Biography

There’s nothing new under the sun? Jamaican-Canadian artist Jonathan Emile forces listeners to question the truth of this ancient proverb.

Jonathan Emile is a Montreal poet, composer, cancer-survivor and entrepreneur. In 2011 he garnered attention with the release of his debut EP “The Lover/Fighter Document,” which was placed on the long list of the 2011 Grammy Nominations for Rap Album of The Year.

Emile has recently collaborated with KRS1, Kendrick Lamar, Buckshot, Naledge & Murs for his anticipated debut LP. Additionally, he has had the honour of sharing the stage with rapper “Common” in Montréal, “Nelly” in Las Vegas and “Naughty By Nature” & “Slick Rick” in New York. He has also collaborated closely with world-renowned cellist Denis Brott, and shared venues with Oliver Jones and Miri Ben-Ari. Emile is also founder and President of independent record label Mindpeacelove Records.

Emile’s music is defined by truth as he shares his experiences of battling cancer, addresses current affairs and explores humanity. Through hip-hop, R&B/neo-soul and
reggae, Emile offers an honest and unique perspective of reality without sacrificing the ‘hype noise’ that the new generation craves. His music is danceable but reflective, fresh but in tune with the legacy of soul music.

At the age of 18 Emile was diagnosed with cancer, and for the following two years he underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation to fight the disease. During this period, the artist used music as his personal therapy as he fought the disease and devoted his energy to becoming a significant and respected MC.

The depth and relevance of his lyrics are only paralleled by his presence and understanding of today’s music trends. His devotion to hip-hop and creativity spawns
from his ideology and quest for knowledge. He does not see himself as strictly a hip-hop artist, but as a liberal thinker with a knack for rhythm and rhyme. “My life and art are not a style. It’s a philosophy,” Emile explains. “I try to live by mind peace and love in all aspects of my life.”

At the age of 18 Emile was diagnosed with cancer, and for the following two years he
underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation to fight the disease. During this period,
the artist used music as his personal therapy as he fought the disease and devoted his
energy to becoming a significant and respected MC.

Emile’s music is defined by truth as he shares his experiences of battling cancer,
addresses current affairs and explores humanity. Through hip-hop, R&B/neo-soul and
reggae, Emile offers an honest and unique perspective of reality without sacrificing
the ‘hype noise’ that the new generation craves. His music is danceable but reflective,
fresh but in tune with the legacy of soul music.

With the success that 2010 brought, Emile is preparing for an even bigger year in 2011.
He will be delivering 12 web music videos to his 155,000 Facebook fans and 110,000 YouTube
subscribers, while adding to his 2 million YouTube views.

Emile’s “The Lover/Fighter Document” EP is available on store shelves in 7 countries and
for download worldwide through Amazon, iTunes and Ebay.