Winnipeg's Most
| Company type | Independent record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Members of Winnipeg's Most (Jon-C, Charlie Fettah, Brooklyn) |
| Headquarters | Winnipeg , Canada |
| Products | Music recordings |
| Owner | Winnipeg's Most members |
Winnipeg's Most is a hip hop ensemble originating from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, composed of MCs Jon-C (Billy Pierson) and Charlie Fettah (Tyler Rogers), with former member Brooklyn (Jamie Prefontaine). Both Jon-C and Brooklyn identify as Aboriginal artists. The group gained exposure through the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary series 8th Fire. They have released two full-length albums alongside several singles and music videos, some of which were broadcast on MuchMusic. Winnipeg's Most earned multiple honors at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMA), including the Best New Artist award in 2010 and six accolades in 2011.
"Northside Connection"
In June 2010, Winnipeg's Most unveiled their initial public offering, a promotional mixtape titled "Northside Connection," which served as a precursor to their album. This project included contributions from artists such as Blu, Ed E Buk, Zeek Illa, Bubblz, and Ladee Seduction (Jessica Bro-Z). Subsequently, they released two singles—"All That I Know" and "On These Streets"—which gained significant traction on Winnipeg’s Streetz FM radio station, both ascending to the top position on its top 10 chart. The mixtape achieved thousands of downloads. Music videos for these singles were directed by Stuey Kubrick and received airtime on Canada's MuchMusic network.
Self-titled debut
Their first official album involved collaboration with Juno Award-nominated producers Stomp and Jay Mak from RezOfficial Music. Launched in 2010 through their own Heatbag Records in partnership with RezOfficial Music, the album featured guest appearances by Kobe, Ed E Buk, and Zeek Illa. Notable tracks included "All That I Know," "On These Streetz," and "What You In It For." The track "It's A Jungle Out Here" was co-produced by Boogey the Beat alongside Stomp. At the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards that year, the group secured three wins out of four nominations.
Goodfellaz
Their second studio album, Goodfellaz, was released in 2011 via Heatbag Records. This record showcased collaborations with artists such as Krizz Kaliko, The Rupness Monster, Ed E Buk, Zeek Illa, Bubblz, Big Slim, and Inez. The album garnered six awards at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, including honors for Best Duo or Group, Best Producer/Engineer, Best Music Video, Best Album Cover Design, Best Rap/Hip-hop CD, and Single of the Year for "Don't Stop".
Disbandment and death of Brooklyn
Following 2013, Winnipeg's Most ceased activity as a group. In that year, Jon-C faced arrest related to a 2012 police raid that uncovered cocaine and other substances at his residence. On September 22, 2015, Jamie Prefontaine (known as Brooklyn) passed away at age 30.
2024 Reunion Show
On March 28, 2024, the remaining members of Winnipeg's Most reunited for a performance at the Burton Cummings theatre in Winnipeg. The event included a tribute dedicated to Prefontaine (Brooklyn). Tyler Rogers announced via Instagram intentions to hold additional concerts during summer 2024.
Heatbag Records
Heatbag Records is managed by the trio behind Winnipeg's Most and has released material from various artists including Bubblz, Ashley Blakk, Rupness Monster, Blu, Zeek Illa, River City Knight Ryderz, Jay Bird, Stattis, Lady Seduction, Drezus, Kid P, KiDD Kane, and Charlie Stumble.
Heatbag Releases
- Brooklyn – Mind of a Heatbag (2009)
- Charlie Fettah – Speak No Evil (2009)
- Jon-C – Da General: Blood, Sweat & Tears (2009)
- Bubblz – Self Portrait (2009)
- Winnipeg's Most – Northside Connection (2010)
- Winnipeg's Most – Goodfellaz (2011)
- Kidd Kane & Cypha Diaz – Chicken & Chocolate Milk (2011)
- Bubblz – Untitled (2011)
- Jon-C & Blu – Tha Link (2013)
Discography
- Northside Connection (Mixtape) (2010)
- Winnipeg's Most (2010)
- Goodfellaz (2011)
Singles
| Year | Title | Streetz FM Chart Position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "On These Streets" featuring Kobe | 1 | Winnipeg's Most |
| "What You In It For" | 1 | ||
| 2010 | "Bang Bang" | 2 | |
| 2011 | "Don't Stop" featuring Tha Rupness Monstah | 2 |
Awards and Nominations
- 2009 APCMA Nominee for "Best New Artist" – Jon-C Blood Sweat & Tears
- 2009 APCMA Nominee for "Best Rap/Hip-Hop CD" – Jon-C Blood Sweat & Tears
- 2009 APCMA Nominee for "Best Album Cover Design" – Jon-C Blood Sweat & Tears
- 2009 APCMA Nominee for "Single of the Year" – Brooklyn, "Badass Shorty"
- 2010 APCMA Nominee for "Single of the Year" – All That I Know
- 2010 APCMA Winner for "Best Duo or Group"
- 2010 APCMA Winner for "Best Rap/Hip-Hop CD" – Winnipeg's Most
- 2010 APCMA Winner for "Best New Artist"
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Single of the Year" – Don't Stop
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Best Duo or Group"
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Best Music Video" – All That I Know
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Best Producer/Engineer"
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Best Rap/Hip-Hop CD" – GoodFellaz
- 2011 APCMA Winner for "Best Album Cover Design" – GoodFellaz
Accolades
- "Best Winnipeg Record Label - HEATBAG RECORDS," Uptown Magazine 2010 & 2011
- "Best New Band - Winnipeg's Most," Uptown Magazine 2011
- "Best New CD - Goodfellaz," Uptown Magazine 2011
- "Best Hip Hop Artist/Group - Winnipeg's Most," Uptown Magazine 2011