YORKTON – In a region where hip-hop opportunities are scarce, rappers Brannon and Definit are determined to make their mark.
The duo, who grew up in Yorkton, have joined forces to form Prairie-Boyz Entertainment, a group that’s quickly gaining recognition in the Canadian rap scene.
Both artists spent over a decade honing their skills as solo performers before coming together to launch Prairie-Boyz Entertainment. Since then, they’ve performed at ten shows, sharing stages with some of Canada’s most notable hip-hop acts, including Snak The Ripper, Merkules, Madchild and Lil Windex, as well as American duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP), among others.
“In terms of opportunities for hip-hop out here—we don’t really have a venue,” said Brannon, adding, “hip-hop shows are far and few between and when they do happen it’s at small venues. For us it took expanding outward—finding our fans in other places.”
The hip-hop group's journey began with an unexpected opportunity to open for Insane Clown Posse during a Canadian tour. Prairie-Boyz reached out to ICP’s manager directly, explaining their work and dedication to the craft.
“I think it was a first-come first-serve thing,” Brannon explained, “we let them know everything we were doing here in Canada and that we were working hard to get a show.”
That performance was a turning point for the group and saw them go on to open for several notable Canadian hip-hop acts. They went on to perform to a packed 300-400 person venue at a Snak The Ripper show, which they said was a significant step up from the smaller crowds they were accustomed to.
"It's nerve-racking for sure but ... we just lock in and get our focus up," said Definit on performing to larger audiences.
That same evening, the duo was invited to perform for another acclaimed Canadian hip-hop artist in Merkules.
“What was surprising is how fast it all happened," said Brannon on the influx of shows.
"We went from no shows at all to six shows in the first year. It happened so fast," added Definit.
The group has since performed at ten shows but admits that every time they step on stage it feels like a fresh experience.
“It’s still definitely new every time,” said Brannon.
The name Prairie-Boyz Entertainment reflects the duo’s pride in their roots.
“We really wanted to represent the place that we’re from,” said Brannon, adding “our music is about giving people our view of where we’re from whether it’s through personal experiences or stories from those around us.”
The group said their music blends serious themes with lighter, club-style vibes, showcasing their versatility as artists. According to Brannon, they often challenge themselves in the studio, asking, “What can we do next? How do we show people what we can do?”
“You can follow it like we’re rappers but we’re artists. We don’t limit ourselves," said Definit of the style of their music.
Growing up, both artists found inspiration in Canadian and maritime rapper Classified, as well as in local artists they saw on television. For Brannon, the movie 8 Mile sparked his passion for pursuing rap, showcasing a story about following dreams and striving for goals. Definit similarly finds inspiration in watching performances or listening to music on tough days when creativity feels elusive.
"The coolest part of it is looking back at everything you've made—and continue to make—and seeing the progression. Whether it's by the year or by the day," said Definit of the artistic process.
Prairie-Boyz Entertainment isn’t resting on their early success. They’re in talks to join a joint tour with local Regina artists and are working diligently on their third independent album.
“We’re trying to find a home for it—maybe get some distribution,” said Brannon of the album.
Despite the challenges, Brannon and Definit remain focused on their love for the craft.
"We're rapping for the craft. We’re not trying to look like rappers—we rap because we love it,” added Definit.
And on top of their work as hip-hop artists, the group said they still find time to give back to the community, volunteering through food drives and back-to-school initiatives, positively representing the Canadian hip-hop scene.
Fans of the group can follow Prairie-Boyz Entertainment on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, Instagram and Facebook.
