Ethiopian-born, Canadian-raised rapper Naya Ali is an award-winning hip-hop artist who exploded onto the scene in 2018 with her debut EP *Higher Self*. Known for her assertive, raspy delivery and exceptional flow, Ali quickly captured attention with her distinctive vocal tone and ability to move in and out of flow pockets skillfully.

But Naya Ali is no longer just proving she’s a great rapper—she’s embracing the freedom to evolve as a multifaceted artist. In the process of creating her bold second album, *We Did the Damn Thing*Ali has leaned into a space of creative liberation, making music that can connect with a wider spectrum of listeners.

Despite her early success as a rap artist—receiving accolades for her two-part full-length debut, “Godspeed: Baptism” (2020) and “Godspeed: Elevated” (2021), the latter winning the ADISQ award for English Album of the Year and a GAMIQ award for Rap Album of the Year—Ali sometimes felt boxed in, both by outside expectations and her own.

With “We Did the Damn Thing”, Ali sheds those limitations, allowing her creativity to flourish. While she remains a sharp and gritty lyricist, something deeper is emerging. “I still love to rap,” she says. “But there’s a lot more to me, not just as an artist, but as a human.”

Widening her artistic scope, Ali combines hard-earned wisdom with a message of gratitude and perseverance. The album title honors her shared experiences as a first-generation immigrant and as a Black woman.

Born in Ethiopia, she emigrated to Canada with her mother as a child. Although Ali dabbled in rap as a teen, she followed the expected path of a first-generation immigrant: going to universitY and getting a job in marketing before dropping everything at 28 to pursue a music career.

That decision changed everything. Ali has learned that truly living means embracing the unknown. She doesn’t claim all her choices were perfect, but perfection isn’t the goal. As she prepares to drop an album where she lets her artistry run free, Ali is ready for whatever comes next—fully embracing the possibilities ahead. Something new is emerging, and she’s all in.

Naya Ali is no longer just proving she’s a great rapper—she’s embracing the freedom to evolve as a multifaceted artist. In the process of creating her bold second album, ‘‘We Did the Damn Thing’’, set to release in early 2025, Ali has leaned into a space of creative liberation, making music that can connect with a wider spectrum of listeners.

Montreal-born pop/alternative artist Yung Leo first drew attention in 2022 with her debut EP Happy Thanksgiving D**heads. Released independently, the project was praised for its sharp writing and fearless tone, and it opened unexpected doors: invitations to respected festivals all without a label or booking agent behind her.

In 2024, Yung Leo reached Canadian radio with ''Habit'', a vulnerable and melodic single that climbed to #24 on the national Pop and Hot A/C charts. This marked her first step into wider recognition. Yung Leo also won both iHeart Radio’s Future Star (2023) and Rogers Radio’s One to Watch (2024).

Rather than chase quick momentum, Yung Leo spent the following year writing and shaping the foundation for her upcoming debut album ''Flying''. Her next chapter begins with ''Jesus'', arriving in FEBRUARY 2026. As the first single from her forthcoming debut album (due in 2026), the track reflects her evolving artistry: brutally honest yet empathetic, weaving poetic textures with difficult social themes.

Still early in her career, Yung Leo is focused on purpose and connection. Her music doesn’t shy away from raw truths but seeks to make space for listeners. With her debut album in the works, she is intent on building a body of work that is as vulnerable as it is integrous.