CHIEF ROCK
Twelve years ago in the dingy reaches of Canada's most industrialized centre, Chief Rock began
his performing career. What was once a sprawling Iroquoi heartland of the Six Nations, Hamilton
now seems the most unlikely setting to re-cultivate the trampled Native culture... but this
hasn't stopped Rock from donning his head dress.
His earliest high school performances were rough. He hadn't yet received any formal training,
but the experience of playing to a live audience proved immediately addictive. Consequently,
Chief Rock joined the Kanata Native Dance Theater where he mastered, not only 4 different
styles of traditional Native dance, but also stage awareness and physical 'storytelling'.
Shortly thereafter the internationally renowned Red Thunder dance group invited him to join
their tour. Since this time the Hamilton native has been bringing his flair to most parts of
North America and even far away lands such as Guyana and Taiwan. Above and beyond his touring
accolades, Chief Rock has also danced in three music videos for EMI, including Tom Cochraine's
"I Wonder" and Susan Aglukhark "One Hand Turns Another".
As strong as his background in traditional Native culture may be, Chief Rock will be the first
to declare that his passions extend far beyond the ancient rituals of the pow wow. Long before
he had dawned the traditional beads and feathers, Rock was scuffing his sneakers as a B-Boy.
With thousands of hours logged on the cardboard in Powell Park, his moves now attest to an
authentic breed of break dancing. And he owes his well-earned break dancing reputation in the
Hamilton and Toronto hip-hop club scenes largely to his proficient footwork.
Albeit that Chief Rock can tell a compelling story with his body, his current mission is to
spread a message with his voice. A founding member at large of S -n- S Steel Squadron, Chief
Rock writes and produces all of his own material. The beckoning aura of his instrumental
arrangements, overlaid with his sobering lyrics offer an intriguing primer on Canada's immediate
cultural climate.
If the momentum this young man has enjoyed to date is any indication of his future direction,
commercial success is within his grasp. Having recently been nominated for a Native American
Music Award, in the Best Rap/Hip Hop category, and a Canadian Aboriginal Award, Chief Rock is
likely to be in contention for a Juno Award in the coming year. His clever blend of traditional
Native culture with the hottest contemporary musical genre could easily be the new combination to
catch the attention of today's young people.
Website: www.chiefrockmusic.com
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