An Indigenous hip-hop performer is bringing his creative lyricism to Vernon in July.
Raistlin Morning Owl, known by his stage name RaytheNihilist, is a 25-year-old Blackfoot Indigenous artist. He will be in Vernon, on stop one of his I’ve Been Doing Good Tour, on Thursday, July 6.
“I have never been to Vernon, so I am excited to check it out,” he told The Morning Star.
Born in Toronto, Ray spent the majority of his youth in Saskatoon and currently resides in Cranbrook.
Ray’s Indigenous background was not a part of his identity until recently, when he recognized the impact his voice could have on members of the youth.
“I grew up not connected with my culture, or that side of my family, to learn the roots of where I came from,” he said. “Recently, I have reconnected and it has empowered me to help.”
Ray’s father was lost to addiction, and his half-sister lost both parents.
“I see in the travelling I do, there is a lot of talent and passion but without enough resources or knowledge to tell those to seek further. “
With hip-hop music, Ray sees it as a direct line to the youth.
“It’s become the new rock, and it’s here to stay,” he said. “Hip-hop plays a vital role in showing kids better outlets. If you can find a way to flip your message and show people that you can accomplish more is huge.”
Ray has previously opened up for acts like Merkules and Rich Homie Quan, but this will be his first solo tour in years.
“I haven’t done a tour since pre-COVID,” he said. “I haven’t done something as established as this before, so I am really excited.”
He will also be making stops in Creston, Red Deer, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Saskatoon.
“This tour for me is about inspiring people and giving them hope in accomplishing their goals and dreams. Against all odds, you can make this happen.”
You can purchase tickets to the July 6 show at Record City for $10 on Facebook here or $15 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m.
You can stream RaytheNihilist on Spotify or Apple Music, and follow him on Instagram.
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