StokeSâ„¢

StokeS is the Soldier of Change!

Stokes started acting and rhyming as a youngster, while traveling between many cities. He has lived in New Jersey, New York and Toronto. Finding it difficult to develop a sense of home and stability, Stokes often delved into his own frame of creative consciousness, inevitably shaping his current charismatic persona and lyrical skill.

Always a great communicator, rapping and free styling helped him to express his inner feelings, even though his family had banned rap music from their house, making it impossible for him to pursue music fully. He began competing in freestyle battles and rap showcases with his then lyrical partner Mista Ste. After meeting the Sharp Tungz Production Company in 1999, he left his partner in rhyme within several months. Departing from their group R.Y.S.E., he then began his solo musical career and acting.

Stokes has performed, entertained and hosted in 100's of venues over the years. Performances and appearances include 'Breakfast Television' (City TV), hosting The Comfort Zone's "Illamental" hip hop showcase, the 416 Graffiti Expo, the hit TV series Soul Food wrap party, presenting the Best Song Writing Award at U.M.A.C.'s Canadian Music X-posure Awards and at the Toronto Urban Music Festival along side Bilal, Royce da 5'9" and DJ Hi-Tek at the CNE fairgrounds. He delighted his audience as he performed for jazz mogul, Quincy Jones, in October at the World Speakers Convention held at the Liberty Grand.

At the dawn of his premiere independent LP release Here and Now retail release, Stokes' first single Cocoberry featuring Papiculo Crew singer Shantall, burnt up the charts. After 5 weeks, Cocoberry held fast in the 3 position on the Flow 93.5FM top ten charts, making him notably only the first Canadian artist to conquer this feat. Soon thereafter, the popularity of this track was proven once again, with the remix featuring Wade O. Brown and Shug, also earning spots on Flow's top ten lists. By the year's end, Cocoberry claimed the 6 position on both Flow 93.5 top 50 and CBC Jude Kelly's Top 20. His video for the single "ROCK DA BLOCK" directed by RT had been labeled "ViBE-rated" by Much Music, added into heavy rotation and nominated for a MuchMusic Video Award. Since then he has had successes with "The Throwback" with Tone Masons, Brassmunk, Graph Nobel, "Stizziblakula", "Parent's House" with Erik Simins and many others. He is currently featured on D.O.s smooth hit "Just Forfeit" feat. Arabesque and Stokes. Works with Jay-Zs right hand man and engineer Gimel "Young Guru" Keaton are also under way as well. In short we can say Stokes is keeping very busy.

Stokes holds public perception very close to home and always shows the public that he's "keeping it true" by rapping about the most precious things in life. The unique blend of soul music, live band, old funk, and fresh grooves, has been Stokes' trademark sound. Stokes is working on just making good music, writing and production. "So if you're down for one of the above" says Stokes, "don't be afraid to get at me".

You cannot describe Stokes without using the word energy. This is clearly displayed through audience response, whether he is performing or hosting. If you havent experienced Stokes by now by, brace yourself for the energy, brace yourself for the voice!