Who's the biggest hip hop name that you've probably never heard. It's none other than Classified. This cat's got the game locked down, but hasn't hit it big for two main reasons: First, he's Canadian. True, the barriers are swiftly being broken down as International hip hop heads have begun to recognize the underground potent of Canadian hip hop artists, but secondly he's from the East Coast. Classified a.k.a. Class hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia and has six years experience in the game. But, with T.O. receiving the majority of Canada's hip hop glory, its very east to see why the North East Canada's most talented rapper is easily overlooked. He's a household name for any hip hop heads from Canada's East Coast and deserves a place in the spotlight along side Choclair, Kardinal and Saukrates.

If Class keeps spitting his skillful rhymes and producing his dependable old-school clubbish beats, then he will get his chance to shine in the spotlight. It's just a matter of time, Class' maintained commitment and ability to overcome his "Questions" and the "Politics" of the game. These are but just two of Class' lyrically ill tracks on his latest release, Union Dues. Nearly half the tracks tread through Class' thoughts on the hip hop game and his feeling that he is due for the limelight. But, at the same time he states on "Things Keep Changin'" that "what would I think, if in a year I made this. Reach a million heads. Goin' platinum. Feeling famous...Awards callin' my name... But inside I'm feeling all strange," this line demonstrates that Class' heart is pure underground. And when he does make it, he'll be more prepared than any other emcee because he made it without any breaks and by battlin' "Politics".

The other half of the album is a pish posh of tracks ranging from "Past Out" which will no doubt remind you of the Tha Alkaholiks' classic "Hip Hop Drunkies." "Talking Shit" demonstrates why JoRun's cutting and scratching ability has several times won him Halifax's DMC title. JoRun mixes various samples, in particular Method Man's "..it's about to hit the fan, hit the flo." in a way to perfectly complement Class' vocals. True DJ Poetry. "Crossing Lines" is dope and will hit home for any hard-working underground emcees. The Dubble J produced "It's Like This" is the "...Bad Side (remix) times ten...". The bass beat is bumping and I'm feeling Divo's featured verse making it a hot track.


Union Dues is yet another impressive album from the underground Eastern Canadian guru, Classified. It falls a bit short of the calibre of his last album Unpredictable, which received international recognition, but nonetheless Union Dues is impressive. Remember the name Classified because its only a matter of time before he get his dues.

Click here to buy the album or read CDNow's album review.