Kardinal Offishall finds fresh fire after personal loss, career highs and lows

Just a few years after helping Toronto hip-hop gain national attention, Kardinal Offishall faced financial struggles, a lack of gig opportunities, and uncertainty about his career path. His debut album, "Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1," released in 2001, introduced the Caribbean-inspired sound of his hometown to a global audience with hits like "BaKardi Slang" and "Ol' Time Killin'."

However, his American record label, MCA Records, was eventually absorbed by Geffen, and plans for a follow-up album with notable producers like Pharrell and Timbaland fell through. Offishall claimed that the new executives tried to force him into a cookie-cutter mold, making him feel like they had no understanding of his unique style.

After parting ways with the label, Kardinal struggled financially, often sleeping on tour buses and recording music in the back of the bus. Despite these challenges, he found renewed inspiration on the final night of a tour with Akon and Gwen Stefani, which led to the creation of the hit single "Dangerous." Nearly two decades later, Offishall reflects on his journey with "Firestarter Vol. 2: Everyday, Sometimes...," a candid exploration of grief, relationships, and family life as a 50-year-old man.

The album, released independently, features collaborations with Buju Banton, Idris Elba, and BJ the Chicago Kid, as well as a heartfelt track called "Everyday, Sometimes..." which addresses the struggles of living with a loved one's illness. Offishall's decision to release the album independently allows him to chart his own course without the pressure to achieve immediate commercial success, a philosophy he attributes to advice from his friend and fellow musician Stephen Marley.