Light House hosts hometown set with Classified
Posted Feb 16, 2023 05:44:00 PM.
This weekend will see Classified in Halifax, but he'll be performing with a little twist.
His Retrospected Tour will see him do acoustic versions of his hits and give fans a more intimate look at the artist.
“I always love playing here in Halifax. These are my family and friends. From the recent Supernova concert to playing Parade Square, it's always fun,” he said.
“People seem to come expect certain things from the shows, but it'll be really cool with the acoustic side of things. People may come to see the lyrics differently.”
It'll be interesting for Classified, who's never played at the Light House Arts Centre before – it was recently converted from the old convention centre to a hub for culture and entertainment in the city.
“I went there one time to do a day-time interview, but I've never played there. It looks pretty awesome and they have amazing sound, set-up, and the people who work there are great,” he said.
“It's a spot a lot of bands are going now. It's a venue this city needed. It really is state-of-the-art and it's filled a gap.”
He both grew up here, lives in Enfield and says playing for a hometown crowd is always different.
“I do get a bit more nervous. When I play Cranbrook or Toronto, I might know five, six, or 10 people,” he said.
“When I am home, it's everyone I know in that audience. I want to come out and do a really good job for them. I just always try to give it all.”
The rapper burst onto the scene in the 2000s and has opened for The Game, Nelly, Nas, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and more.
His music has been featured in video games, he's hosted the Juno Awards, and hits like Inner Ninja, Oh…Canada, That Ain't Classy, No Pressure and more have been radio airwave hits.
Contrary to many artists, Classified has remained in his hometown even after gaining huge success in the industry.
“I moved into the city, and then bought a house back in Enfield. My family, my wife's family and our friends are all here. I know 99 per cent of artists from around here end up in Toronto. It never attracted me,” he said.
“I love music. I'm so happy to have brought this from a hobby to a job. I want to do it here and I am lucky I got to do so. I've had the same friends since Grade 3, and my brothers and sister work and tour with me. I'm not willing to leave.”
An artist who's released 18 albums, this Retrospected Tour will see Classified, Reeny Smith and special guests come together to do an acoustic set of his classic songs.
“The fans are the reason we did this acoustic album. We would always push acoustic versions of the songs to our social media. We did it for years and people loved it,” he said.
“They kept asking me to do it for older songs. David Myles and I did smaller, acoustic concerts when “Inner Ninja” came out and it gave me a new perspective.”
He said this will allow people to hear and understand the songs in totally new ways.
“People seem to love the lyrics and stories in my songs. Sometimes in a night-club late at night, they don't get across. This is a different way to hear those songs,” he said.
Classified and Reeny Smith have done 27 shows across Canada to date, and Halifax is one of a few more to come.
“We have a few more in Toronto, but things are wrapping up. I've known Reeny for six-or-seven years, and it's been amazing having her on the tour bus,” he said.
“We got to know each other better. We get along great, they're an amazing artist, and they play drums and keys. She's super talented and a great musician.”
He's convinced his friend has a long career ahead of her, and says she deserves everything that comes her way.
“She's a lifer in this industry. Whether she's on MTV, at the Grammys or just jamming with her family, she will always do what she loves. It's going to be really nice to do this at-home show with her.”
Classified plays two nights at the Light House Arts Centre this weekend, on both February 17 and 18. More information can be found online.
