TORONTO — Maestro Fresh Wes was among the celebrated figures at the recent unveiling of Canada Post stamps that honor hip-hop artists as part of Black History Month. The Canadian postal service introduced three new stamps featuring notable figures in the hip-hop scene: Wes himself, renowned rapper and actress Michie Mee, and the Quebec-based trio Muzion.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, was a significant occasion for Mee, who expressed her emotions while speaking at the ceremony. Known as the godmother of Canadian rap, Mee shared how the honor of being featured on the stamp holds immense meaning for both her and her family. "It means so much to my family, especially to those who are familiar with stamps and send letters. Shout out to you! I’m gonna be mailing you soon," she remarked.
This exclusive event attracted nearly 300 attendees, including family, friends, and fans of the honorees. The atmosphere was lively, filled with hip-hop music, an open bar, and plenty of dancing, providing a fitting backdrop for the celebration.
Stanley Rimsky Salgado, a member of Muzion, spoke at the event, reflecting on the importance of this recognition. He articulated the sentiment felt by many artists within the hip-hop community, stating, "It is everything that any artist, anyone that is part of a culture, fighting to be seen. This is what you want to live. This is what it is all about, to be acknowledged." Further expressing his pride in Canadian hip-hop, he referred to it as "the greatest national treasure that we have."
The newly released stamp set is designed as a tribute to the rich and colorful heritage of hip-hop in Canada. The stamps are printed using fluorescent inks that emit a glow under black light and feature striking metallic silver-and-black duotone portraits, enhanced by a combination of matte and gloss varnishes.
Maestro Fresh Wes, reflecting on the significance of this milestone, could hardly contain his excitement, sharing, "I never thought we’d get our own stamps, but how cool is that? And my pops took the photo. Wicked!" He embraced his father on stage, marking a special moment in their family history.
The artistic design of the stamps was created by Noël Nanton and Nadia Molinari from typotherapy, a Toronto-based studio. Mee, pointing to her stamp that showcases her younger self against a vibrant backdrop, recounted a conversation with a young woman, affirming her belief that they would eventually achieve this acknowledgment. "I tried to tell this young lady we were gonna make it, and now we’re here," she said, celebrating the triumph.
According to Canada Post, this issuance marks the first time that stamps specifically recognizing hip-hop artists have been produced. The organization mentioned that each artist featured has played a crucial role in shaping the genre of hip-hop and rap in Canada, underscoring the cultural significance of their contributions.
The stamps and related collectibles became available to the public starting Wednesday, allowing fans to celebrate and support the Canadian hip-hop scene through this unique memorabilia.
In a historical context, the previous year’s stamp for Black History Month showcased Marie Joseph Angélique, a woman wrongfully accused in the 18th century of arson after attempting to escape her enslaver. This serves to underscore the evolving narrative within the Black Canadian experience, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs over the years.
