Edmonton's new poet laureate? Rapper Cadence Weapon

[TithonusSyndrome]

Edmontonians, prepare to endure years of having people tell their stories about running into him at the Strat one evening or another

Rapper Cadence Weapon named Edmonton's next poet laureate

By THE CANADIAN PRESS – 7 hours ago

EDMONTON — Rollie Pemberton - better known as hip-hop artist Cadence Weapon - will soon have a new handle: Edmonton's poet laureate.

Pemberton will be the city's third poet laureate, assuming the role on July 1.

Pemberton, 23, has released two acclaimed albums as Cadence Weapon: 2005's "Breaking Kayfabe" and 2008's "Afterparty Babies."

He's also a poet and a writer, having previously been on staff with multiple publications including popular Chicago-based music website Pitchfork.

Pemberton takes over from Governor General's Literary Award winner E.D. Blodgett. He will hold the position for two years.

Pemberton's Edmonton roots run deep. His late father, Teddy, was a hip-hop DJ on a campus radio show there, while his grandfather, Rollie Miles, was a star with the CFL's Eskimos.

Couldn't have happened to a nicer Canadian MC - from Edmonton that is, which doesn't say much but I still think his music stands out and merits that much respect even if I don't cherish it deeply or anything.

[Phantasee]

Whaaaat?

Also, Whaaaat? His grand daddy was Rollie Miles? Holy shit!

I can't recall, but I believe the Mayor is the one who picks him, probably with advice from others, so I'm glad Mandel isn't averse to picking a 'rapper' to be the poet laureate.

I'm going to be honest with you, I haven't read anything from E.D. Blodgett. Edmonton's poet laureate doesn't get a lot of visibility. Maybe they should start printing the poems on huge banners and hanging them from buildings downtown? Or even the City Hall clock tower.