Canadian hip-hop icon Michie Mee is thrilled about the news of her upcoming appearance on a Canadian postage stamp. Describing the moment she received the call from Canada Post as surreal, she expressed her sheer joy and excitement during an interview with host Nil Kӧksal on “As It Happens.”
Michie Mee, often referred to as the pioneer of Canadian rap, will be featured on one of the three stamps dedicated to Canadian hip-hop trailblazers for Black History Month in February. The other artists to be honored on the stamps are Toronto rapper and producer Maestro Fresh Wes and the Quebec trio Muzion.
Canada Post highlighted the significant contributions of each artist to shaping the hip-hop and rap genre in Canada. Michie Mee, originally from Jamaica and raised in Toronto, was recognized for introducing Jamaican patois into her lyrical flow.
Maestro Fresh Wes, known for his 1989 hit single “Let Your Backbone Slide,” was acknowledged as the first Canadian MC to achieve mainstream success. Meanwhile, Muzion was praised for infusing a unique blend of French, English, and Haitian Creole into their music.
This marks the first time that Canada Post is featuring hip-hop artists on its Black History Month stamps since the tradition began in 2009. Michie Mee, born Michelle Ann Camille McCullock, reflected on her groundbreaking career, which commenced at a time when Canadian hip-hop was underrepresented and undervalued.
She emphasized the challenges faced by Canadian hip-hop artists in an era when the genre struggled for recognition and airplay. Despite the obstacles, Michie Mee and her contemporaries persevered, carving out a distinct identity within the music scene and garnering acclaim both domestically and internationally.
The unveiling of the hip-hop-themed stamps is scheduled for a private event at The Concert Hall in Toronto on January 27, followed by a public release in February. Michie Mee expressed gratitude for being selected for this honor, emphasizing her pride in representing Canadian women in rap and the enduring impact of her contributions to the music industry.
Looking ahead, Michie Mee shared words of wisdom for aspiring Canadian artists, urging them to stay focused, believe in themselves, and enjoy the journey of pursuing their dreams. She remains optimistic about the future of Canadian music and continues to embrace her identity and legacy in the industry.