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

Kardinal Offishall, a trailblazing rapper from Toronto, experienced a rollercoaster career marked by both highs and lows. After releasing his breakthrough album "Quest for Fire: Firestarter, Vol. 1" in 2001, Offishall struggled to find success due to the music industry's challenges. His American label, MCA Records, fell under Geffen's control, and plans for a follow-up album featuring Pharrell and Timbaland fell through.

Offishall, who had to part ways with the label, faced financial difficulties and instability. He eventually toured with artists like Akon and Gwen Stefani, sleeping on the bus and recording music in the back. It wasn't until the final night of a tour that Offishall recorded "Dangerous," an Akon-assisted hit that reignited his career.

Two decades later, Offishall released "Firestarter Vol. 2: Everyday, Sometimes…," a sequel that delves into themes of grief, relationships, and family life. The album features songs that Offishall had ideas for years, including "Top 3" with reggae star Buju Banton and British actor Idris Elba, as well as "Everyday, Sometimes…" addressing the struggles of regular human suffering.

Offishall is releasing the album independently, appreciating the freedom it offers him to chart his own course. He is currently working on a collaborative project with Idris Elba and has other projects in the works, including an EP with producer Slakah the Beatchild and a potential collaboration with Canadian R&B singer Glenn Lewis.

Offishall emphasizes that Toronto's music scene should be recognized for its diversity instead of being confined to a single "Toronto sound."