The Life of: Peter Jackson
At the age of fourteen, Michael Smith, also known as Peter Jackson, began his rap career. What started as a childhood hobby soon developed into a full-fledged passion, some may even call it an obsession. Growing up in a middle class, predominantly white suburb of Toronto, Peter Jackson would have to struggle to gain respect for his talent. He emerced himself in all aspects of Hip Hop culture and was captivated by this rapidly growing industry. Family members were shocked to find that this once "less-than-ambitious high school student" was now dedicating his free time to reading and studying the dictionary in order to expand his vocabulary. It wasn't long before Peter Jackson’s bedroom, and the rest of the house for that matter, was littered with scraps of paper with his lyrics scribbled all over them.
Peter Jackson always believed that Hip Hop and emceeing would be his life and was determined to convince others to believe in his dream as much as he did. In one song his lyrics sing, "I can't, I won't, I will not lose, I gotta win". This played out to be Peter Jackson’s mantra in life. It's his do-or-die attitude, which sets him apart from other artists emerging today. He is young, confident and ambitious. He entered a recording studio for the first time at the young age of fifteen; unimpressed with what the producer could do, he set out in search of someone who would take him seriously. It took Peter Jackson over four years of constant hard work before he met the producer who would change everything.
With the help of Dave Sheldon, Peter Jackson began feverously creating track after track in a small home based studio. With 120 songs, hundreds of freestyle battles, and countless basement performances later, Peter Jackson would headline his own show. Not only was Peter Jackson the main performer of the event he was also responsible for putting the entire show together. He was the one who designed the flyers and posters, he graveled to store owners to sponsor his show, and pounded the pavement promoting his dream. Not only did the show go off as planned, Peter Jackson filled the club making his inaugural performance a hit with over 500 for his first show.
This young artist is tenacious and determined. His lyrics are insightful and he is willing to challenge the boundaries of the Rap and Hip Hop industry we know today. Peter Jackson doesn't claim to have come from a life of hardship, nor does he tell stories of struggling with a dysfunctional family. He grew up in a loving two-parent home and was given every opportunity in the world. Peter Jackson went out and still did everything he had to do to get a little bit more, never really satisfied, he went out and hustled and worked his butt to the bone. Yet his music examines issues that many youth and young adults can relate to. At times his rhymes are hard and unapologetic, but he can also captivate a club with a beat and an unforgettable hook. When he spits the words to one of his ballads, tears are flowing before the end of the first verse.
There is no doubt that Peter Jackson can go toe-to-toe with the big acts. He has opened up for artists such as Beanie Man, Joe Budden, Dipset, Llyod Banks, Kardinal Offishall, Bishop, Nas, Rupee, Elephant Man, Wu Tang Clan, and Rich Boy. He also has a remix track with Lil'Mo and Jim Jones on the “Fly Society†mix tape with P-Flex. Peter Jackson demonstrates the maturity of a man twice his age and wisdom beyond his years. His drive to reach his dreams is unwavering. It is not a matter of whether or not he will make it in this industry; it is a matter of when.
Signup for our Mailing List
* required