Mixtape Review: T.O. Vs. MTL

Throughout history there have been major rivalries. From Cain and Abel (which didn’t end so well) to LeBron and Kobe, you can’t deny how powerful some rivalries can be. The Great Canadian Rivalry in-between Montreal and Toronto is as old as the country itself and will never die (just read a history book, people). Recently a mixtape was released by TopLeft Recordings & Morburn Music that will only add fuel to the flame. 

The question is asked: which city has the better Rapper?

As a Montréalais, I can’t deny how hard it is to give an impartial opinion. Some of the artists featured on the mixtape from Montreal are people I know personally, others are artists who have charted on CJLO Radio, and then there are some that still owe me money (you know who you are!). All joking aside, when it came down to the music both sides put their best foot forward.

I won’t lie; starting off the mixtape with a Toronto release featuring an American artist irked me a little. My first thought was, “These Toronto cats are pulling in some help from the outside,” but once I heard the track I had to accept that it was a solid jumping-off point. The tone was set and the mixtape continued to build momentum from that point. 

Flipping between Toronto and Montreal rappers, with each track complimenting the next, the album never lost my attention. I’m not the biggest fan of Auto-Tune, so when the track “One Shot” came on I was a little leery. Personal taste aside, the rap is solid and the track is good.
In the end there is no clear winner in this debacle, especially since this is just a sample of what each city has to offer. The mixtape is, however, an amazing introduction to the styles and influences of each city and a great way for the artists on the mixtape to get exposure. They bring their “Eh” Game (pun intended), and I look forward to next year’s installment.

-Brian Döc Holidæ

Download the Mixtape for yourself here.