Da Grassroots

Websites:  No
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Da Grassroots: Toronto’s Unsung Architects of Canadian Hip-Hop

Da Grassroots were a groundbreaking hip-hop production trio from Toronto who played a defining role in shaping the sound and soul of Canadian hip-hop in the 1990s. Formed in 1989, the group was composed of three visionary producers—Mr. Attic (Roger Perryman), Mr. Murray (Nicholas Murray), and Swiff (Howard Nicholson)—who brought a jazz-infused, soul-heavy style to the city’s underground scene. With sample-rich, head-nodding beats and a deep respect for hip-hop’s cultural foundations, Da Grassroots quickly earned a reputation as producers' producers—crafting sophisticated backdrops that elevated Toronto’s rising MCs.

Their early production work was closely tied to the ascent of artists like Ghetto Concept, Choclair, and Saukrates, all of whom benefitted from Da Grassroots' cinematic soundscapes. The trio's collaborative spirit helped foster a tight-knit creative community in Toronto, laying the groundwork for what would become a golden era of Canadian hip-hop.

In 1999, they released their seminal debut album, Passage Through Time, on Conception Records. A masterclass in underground hip-hop production, the album featured guest spots from many of the city’s top talent—Choclair, Saukrates, Marvell, and Ghetto Concept among them. Tracks like “Thematics,” “Body Language,” and “Price of Livin’” showcased Da Grassroots’ deft ability to combine moody atmospheres with lyrical depth, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted following.

After Passage Through Time, the members pursued individual paths. Mr. Attic co-founded the boutique label Choice Cut Records, Mr. Murray went on to work with experimental soul/electronic group LAL, and Swiff continued mentoring and producing talent through the Black Employed Records imprint. Tragically, Swiff passed away in 2018, a loss deeply felt across the Canadian music community.

Despite never achieving mainstream fame, Da Grassroots left an indelible imprint on Canadian hip-hop. Their influence can be traced through the sound of countless artists who followed in their footsteps, and Passage Through Time remains one of the most respected and influential albums in the country’s rap canon.

In a city often overshadowed by its southern neighbours, Da Grassroots proved that Toronto had its own voice—thoughtful, innovative, and rooted in the truth of lived experience. They weren’t just making beats; they were building legacy.
-Robert Williston