Information/Write-up
Michie Mee stands as one of the foundational figures in Canadian hip-hop, a pioneering artist whose career helped define the genre’s early identity while expanding its sonic and cultural boundaries. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Mee brought together reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop at a time when Canadian rap was still fighting for visibility, infrastructure, and legitimacy—both at home and abroad.
She began performing professionally as a teenager, emerging in Toronto during the late 1980s when hip-hop culture in Canada was largely sustained by community radio, local venues, and independent networks. From the outset, Mee’s music reflected a transnational sensibility: Jamaican rhythmic traditions, North American hip-hop structures, and a distinctly Canadian perspective shaped by immigration, urban life, and cultural hybridity. This fusion—now commonplace—was still radical at the time, particularly when delivered by a female MC asserting full creative authority.
In 1991, Michie Mee made history as the first Canadian hip-hop recording artist to sign with a U.S. major label, releasing her debut album Jamaican Funk: Canadian Style. The album positioned her as a bridge between Caribbean-rooted sounds and contemporary rap, and established her presence beyond Canada’s borders. Tracks such as “Get It Together,” “Kotch,” and “You’re Feisty” showcased her command of flow, rhythm, and identity, while affirming that Canadian hip-hop could compete internationally without mimicking American regional scenes.
Throughout the 1990s, Mee toured extensively and shared stages with major international artists, helping to open doors for Canadian rap acts that followed. At the same time, she began expanding into acting, becoming one of the first Canadian hip-hop artists to successfully transition between music and screen. Her on-screen work included film roles and recurring television appearances, most notably her co-starring role as Divine in the influential series Drop the Beat, which offered one of the earliest sustained portrayals of hip-hop culture on Canadian television.
After a lengthy recording hiatus, Mee returned with The First Cut Is the Deepest, an album that reflected artistic maturity, lived experience, and a refined synthesis of reggae, hip-hop, and spoken narrative. Rather than chasing trends, the record reaffirmed her role as a cultural author—addressing industry politics, gender, autonomy, and resilience. The album’s structure, interludes, and production collaborators underscored her continued commitment to storytelling and community dialogue.
Beyond recorded music and acting, Michie Mee’s influence extends deeply into mentorship, advocacy, and cultural leadership. A vocal supporter of youth education and artist development, she has remained actively engaged with emerging generations of musicians and creatives, drawing from her own experiences navigating the music industry at a time when institutional support was minimal. Her involvement in showcases, advisory boards, and international hip-hop initiatives reflects a career increasingly focused on legacy and infrastructure rather than visibility alone.
Mee’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including lifetime achievement and community awards, and a landmark Toronto Arts Council Roy Thomson Hall Award acknowledging her lasting impact on the city’s musical life. She has also been recognized for her role in advancing women’s visibility and authority within hip-hop, both in Canada and internationally.
Now spanning more than three decades, Michie Mee’s career represents more than a sequence of releases or roles—it embodies the formation of Canadian hip-hop itself. As an artist, cultural architect, and trailblazer, her work continues to resonate across music, media, and community spaces, affirming her place as a central figure in Canada’s hip-hop history.
-Robert Williston
Songwriting and Production
“Interlude: The Album”
Performed by Chris Rouse
Overseen by Da Mix Man (Darius Szczepaniak)
"Ripped Mee Off”
Written by Michelle McCullock; Howard Nicholson
Produced by Swiff for Da Grassroots Music
Recorded at Number Nine
Mixed by Graham Brewer at Metalworks
“Don’t Wanna Be Your Slave”
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Additional lyrics by Ms. Mee
Produced by Jon Levine and David Corty
Recorded and mixed at Metalworks
Vocals by Esthero
“Your Daughter”
Written by Michelle McCullock; Shaedon Billy; Newell Marti
Produced by Newell Martin for Down To Earth Productions
Mixed by Super D Da Mix Man (Darius Szczepaniak)
Recorded and mixed at Phase One Recordings
“Time Is Now”
Written by Michelle McCullock; Andrew Williams
Produced by “The Drew” for Track-N-Field Entertainment
Michie Mee for Track-N-Field Entertainment
Recorded and mixed at Phase One Recordings
Engineered by Dave Tedesco
“Interlude: Uncle Nigel”
Performed by Chris Rouse
Overseen by Da Mix Man (Darius Szczepaniak)
“I’m the One”
Written by Michelle McCullock; Lowell Frazer; Emerson Rouse
Produced by Shawn Emery
Recorded and mixed at Phase One Recordings
Mixed by Super D Da Mix Man (Darius Szczepaniak)
“Interlude: Spice This!”
Performed by Michie Mee and Kwamster a/k/a Da Scorpios
“Love It or Leave It Alone”
Written by Michelle McCullock; J. Black; Joylene Frazier; Shaedon Billy; Tara Chase; Kwajo Boateng
Produced and mixed by Kwaji Boateng for Seven Bills Entertainment
Recorded and mixed at Phase One Recordings
Tara Chase appears courtesy of Chase N On Music
“I’ll Call You”
Produced by Alex G
“Still Here”
Produced by Alex G
Featuring Richie Lu
“Fun Surround Dem”
Produced by The Drew
“Lady Luck (The Darkside)”
Produced by Mr. Murray
“Interlude: Fakin’ Jamaican”
Featuring Kwamster
“Cut Off (Unclean)”
Produced by Phil Cold
“Interlude: Personal Assistant”
Featuring Chris Rouse
“Cover Girl”
Produced by DJ X
“Interlude: Said Chuck”
Featuring Chuck D
“Free”
Produced by Alex G
“Interlude: Outro & Cut Off (Clean)”
Produced by Phil Cold
Liner notes
To my God Almighty who has given me the strength to go on with the health -n- sanity to maintain (ca you know its been hard). To my mother who is my secret weapon of inner strength, my inspiration, my mentor, my best and realest friend my son’s main woman, my reason more than anything to continue on what I started.
I believe my mommy always told you I had a job. Well this is it! To my other main man the captain of the home team my brother Jason you know why I would sneak out -n- go to the re-centre, I hope it all makes sense (n-dollars). To all of my family, Daddy, Aunt Barbara (the General) special thanks for making my dreams a North American/International one. To my cousins equally Canada and Jamaica. To all my dedicated fans/friends all over the world that always knew what it was and backed Mee and felt Mee no choice. To my mama Lou for all those studio microwave weeks – Indian dishes I was never weak. Luv ya mama! To college radio stations across Canada starting with the original underground railroad radio of Hip Hop “CKLN” I had to put in some hours is you CRAZY! (rubbing the tree stump at Apollo) To Ivan Berry one of my mentors. I’ve learned so much from you, and I luv you for that, I didn’t miss a thing out there! Gimmie the catalogue and the phone book now! You’re my big (II) Bra for life. To Chuck you saved my dream thanks for all your support, you have an equal amount of listening skills as you do thinking skills. Thanks for your patience and strength. Thank you to Troy AKA “Floyd” Cameron, my ears -n- organizer I salute you! To my extended families all my other mothers you’re the strongest set of black women I know. I’ve learnt to listen (no my ears not hot anymore). To all my people around all the music in the blocks at the rec-centres and mentor groups. We all need support. Ghetto prisoners rise. To all my single mothers around the world stay strong family comes first. (Pray). no matter what Lil Bra Kwame thanks for being there. We put up with each other we’re GREEEAT! DJX thanks for that great covergirl commercial it has been more than a pleasure working with you on the powermove show. I appreciate your honesty. To Naddi F., Nadine, A.K.A. Deenie, you’ve always been there for Mee no matter what. (I swear I’m gonna pay those tickets!) Luv yu -n- family, you know I got ya back, Tomlinsons, The (Fagans) Tyese -n- Tre-Tete to my homegirls Jennifer, Erica (MC Peace), Cocoa Chanel, Norma/Nikki and Letisha, Sue-Yeng, Candis, Pheonix Gonzales, Lil Michelle, Lindsay, Shawna, (Roxanne) Shante, Lequen Latifah, MC Lyte, Shonnette -n- Ruthy for helping on my video that really meant alot to Mee, Karen, Alyson, Melba, Marcia, Sharon, Angela, Bon-Bon, Nikki, Vanessa, Ronnie, Andrea. All my sisters keep ya head up -n- never let go of your dreams. Take care of all my nieces -n- nephews. Only the strong survive. Too-muchmusic for just making it worth my while. Thanks for all your support, big ups all Dee While, Denise Donald and master T! Thanks Rebecca for helping Mee get through, Claudia Much, Bootsie, Glen, all the Security at much you’re people too! RaggaDeath, RaggaDeh the band I’ll see you in the studio!!! Ron Nelson for always, always, being there for Mee I wonder if Canada will ever understand what you did for Hip Hop in T.O. you’re a true and best promoter I know, I’m glad to come from your stables of Hip Hop. Mr & Mrs Nelson here is my new demo. Mrs Berry, Ms Robinson, Libra Catering, Sunshine Sound, just because. Chichi, T.K.O., Hi-Tek-King Turbo, Heatwave Soul II Soul, StoneLove, Killamanjaro, Renaissance, Na Stop Follow you! All My Patient producers when times were hard I really appreciate these has believe
Dat! Dat real to Mee. The entire staff at Silverpoint Graphics thanks especially Keith Chang your respect is due. To Anita for all the extra effort!!! To Deanna 100°F, Damzels in this Dress, Anne Hung, Roots, DKNY, all crutchers, thanks for the gear when I needed it. I luv my clothes thanks. If you can’t be good be careful. MichCheck, Word Mag Access, Now, Errorline, Lounge, Paula at Hype music big up all t.o. emcee’s it’s time, especially the ladies. Ghetto Prisoners Rise. If I can’t do me then I won’t be feeling. Now I’m gonna start my album. Thanks Track team Chilly (I’ll always luv ya!), R.I.P. Darius, Bishop J-crew family Dwight Cheeks, Bucky n Marble Nose 4 ever Baby Bucky R.I.P. The Fugitive miss ya much stay focused. Leave it alone to all the heads who stay true to what they do and who are never afraid of exploring any whatever musical obstacle they see fit. To all my peoples doing the best they can under whatever circumstances. Big up all the super sisters around the way.
Stay Strong 4 ever. And pray big up all conscious sounds cross our world keep the energy alive! It’ll all circle down. Real McCoy the realest brother out here give thanks to you brothers for being there when a sister needed help. All the street soldiers who was there for Mee when I didn’t have a clue how it was supposed to work but knew I just had to work harder. To all my people who help Mee and my son. The Archers the Wedderburns, aunty Sandra Scabby and my big nephews Jr. Ranking, Mark. Phase one I luv you all 4 ever and it’s business as usual. Thanks again Paul n Darius you hooked a sister up! Oh yeh – thanks Metal Works for recording a single, but how could you lose my Dat? To all the lawyers who were helping Mee when I had no money to retain them I understand. I got what I asked for. To Patrick Nickols the photographer who looked out no matter what (I respect that, you didn’t join em). Now I got the photo and the money I wish you all the best. To everyone on set, see you soon! Special thanks to Herby Azor who heard about my dream and my situation over and over the years and decided to help. I really respect and appreciate that. You’re a smart man. Lory Berger, Gail Lacroix, Michael Lacroix for your personal business ($$) guidance. To all of you who underestimated, Mee it doesn’t matter now. You don’t ever have to like Mee, but Respect is over due (I love my Island). To everybody who laughed at my situation – heh long it took. Wait till the smoke clear – the shit hits the fan. All you people who misprinted Mad shit I am mad at ya! Dem a go tread fi see Mee face.
To the young new artist who still have a choice. Pick your team properly. Who can’t hear must feel special thanks to “The Drew” for all the extra help. Let’s Madd Dem!!!!! See Mee Ya!!!! I’d also like to thank the “Track Team” – God, Big Sha, Troy Cameron, Herby Azor (for advice when necessary). The Core (management), “The Drew” (NYC), Chuck D, Keith and Anita at Silverpoint Graphics, George Stein – for all the legal advice, Lucy Berger – for all your accounting expertise, Ken Freundlich – for setting me free, and everyone at Atomic Pop and especially James for all the extra hours put in, Track-N-Field Entertainment; just in time for the 2000 OLYMPICS – on your mark, get set, GO!! Track-N-Field Entertainment – everyone on the same team… just different events
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