Photograph: Michie Mee
Photograph
Image
Video
Audio
Activities
LOOK
Look at both photos of Michie Mee, the black and white one taken in 1990 and the colour photo taken in 2022. What feelings and perspectives do you think Michie Mee had about her career as an artist at those very different times? To learn more watch CBC’s Black Life: Untold Stories Northern Beats episode.
THINK
What is it about Michie Mee and other trailblazing Black women that makes them such important figures in their respective areas?
DO
Michie Mee is often called the godmother of Canadian rap. Using the internet to search that title, see if you can find the Juno Awards article.
Consider the following:
- How did Michie Mee’s early exposure to music and Jamaican culture influence her unique blend of hip hop and reggae, and how did she contribute to the development of Canadian hip hop as a result?
- How did Michie Mee’s early connections with influential figures like KRS-One and Scott La Rock in the hip hop scene shape her career, and in what ways did her unique linguistic approach to hip hop set her apart as a notable artist?
If you have never listened to Michie Mee’s music, find a track or two and give them a listen! See if you can connect what has been said about her to her lyrics.
Details
Date May 10, 1990
Materials - Photograph
Historical Context
Choose one of the three levels below to match your needs.
- This is a photograph of Michie Mee, real name Michelle McCullock, a Canadian rapper who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970.
- She was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
- She played a crucial role in raising the profile of Canadian hip hop and has been an advocate for women in hip hop.
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Her music blends hip hop with reggae influences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene.
She has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Michie Mee’s music blends hip hop with reggae influences, creating a unique and influential sound that has resonated with audiences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene, setting the stage for future generations of artists.
Beyond her music career, Michie Mee has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.
- This is a photograph of Michie Mee, real name Michelle McCullock, a Canadian rapper who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970.
- She was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
- She played a crucial role in raising the profile of Canadian hip hop and has been an advocate for women in hip hop.
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Her music blends hip hop with reggae influences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene.
She has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Michie Mee’s music blends hip hop with reggae influences, creating a unique and influential sound that has resonated with audiences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene, setting the stage for future generations of artists.
Beyond her music career, Michie Mee has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.
Summary
- This is a photograph of Michie Mee, real name Michelle McCullock, a Canadian rapper who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970.
- She was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
- She played a crucial role in raising the profile of Canadian hip hop and has been an advocate for women in hip hop.
Essential
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Her music blends hip hop with reggae influences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene.
She has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.
In-Depth
This is a photograph of Michelle McCullock, better known by her stage name, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper and musical artist. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970, Michie Mee was the first Black Canadian female rapper to sign a major record deal with her album Jamaican Funk–Canadian Style in 1991.
Michie Mee’s music blends hip hop with reggae influences, creating a unique and influential sound that has resonated with audiences.
Considered a national hip hop pioneer, she played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the Canadian hip hop scene, setting the stage for future generations of artists.
Beyond her music career, Michie Mee has been an advocate for women in hip hop and an influential figure in Toronto’s cultural and artistic community.