John Smith - Growing Pains

Release date: October 24, 2006
Cat. No: P&C038CD
Format: CD

Release Info
John Smith is widely regarded as Winnipeg, Manitoba’s most versatile MC. Respected by all of Hip Hop's fractured factions, Smith is just as comfortable bringing a hot sixteen bars to the club as he is serving up youngsters in street corner ciphers. As Peanuts & Corn Records’ resident broken-knuckle bard, Smitty crafts songs that detail his adventures as an MC, party animal, and self-described “wrongtrepeneur”. Stylistically, he eases through a myriad of flows with a delivery that ranges from quietly conversational to loud, damning testimonial. His quick wit, wordplay, and an uncanny knack for social observation in combination with almost 10 years of recording experience is indicative of his dedication to songwriting, rapping, and Hip Hop.

Big Smutty, as he's occasionally known (usually after too many Stella Artois), moved to Winnipeg from Churchill, Manitoba's northernmost community, in 1993. The transition from the “polar bear capitol of the world” to the “murder capitol of Canada” was surprisingly smooth for the young MC, who quickly gained notoriety as a ruthless battle rapper. After serving a brief apprenticeship as mcenroe's hype man, the two MCs, along with DJ Hunnicutt formed Park-Like Setting and released the full length School Day 2, Garbage Day 4, in the fall of 2000. Smitty's since released two albums, Blunderbus (2001), and Pinky’s Laundromat (2004). His collaboration with Pip Skid and Skratch Bastid, Takin Care Of Business (First Things First Records), dominated Canadian campus hip hop radio charts in 2005. On his own or in cahoots, John Smith has been embraced with national and international critical acclaim, receiving glowing reviews from magazines like Exclaim!, Pound, URB, and the UK's Hip Hop Connection.

Smith’s third solo album, Growing Pains, introduces Sloppy Joe, another moniker, and an aging, raunchier side of his persona. Hearing Growing Pains is like going on a midweek bender with Joe; all delusions of grandeur and barhopping at night, reclusive melancholy and crushing clarity the afternoon after. mcenroe’s production reflects these swings in perception deftly, providing a diverse score for Smith’s smack-talking and storytelling. This is Smitty’s most accessible project; listening time flies by and hooks stay with you for days.

John Smith continues to gain momentum with a banging new album, a high energy live show, and pounds of respect from peers across Canada and worldwide. In 2006 and 2007 he seeks to sell records, entertain, and take his spot among hip hop’s elite.

Now available in the P&C Store!

Track Listing:

1. Any Time
2. Intro
3. Collared and Cuffed
4. Gimme A Minute
5. Growing Pains
6. Carry Me
7. Crimson Paint
8. Bathroom Stalls
9. Smoke Em If You Got Em
10. OCS
11. Money Out
12. Take A Look
13. What Gets You Over

Track Player: