With the temperature sliding down toward single digits, it was no problem to see Snow in the forecast at the Western Fair grandstand.
But Snow, the Toronto reggae, hip-hop artist who is Darrin O’Brien when he’s off-stage, had to earn his top spot on the bill after a hot opening set from emergency special guest Kardinal Offishall and his hip-hop crew.
Snow moved up to the closing spot on last night’s bill when soul pop group soulDecision cancelled late Thursday due to transportation problems in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the U.S.
Both singers shared their reaction to the attacks and the emotions they’ve brought out to the crowd, estimated at 600 fans.
Snow stopped his set to say how music stood out against such violence and hatred. ‘We don’t want to do that (hate). We want to do this,’ Snow said. ‘It’s great to have all different races and all different colours together,’ he said, gesturing to his band and then around the audience. (Snow is white and his band includes blacks and whites).
Considering the inexplicable popularity of Snow’s breakthrough single ‘Informer’ in the early 90s, many thought it would be the beginning and end of commercial success for the rap/reggae musician from Scarborough, Ontario.
“Any successful writer will tell you that they write about what they know, and that’s what we do.” – Dolo, Ghetto Concept