - Oshawa, ON Status Lounge (opening for Naughty By Nature - Live Band set)
June 16 - Barrie, ON The Roxx Nightclub (opening for Snoop Dogg)
June 23 - Saskatoon, SK Skratch Nightclub (opening for Digable Planets)
June 24 - Canmore, AB Dranke Inn (opening for Digable Planets)
June 25 - Edmonton, AB Starlite Room (opening for Digable Planets)
June 28 - Nelson, BC Spirit Bar (opening for Digable Planets)
June 29 - Vancouver, BC Bar None -TD Jazz Fest (opening for Digable Planets)
July 3 - Hamilton, ON Casbah Lounge (Live band performance - Headling set)
For more info check www.peterjacksonmusic.ca

Upcoming McKee Agency Artists On Tour

2011-04-12T17:14:00.002-04:00

Canadian Music Fest - McKee Agency Showcase March 10

2011-02-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

McKee Agency & Molson Canadian Present: Canadian Music Week Showcase (In Association with Richmond Street Records)

Club Aurum 261 Richmond St W. Toronto, ON
Thursday March 10. 9pm to 2am
$10 Cover
CMW Wristbands accepted!
www.cmw.net
Featuring Performance by Some of Canada's Top Hip-Hop and R&B acts:

Peter Jackson
Patrick Christopher
Riley
BoomBox Saints
Winnipeg's Most
Gee Wunder
Mayhem Morearty
Henrii & Blues Underdog

Feb 2011 Events

2011-02-08T18:46:00.002-05:00

McKee Agency Weekly Event

2011-01-21T15:42:00.004-05:00

Every Thursday Night, The McKee Agency hosts a weekly party with different musicians & celebrities @ Club South 85 Kingston Rd E Ajax, ON (just outside of Toronto) http://www.southrestaurant.ca/club.html

Check out some of our recent guest hosts. Come party & network with us every Thursday night!

McKee Agency @ Canadian Music Week 2011

2011-01-04T19:14:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends & Colleagues

On Thursday March 10, 2011 - The McKee Agency & Richmond Street Records will be hosting our annual Canadian Music Week Showcase at Club Aurum 261 Richmond St W in Toronto.

We are looking for submissions to perform alongside McKee/Richmond St artists Peter Jackson & Patrick Christopher.
(R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop, Dance)

In order to qualify for submission, you MUST have any combination of the following:

1) A single playing at NATIONAL radio in the past 12 months
2) 2500 or more Facebook Fan Page Members (NOT facebook friends)
3) 1000 or more Twitter followers
4) One or more videos with 15,000 or more views on YouTube.

If you don't qualify, please dont submit!

There is NO cost to submit and selected performers will receive their free Artist pass to the CMW conference & all CMW shows that week.
*NO artist will be paid to perform*

Please submit with proof of the above mentioned criteria to:

Chris McKee
mckee@mckeeagency.ca

THE MCKEE AGENCY 2010 – YEAR IN REVIEW

2010-12-20T22:25:00.003-05:00

THE MCKEE AGENCY 2010 – YEAR IN REVIEW
2010 marked the 5 year anniversary for Toronto based booking agency “The McKee Agency” who put together concert tours across Canada for some of the biggest names in R&B, Hip-Hop and contemporary music including this past year alone for the likes of Slaughterhouse (Royce da 5’9, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I), Tech N9ne, DAS EFX, Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound, Pharoahe Monch and many more. http://mckeeagency.ca/past-events

As well as producing concert tours & club nights for JUNO & MMVA winning Canadian artists including: SHAWN DESMAN, MASSARI, MAESTRO FRESH WES, SNOW, as well as ALEESIA, RILEY, DJ’s FRESH, LEXX DB & SPENCE DIAMONDS and our management clients PETER JACKSON & PATRICK CHRISTOPHER.http://mckeeagency.ca/cdn-artist-roster

The McKee Agency would like to thank you for your continued support in 2010 and would also like to keep the door open for new partnerships in 2011 and beyond.

McKee Agency owner Chris McKee breaks down some of his personal highlights for 2010:
Best Musical Experience of 2010: Going to Kingston, Jamaica in September to shoot the video for “Miss Right” with Peter Jackson Featuring Sizzla Kalonji. Click to view “Miss Right”: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=SRtonuAtxNA
I’ve been in a hundred recording studio’s in my time, but standing right next to Sizzla Kalonji in the legendary King Jammy’s studio in Kingston while he recorded a track (with my artist Peter Jackson) was a life changing experience.

Best Learning Experience of 2010: Booking a 15 city Canadian tour for Tech N9ne & crew in March of 2010. Tech’s label/management “Strange Music” are simply the gold standard of how to operate as an independent in hip-hop. I learned a great deal working with the Strange Music Crew just seeing how they operate.

Most Personally Gratifying Experience of 2010: Releasing Peter Jackson’s “In My Life” CD was so gratifying because it was our project from the ground up. I’ve been an agent for over 10 years, but Peter was the first artist that I’ve managed that I’ve been able to see the end product of a CD on the store shelves of HMV. We’ve sold just over 3000 CDs in Canada only so far which we’re happy about and the project is continuing to grow. It’s such a great album with a wide mix of guests including reggae star Sizzla, rock singer Care Failure of Die Mannequin, some of America’s best lyricists in Royce da 5’9, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz & Treach from Naughty By Nature and some top notch production from Sheldon Moore, Boi 1 Da, Young K & T-Minus. We’re looking to license the album internationally in 2011.

Recent McKee Agency Artists Performances

2010-12-20T11:32:00.001-05:00

Recent McKee Agency Artists Performances

McKee Agency Expands into the US Market in 2011

2010-11-05T19:33:00.003-04:00

For Immediate Release Nov 5, 20101

Re: McKee Agency Expands Bookings into United States

The McKee Agency is a Toronto, Canada based boutique talent agency that represents many top Hip-Hop and R&B acts. Chris McKee has been a booking agent for 10 years and has primarily focused his attention booking the biggest names in Urban music across Canada. In recent years, McKee has put together Canadian tours for the likes of Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas, Akon, Flo-Rida, G-Unit, The Roots, Tech N9ne, Slaughterhouse as well as Canadian acts including Kardinal Offishall, Shawn Desman, Massari, Snow & more.
In 2011, McKee is expanding his booking territory to include the United States for hip-hop and R&B acts performing at the club level across the USA. After touring hundreds of acts across Canada, the artists & managers have been asking McKee for years to assist with their bookings in the US due to the lack of quality agencies in hip-hop that book acts in the $10,000 and under price range. McKee explains, ``I’ve been booking 15 to 20 city tours across Canada for American acts for years, only to find out they don’t have proper representation in the US, because the likes of WME, ICM or CAA rarely will consider a hip-hop or R&B artist that isn’t making a minimum of $10,000 a show and up. We just felt there is room in the market for an agency to handle those artists. ``

McKee had previously booked the American market back in 2004-05 while he was an agent at Toronto based SL Feldman & Associates and helped launch the career of ``nerdcore`` rapper MC Chris, booking over 250 US dates for MC Chris & former Shady Records artist Obie Trice before leaving Feldman Agency to start his own company in 05.

McKee is currently routing US dates for west coast hip-hop legends DAZ & KURUPT of Snoop`s Dogg Pound. Kurupt`s current CD ``Streetlights`` is in stores now & will be releasing a new CD in early 2011 with more acts to follow.

For more info on the McKee Agency & their concert tour history, check any of the following web links:
www.mckeeagency.ca
www.mckeeagency.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/mckeeagency
www.facebook.com/pages/The-McKee-Agency/282492453520?

DAS EFX Tour - McKee Agency Concerts

2010-10-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

More Recent McKee Agency Concerts

New McKee Agency website

2010-10-07T16:21:00.002-04:00

Please check out our new website @ www.mckeeagency.ca

Thanks to MuchFact for the support & to Digital Deceptions for the site design.
www.digitaldeceptions.ca

Recent McKee Agency Concerts

2010-09-08T12:10:00.002-04:00

Upcoming McKee Agency Concerts

2010-08-13T17:31:00.002-04:00

Just a few upcoming McKee Agency concerts:

Kurupt (Of Tha Dogg Pound
Sept 7 Toronto, ON Club Aurum
Sept 8 Oshawa, ON Status Nightclub
Sept 9 Montreal, QC Cabaret Du Mile End
Sept 10 Kingston, ON NV Nightclub
Sept 11 Sudbury, ON Nickel City Tavern

Royce da 5'9 w/ Peter Jackson
Sept 21 Toronto, ON Club Aurum 261 Richmond St W
Sept 22 Ottawa, ON Ritual Nightclub 137 Bessesser St
Sept 23 Hamilton, ON Club Absithe 233 King St E
Sept 24 Brockville, ON St.Lawrence College 2288 Parkedale Ave
Sept 25 Montreal, QC Cabaret Du Mile End 5240 Ave Du Parc

Peter Jackson - HipHopCanada Interview

2010-07-31T20:34:00.003-04:00

http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2010/07/peter-jackson-interview/

Peter Jackson [Interview] Posted Jul 27th, 2010 by Ya Favourite Lightskin |
Oshawa, ON – I heard about Peter Jackson through the single he put out called “Paper Boy” which featured Royce Da 5’9″ and honestly, I wasn’t feeling it. Moving forward to last year I watched his video for an in studio performance for BoomBox & A Tape and that made me reconsider my original thoughts. Not for the song itself, but the fact that I realized he actually is a dope lyricist. Now at this point I thought he will do well, but not commercially. Skip ahead a few videos to one of his latest releases “Ma’Ma” featuring Die Mannequin and I knew then I had been wrong about this cat all along. His work ethic and the material he was and is presenting has been proper. He knew what he was doing all along. Even if one person passed on him, two more would like what he was doing. It just goes to show that if people don’t like your music you keep pushing and eventually someone like myself who can be a hater at times will catch on to what your doing. Strive for improvement. I felt it was only right that I reach out to PJ for an interview on HipHopCanada.
Now that I know what he is all about musically, it’s time to find out what the person behind the music is all about. With his release today for his debut album In My Life, in the midst of touring across Canada, Peter Jackson found some time to answer a few questions. We talk about how his life was growing up, other MCs hating on his touring ability, and of course who he would knock out if he had the chance too… sorry had to ask him that one.
HipHopCanada: How was it shooting your latest video “Come On Over” featuring JmorE? Peter Jackson: It was dope , me and JmorE are good friends so it was very comfortable on set… and having 20 + girls on set made it even easier. [Laughing]

HipHopCanada: Listening to your track “Ma’Ma” alongside Die Mannequin… I can’t help but hear the emotion you put in to that track especially the first verse where you say… “Mama struggling with money / Daddy’s working over time / Never see their son cause no one ever had the time / Knowing I’d be great knowing it’s my time to shine / Yup you can feel it knowing that I speak hard / Goosebumps down your back knowing that you feel God” It’s something lot of people can relate to if they have been through similar situations. With that being said can you speak a little bit more on how life was growing up as Peter Jackson?
Peter Jackson: I mean, don’t get me wrong I grew up pretty normal for a kid in the suburbs but I spent a lot of time learning stuff on my own. And that song is just talking about everything I personally went through, you know. I lost a lot of close friends and family members at a young age and I think I cover a lot of issues every one deals with.
HipHopCanada: Let’s talk about your latest project In My Life which was just released today, who do you have on the album so we can let the viewers know what to expect? Peter Jackson: I have 9-0-Nickel – my group, Sizzla, Naughty By Nature, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5′9″, Crooked I, Die Mannequin, J Melody, Gangis Khan (aka Camoflauge), Choclair, Kid Cocky, Magnum 357 and more. The album has production by Classified, Young K, T-Minus, DJ Sluv, Jazzfeezy and more. HipHopCanada: How long did it take you to complete the album?
Peter Jackson: It took me about a year and a half from start to finish.

HipHopCanada: There was a little bit of hatred going around at one point and probably still is in regards to your touring. Certain people within the industry seem to have been catching feelings. I am not going to name names but some people have been bitter about the amount of touring you’ve done and commenting that you get on all the tours because your manager is a booking agent. You know what I mean right?
Peter Jackson: Yeah, I herd something about that. [Laughing] But I mean, at the end of the day I cant be punished for having a good team and great manager. I work hard for everything I get and I book a lot of shows myself as well. So how can you fault me for good business? And I don’t think it’s hate, I think people are entitled to their opinion.
HipHopCanada: What happened with you almost getting into a fight in a pizza shop or corner store with another well known MC? Or was that just a stupid rumour?
Peter Jackson: I read about that online [Laughing] and I wasn’t there, and it wasn’t a fight. It got blown up online… you know how these blogs are.
HipHopCanada: When you were on tour you had an accident, what caused the accident? Any major injuries?
Peter Jackson: We flipped our tour van five times on black ice outside of Calgary. Yeah, there was some injuries to myself and my team but we are all alive and well and we were back on the road three weeks later.
HipHopCanada: Any collaborations to look forward to in the future?
Peter Jackson: Yeah, I am already working on the second album so you will hear a lot of new features and work from me very soon but I am focused on my debut for right now.
HipHopCanada: This question is going down in history, I promise you that. So no hard feelings I am not picking on you. I ask everybody I interview the same question. If you could knock out one celebrity, preferably a Canadian who would it be and why? Peter Jackson: [Laughing] Umm, not Canadian. It would be Spencer Pratt from that show The Hills… and Canadian… no one I can think of. I support Canada to the fullest but Spencer Pratt could catch it.
HipHopCanada: Well Peter Jackson, I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions on the day of your big release. Any last words before you go?
Peter Jackson: Yeah. Thank you guys for all the support, and please pick up my debut album in HMV or on iTunes. Check out Peter Jackson online at http://www.PeterJacksonMusic.ca and follow him on Twitter via http://twitter.com/peterjackson905. Written by Ya Favourite Lightskin aka Dynamic for HipHopCanada

Tour Life - Slaughterhouse Tour

2010-07-27T14:32:00.002-04:00

Tour Life (Part 5): Slaughterhouse
Posted Jul 27th, 2010 by Jonathon "Bizz" Brown

Vancouver, B.C. – It’s the last stop of the tour as I sit down with Slaughterhouse. By this point, I’ve watched Joe Budden, Royce da 5’9″ Da 5’9, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I go through their set in Toronto, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Penticton, & Whistler. I’ve seen them drinking, drunk and hung over sauntering through the hotel lobby. I’ve run into Crooked I at 3 a.m. walking through Whistler with an entire large pizza under his arm, before getting distracted by some local women. I’ve watched Joe Budden leave $20 on a $20.03 breakfast bill. I’ve witnessed Royce da 5’9″ guzzle Patron and Joell Ortiz instruct every crowd to cuss at the wall: “Fuck you, you bitchass wall!” Through all of it I’ve realized these four guys are very much the men you hear on record: brash, unapologetic, outspoken, hardnosed motherfuckers.

Now, finally we sit face to face with time dedicated to hearing it directly from the horses’ mouths.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: There’s been a lot of talk about Slaughterhouse joining Shady. As a fan, that’s a really exciting possibility. What’s it look like with that situation at this point?

Royce da 5’9″: It looks great. It looks real good. It looks like how a fuckin’ sirloin steak would look sitting right here, right now.

Joell Oritz: It looks like the 9th inning, up 14 runs and whoever we’re pitching to, his batting average is .121, there’s nobody on base and it’s an 0-2 count. We’re gonna win.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: Well that’s dope. You four guys got together and did this album and now all of a sudden you’re on all these tours. What has the process been like getting to know each other in such an intense way? When you’re on the road, you can’t really get away from the people you’re with. What’s that process been like for four grown men?

Joell Ortiz: Stop tryin’ to make us old [Laughing]…

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: What do you mean? I mean grown. I’m grown too. You know…

Joell Ortiz: You stressed the ‘grown’ though.

Crooked I: It’s been a blessing to me because I’m learning from Joell, Nickel, Joey. It’s been a blessing to be around them to help in the growth of my creativity.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: What kind of things have you learned being around them?

Crooked I: I learned different techniques to approach making a song. I may only have a certain way that I do it but when I see them and it makes sense to me, maybe they just gave me a jewel right there without even trying. So it all kinda benefits in being around dudes who respect the culture and still work hard at the craft you know?

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: By now you’ve gone from St. John’s to Vancouver, what’s your impression of Canada?

Joell Ortiz: We’ve been on five tours in twelve months. So we’ve pretty much seen a whole bunch. One thing I did see was that the kids that come out in Canada, they definitely come out to support and to support only. Like back in the States sometimes, there are artists in the audience, managers, other people that wanna do what you do so it’s not necessarily them being there for you, they just want to be at the event. But here in Canada, kids is giving it up. They partying with us, they toasting, taking drinks with us. Like really crowd participating. It’s been a real good experience.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: Crooked, you and I spoke in Calgary when you joined the tour about your luck at the border. It really added a whole new level to the show when you arrived. What happened at the border?

Crooked I: Good luck. That customs was COB (Circle of Bosses) Canada, nah mean? They let me cross the border. They could have really held me. Cause last time I was here they told me don’t come back unless I did a few things with the Canadian consulate in America. And I didn’t get a chance to do all those particular things. I really got lucky coming into this country, that’s why I was just happy to be here. My whole day was better soon as I walked on the soil.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: Now Joell, I know you’re on the Jack Daniels when you drink. Royce Da 5’9, you seem to favor the Patron –

Royce da 5’9″: Favor it? You can’t come up with a more, like, extreme or passionate term? (Turning to Crystal, Joe Budden’s manager) He said I seem to favor Patron. That ain’t the right word for me is it?

Crystal: He’s married to it. He got his wife and then his other wife Patron.

Royce da 5’9″: Actually, my wife is my other wife.

Crooked I: Sometimes I do the Patron, sometimes I do the Goose. That’s why I did the “Tequila, Vodka, Henny” because I just drink. Last night we had Jonny Walker, so it don’t even matter. Just get some fuckin’ liquor in my system. [Shouts to bartender] Another round! My favourite shit is Cisco. That’s my favourite shit to drink is cheap-ass, rock, gut Cisco. Back to the basics, get fuckin’ wasted. Liquid crack they used to call it.

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: Has anything surprised you up to this point as far as enthusiastic fans?

Royce da 5’9″: I think it was Montreal, I noticed somebody was holding up a sign that said “Yaaoowaa.” (It was actually Whistler)I think we had like three crowd divers that night too.

Joell Ortiz: Fuck outta here!? (Since it was the one show Joell missed).

Jonathon “Bizz” Brown: Out of all the cities that you went to where did you have the best time recreation wise?

Joell Ortiz: Me, Edmonton Mall. That shit was nuts. Ridiculous.

Royce da 5’9″: The mall was so pretty that I tweeted that the town was pretty. And everybody replied like ‘nah the town ain’t pretty, the mall is pretty.”

Joell Ortiz: Indoor water park, ice rink, fuckin’ bowling, movies, a strip full of restaurants… a fucking strip full of restaurants(laughs)…a bar and another bar.

Royce da 5’9″: I went in there and got lost. I was in there for hours.

Crooked I: I got blasted and went and watched Kick Ass! By myself.

And that’s Tour Life with Slaughterhouse.

Tour Life w/ McKee Agency DJ - Dames Nellas

2010-07-20T12:28:00.001-04:00

Winnipeg, MB – “Winnipeg I want you to put your hands in the air,” says DJ Dames Nellas while opening for Busta Rhymes in August 2009. “If you got five fingers, close the index, close the ring, close the pinky, keep the thumb and the motherfuckin’ middle finger in the air. Throw that shit around like this and raise that shit as high as you fuckin’ can. And when I say ‘fuck you,’ I want you to say ‘fuck you’ right back. Alright? Yo Winnipeg, FUCK YOU. (Crowd) FUCK YOU. Yo Winnipeg, FUCK YOU. (Crowd) FUCK YOU. Yo Winnipeg, FUCK YOUUU,” yells DJ Dames Nellas before sliding into Pharaohe Monch’s 2007 banger “Fuck You.”

It’s a rumbling start to the Busta tour and my first real glimpse of Nellas’ crowd control and creativity. In a weird way, such a bold, to the point chant mirrors the young DJs recent moves and overall demeanour. He’s from Toronto, but its not that he’s a hater. He just speaks when he means to with assertive, defiantly confident tones.

Coming out of relative obscurity in 2008, Nellas now anchors Off Da Tracks Radio Monday nights on 88.1 in Toornto, has released three mixtapes, toured Canada three times and become Peter Jackson’s show DJ. With a rising profile, “The Official DJ” kicked off the Slaugtherhouse/Pharoahe Monch tour only a month after he was inside an SUV that flipped five times on icy roads while on tour with Tech N9ne.

“I look at [the glass] half full more times to be like ‘ya we crashed but you know what? Straight up everybody’s ok,’” says Nellas. “I’m not going to be like ‘oh my god we all nearly died!’ Because real talk, I didn’t think I was going to die in that situation. But that’s just me though. I’m pretty sure Duxx and PJ (Peter Jackson) thought they were going to die ‘cause they were in the front seat… I was just more or less shocked. Everybody realized what happened, I was just shocked like ‘damn the tour is over! And we in the middle of fuckin’ nowhere and its snowing right now!’ I didn’t have no jacket, I had a sweater on and that’s it.”

But this tour, Nellas didn’t have to worry about anything but spinning because he accompanied Slaughterhouse and Pharoahe Monch on the tour bus. While he had the luxuries of the bus, this particular tour tested his will, covering twice as many dates as both previous tours. He points out the first time he was on the road, last August, he was overwhelmed by the experience and didn’t want to miss a moment no matter how tired he was. The second time, just as the dog days of the tour began, the car flipped and the tour ended for the crew. But now he was travelling with over a dozen people who he just met, in a tight tour bus.

“It’ll just take its toll and have people acting different,” says Nellas of life on the road. “If you can deal with that, then you can live and be on the road. I personally can deal with that. Obviously you stress out about certain things but at the end of the day you realize ‘I’m on the road, ain’t too much I can do about it.’ So you just gotta remember why you’re on the road every single day. I’m not on the road trying to be a celebrity and front. I’m trying to make connections, I’m trying to work, trying to get people to take my CDs. So if you can deal with certain things in that aspect, if you know how to balance your stress out the road can be a place for anybody.”

Being on the tour bus meant a lot of face time with each of the artists on tour. Joe Budden commissioned Nellas to give him a line up at one point, Pharoahe Monch sat up many nights and watched movies with Nellas, Slaugtherhouse eventually grew fond of the young DJ shouting him out on stage at several venues and he even sat in on a listening session of Pharoahe Monch’s new album material. As he soaked in the experience and focused on doing his job, he also looked to the future, planning one day soon to set up his own tour.

A natural leader, he stayed to himself on tour rarely speaking out of turn. However, when it was his point to make, he made it clear and direct. Such a no-nonsense approach and focused attitude is refreshing in a climate where fandom could otherwise easily take over. While he is Peter Jackson’s official DJ and has been for over a year now, Nellas is every bit his own man with his own plan.

“It’s like Whoo Kid. You don’t only know Whoo Kid because of 50,” says Nellas, making it clear he’s more than just Peter Jackson’s tour DJ. “You don’t know Jazzy Jeff because of Will Smith. Are you kidding me? Back in the days bro, man the DJs used to put people on…I haven’t taken it serious but now that I’m taking it serious I know what to do. I’m not stupid. There’s no way I could be stupid. I went and bought the books and read them.”

The books he’s referring to mostly comprise of marketing and self promotion guides, a topic Nellas has focused on lately as he tries to take the next step. He made one major move locking down www.theofficialdj.com which will assist his branding going forward. He continues Off Da Tracks every Monday night and will release his mixtape “The Road Code” mid 2010. But even when he’s home, he remains focused on the tour grind.

“The way I look at it though I’d much rather be touring with my boys,” says Nellas. “If you create an environment where people can luxury like that (in a tour bus), that should be the ultimate goal…I’m on some shit right now where I just want to buy one of those tour vans. Just apply to the government – ‘I need it, it’s a tour van what you mean? I’m going to go on tour.’ See if I can flex with it and just do it. Anytime I need it, its there. Start setting up my own tours. I could do that.”

That’s Tour Life with DJ Dames Nellas.

Written by Jonathon “Bizz” Brown for HipHopCanada

Don’t forget to check out http://www.itlivesinthenorth.com.

"IN MY LIFE" CD RELEASE - JULY 27 - PETER JACKSON

2010-07-19T16:19:00.001-04:00

"IN MY LIFE" CD RELEASE - JULY 27 - PETER JACKSON
Available in HMV across Canada & Itunes

JOE BUDDEN - PETER JACKSON Concerts July 2010

2010-07-19T16:16:00.001-04:00

New PETER JACKSON video "Come On Over" Ft J-MORE

2010-07-16T18:37:00.003-04:00

New PETER JACKSON video "Come On Over" Ft J-MORE.
To view visit www.peterjacksonmusic.ca

Story on The McKee Agency Booked Pharoahe Monch Tour

2010-07-13T15:30:00.004-04:00

Tour Life (Part 3): Pharoahe Monch [Article]

Edmonton, ON – If you’re going to talk to Pharoahe Monch, you better be ready to just slow down, take a breath and listen. Anything but your typical hot shot, fast talkin’ New York rapper, Pharoahe speaks on his own time. If you jump in, he doesn’t talk over you. When he tells stories, he does it in slow, thought out phrases reflecting intense focus. Yet answering a question provokes an almost distracted look as he sifts through the ideas in his head before deciding what to say next. It’s an interesting demeanor for a man legendary for brash, in your face songs like “Simon Says” and “Fuck You.”

“He always got jewels though,” explains Joell Ortiz. “If you sit down and kick it with Pharoahe, he always got something to tell us. He always got a little insight. He’s very unselfish with that too. He’s always willing to give himself and his words of wisdom to a younger class of MCs in his eyes. You know sometimes we’ll be sitting there cracking jokes and Pharoahe will say something and everybody will turn and listen because he usually got some good shit to say.”

So I asked Pharoahe if he’d ever dissed another rapper and not released the song. After nearly a five second pause, he told me he was never into dissing people for the entertainment and “so if I dissed someone I would have to really have hate for them. And (pausing again and putting his forehead in his palm) I try not to let myself go there, because I have a dark side.” He delivers it with authentic uncertainty, as if he’s fully aware of the conflicting parts of his personality.

“That’s the type of dude he is,” explains DJ Dames Nellas. “You can tell he’s on a next level of thinking. He doesn’t see shit the way you and I would see shit. He’s on some next spiritual involvement where it’ll take him away.”

Yet even as his words are spoken softly, Pharoahe’s stage show is explosive and passionate. You can count on “Simon Says” every night to blow the top off the party. With his left t-shirt sleeve rolled up, he anchors the center of the stage as his hype man and singer Showtime dances around, behind and beside him. He claims the stage like a true veteran and by the middle of his set has total control over every crowd. It’s evident; he’s transformed by his element.
On tour, he’s quiet, but you always know he’s there.

“I witnessed that first hand in Whistler when Pharoahe suddenly appeared next to me outside the 7/11. No security, no entourage, just a humble man looking for breakfast.”

“P was cool though,” explains DJ Dames Nellas. “He was more or less just there the entire time. P reminds me of that dude that rolls in your click that’s just always there. Always down for anything. Anything going down, P going to be there. You might not necessarily know he’s there but he’s there.”
I witnessed that first hand in Whistler when Pharoahe suddenly appeared next to me outside the 7/11. No security, no entourage, just a humble man looking for breakfast.

“We call him the wizard,” says Royce Da 5’9. “He’s like a wizard, man. He knows everything!”

“He always speaks like it’s his last breath (imitates Godfather croaking voice) ‘One time….in Aspen,’” jokes Joell Ortiz. “And he always gotta make you do something, ‘Yo reach over there and pass me that (imitating Pharoahe).’”

It seemed the more I heard about Pharoahe, the more I realized the pieces we get through his music are really just the tip of the iceberg. There’s an entirely different beast below the surface.

That’s Tour Life with Pharoahe Monch.

Written by Jonathon “Bizz” Brown for HipHopCanada

Don’t forget to check out http://www.itlivesinthenorth.com.

http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2010/07/tour-life-part-3-pharoahe-monch-article/

Peter Jackson - Article on HipHopCanada.com July 6-2010

2010-07-07T22:11:00.003-04:00

Tour Life (Part 2): Peter Jackson [Article]

http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2010/07/tour-life-part-2-peter-jackson-article/

Posted Jul 6th, 2010 by Jonathon "Bizz" Brown | Whistler, B.C. –

“I just want this so bad,” says Peter Jackson. It’s almost 4 a.m. in Whistler, British Columbia as he sits on the hotel balcony, trying to wind down. It’s been a turbulent tour for the young rapper. Riding on the tour bus with Slaughterhouse and Pharoahe Monch means he’s been isolated from the rest of the crew. He found out mid-way through the tour that one of his close friends was arrested for a violent crime. And earlier that night he was shaken by a heated argument with Concrete Guerilla Clothing owner Duxx. His will has definitely been tested. And interestingly enough, that is exactly what he prides himself on.

“I might not be the best lyricist, but I swear I want it more than anyone doing it,” he says with vulnerable passion in his voice. He looks out towards the mountains and then down at the floor, deep in thought with his hands on his head. He’s struggling to make sense of things. And with so much going on – an album on the way, several videos in production, a distribution deal with Fontana, a new boutique label (Richmond Street Records) and his first tour since a near fatal car crash ended his time on with Tech N9ne in March – who can blame him for showing his emotions.

Peter Jackson started his run back in Durham, Ontario years ago. I met him during my days at Crack House Radio when he’d drop in to promote his latest show at The Big Sexy in Oshawa. Joe Budden, Wu Tang, KRS One and the list goes on – Peter Jackson is the face of hip-hop events east of Toronto.

He’d often purchase the Durham date of any given tour, sell tickets and make himself and his crew 90Nickel the opening acts. With so much invested into each show, it was a risky method of getting attention, but it worked. Since then, he’s toured the country five times with Naughty By Nature, Tech N9ne, D12, Busta Rhymes and Akon. It’s been in large part due to his growing relationship with booking agent Chris McKee, who met Jackson after he won a contest that promised a contract with the McKee Agency.

“I get a phone call from this artist in Oshawa saying, ‘Ya I won this contest. When are we going on tour?’” says Mckee. “I just liked how they were hungry. I was like ‘well I’m not going to put you on tour, but send me your music and lets keep in contact and I’ll see where we can do some stuff together.”

Jackson started buying the aforementioned shows on McKee Agency tours. By November 2008, Mckee placed Jackson on the Never Say Never Tour with Royce Da 5’9, Joe Budden, D12 and Classified.

“I got nothing but good reviews from club owners that they were good people, the [club owners] loved the show, they didn’t give them a hard time,” says Mckee.

As the relationship grew, Jackson would later invite McKee to be his manager as well.

Fast forward to 2010, a make or break year for Jackson. His debut album In My Life is slated for summer and his new single “Ma Ma” featuring Die Mannequin is weeks away from release at the time of tour.

“This is such a personal song and I’m so happy it can be my first single,” says Jackson back at his Durham studio prior to tour. Referring to Die Mannequin lead singer Care Failure, Jackson jokes “This girl is like Cher with death written across her forehead.”

On tour, the single is consistently the most potent part of his set. Along with DJ Dames Nellas, Jackson invites the crowds to put their lighters in the air before the intense, soulful hook blares “My mama told me when I was young… Just take your time child, life has just begun.”

And just as the intensity builds, the crowd can finally reach out and touch the Peter Jackson he seems more ready to show them. The lyrics bear family references and somber, reflective tones which often energize the crowd to share in the lighter-illuminated atmosphere. And forging this connection with his audience is key for an artists banking on his intense tour grind to fuel interest in his debut album. Because while his hustle is becoming notorious, the connection between him and his fans is still building. And ultimately, Peter Jackson admits this is one of the most important songs he’s ever written.

And with a radio run in the preliminary stages and a gripping new video now released online, its crunch time for Peter Jackson.

That’s Tour Life with Peter Jackson

Written by Jonathon “Bizz” Brown for HipHopCanada

Don’t forget to check out http://www.itlivesinthenorth.com.

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Tags: Concrete Guerilla Clothing, Hip-Hop Ain't Dead It Lives In The North, Jonathon "Bizz" Brown, Peter Jackson
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Posted by Jonathon "Bizz" Brown
Bizz is HipHopCanada's Regional Editor for Central Canada covering cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and surrounding areas. The nuts and bolts of Jonathon “Bizz” Brown are impressive, but it’s his ability to apply his skills, identify opportunities, adapt to new environments and get the job done that makes him who he is. An engaging combination of education, experience and vision, Brown continues to make his mark on many fronts and plant his flag as a professional on the rise. Entrenched in the urban music scene for more than half a decade, Bizz launched Crack House Radio in 2004. Over the next four years, the online radio show would evolve into a major outlet for Canadian music and hip hop culture in general. Over that time, Bizz interviewed countless artists and professionals including Belly, Bishop, Drake, Classified, Guru, Joell Ortiz, author and gang specialist Michael Chettleburg, Brent (owner of Just Ent) & many others. In 2007, Bizz joined Urbanology Magazine as a staff writer and would go on to contribute dozens of articles over the next three years including a cover story on Classified in 2009. 2007 also saw the launch of Bizz' line of t-shirts reading "Hip Hop Ain't Dead It Lives In The North." Since then, he's toured with Peter Jackson, Busta Rhymes, DJ Dames Nellas, Bishop, Slaughterhouse & Pharoahe Monch and secured a strong following with his column on Cityonmyback.com called "The Fine Print." Bizz now holds the position of Regional Editor for Canada's Central Region.

Recent Canadian Artist Concerts

2010-07-07T11:23:00.002-04:00

Recent McKee Agency Concerts

2010-07-05T17:40:00.000-04:00

History of DJs Chris McKee has toured across North America

2010-07-05T13:08:00.001-04:00

History of electronic DJs that Chris McKee has booked across North America in his career:

GOLDIE- GROOVERIDER - FABIO - APHRODITE - DJ RAP - DILLINJA & LEMON D - MICKEY FINN - MARLEY MARL - RAY KEITH - DOC SCOTT - SKIBADEE - MC FEARLESS - MC IC3 - MC MC - SLIPMATT - SLAM - NIGEL RICHARDS - DERRICK CARTER - HONEY DIJON - SLIP N SLIDE - FREAKY FLOW & FLIPSIDE - TOTAL SCIENCE - KENNY KEN - L DOUBLE - JON "OO" FLEMING - ADAM F - MICRO - MATRIX - ELLIS DEE - SHY FX - FRENZIC - ILLFINGAS

History of US acts The McKee Agency has toured in Canada

2010-07-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

History of American acts Chris McKee has toured in Canada over the years:

RIHANNA - BLACK EYED PEAS - AKON - FLO-RIDA - THE ROOTS - G-UNIT - LUDACRIS - SLAUGHTERHOUSE - TECH N9NE - BUSTA RHYMES - D12 - OBIE TRICE - FAT JOE - FABOLOUS - 2 LIVE CREW - NAUGHTY BY NATURE - RAEKWON - THA DOGG POUND - ROYCE DA 5'9 - JON B - WYCLEF JEAN - VANILLA ICE - ROB BASE & DJ EZ ROCK - TONE LOC - MC CHRIS - INSPECTAH DECK - PLANET ASIA - JORDAN KNIGHT OF NKOTB - PHAROAHE MONCH - GIRLS GONE WILD - DJ WHOO KID - DJ PREMIER - DJ GREEN LANTERN - REAL 2 REEL - FAT MAN SCOOP - JOE BUDDEN

CANADIAN ARTISTS AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS

2010-07-05T12:40:00.000-04:00

CANADIAN ARTISTS AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS

SNOW
MASSARI

NIKKI AWESOME

PATRICK CHRISTOPHER

MAESTRO FRESH WES

themckeeagency@gmail.com

PETER JACKSON - McKee Agency Management

2010-07-05T11:33:00.001-04:00

The McKee Agency is the management company behind Canada's next star Peter Jackson. Peter's debut CD "In My Life" will be released through Richmond Street Records/Fontana & features guest appearances from an eclectic mix of musicians & producers including: Sizzla, Royce da 5'9, Crooked I, Die Mannequin, Naughty By Nature, Classified, Nikki Awesome, Joell Ortiz, Sheldon Moore, Boi 1 Da, T-Minus and more.

The McKee Agency - Introduction

2010-07-05T11:23:00.000-04:00

The McKee Agency is a boutique talent booking agency, representing many of Canada & The United States top musicians.

We put together concert tours for our artists. The Mckee Agency is operated by award winning booking agent Chris Mckee. In recent years, Chris has put together concert tours for international artists including: Rihanna, Akon, Flo-Rida, The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Obie Trice, G-Unit, Tech N9ne, Slaughterhouse, Busta Rhymes, D12, Raekwon, Fat Joe, Joe Budden, Lil Flip, Royce Da 5'9, Fabolous, Naughty By Nature, Vanilla Ice, MOP, Ludacris, Girls Gone Wild, 2 Live Crew and dozens more.

Chris has also toured most of Canada's top Urban acts including: Classified, Danny Fernandes, Karl Wolf, Choclair, In Essence, Massari, Kardinal, Swollen Members, Shawn Desman, Maestro, Rascalz, Belly, Peter Jackson and many more.