Bishop Brigante (born Nickolas Parra), a prominent Toronto battle rapper, passed away on March 30 at the age of 46, after a battle with colorectal cancer. Diagnosed in October 2023, Brigante had become an advocate for reducing the minimum age for colonoscopy screening, urging the Ontario government to lower it from 50 to 30, a campaign that garnered over 40,000 signatures.
Bishop Brigante made significant contributions to Canada’s hip-hop scene, especially battle rap. His career spanned over decades, with memorable collaborations, including a 2007 song with Nate Dogg, “Its Fo Twenty,” and the 2018 track “Trust Nobody.” Brigante became a central figure in the Toronto rap community, known for his freestyles that caught the attention of prominent figures, including a young Drake. He made history as the first Canadian to appear on BET’s 106 & Park’s freestyle segment, a monumental achievement for Canadian hip-hop.
He also became the vice-president of King of the Dot Entertainment (KOTD), one of the largest rap battle leagues, which contributed significantly to the growth of battle rap in Canada. Brigante’s influence in the scene attracted stars like Drake, Method Man, and Raekwon, and he later ventured into acting.
Tributes poured in from his peers, with fellow artists and industry figures celebrating his contributions to the hip-hop community and the city of Toronto. Among those paying tribute was fellow Toronto artist Michie Mee, who praised his raw talent and unique presence. The Toronto music community has remembered him not only for his musical accomplishments but for his larger-than-life personality and dedication to his neighborhood of Scarborough.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Brigante’s son, Lito, with over $10,000 raised at the time of writing.
Another figure in the Canadian music scene, Don Bird, passed away on March 31 at the age of 82. Bird was a key figure in the Canadian folk and roots music scenes, known for his work as a festival producer, jingle producer, and artistic director. He was especially influential in the development of the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound, where he served as artistic director from 1995 to 2005. Bird’s contributions spanned multiple facets of the music industry, from producing albums to mentoring young artists and supporting folk music festivals across North America.
Bird was also known for his work in the jingle industry, where he was involved in award-winning projects. His legacy in the Canadian folk music scene was marked by his work with groups like Prairie Oyster and his mentorship of emerging artists. He was deeply involved in the Folk Music Ontario community and had an ongoing role in producing seminars and festivals. Bird’s family, including his son Travis, also left their mark in the industry, with Travis Bird working with major artists and festivals.
Musicians and industry professionals, including Russell DeCarle, Brian Iler, and Richard Flohil, paid tribute to Bird, highlighting his contributions to the folk music community and his warm, supportive personality. Bird’s work as a festival programmer and his efforts to support grassroots music in Canada will be remembered as integral to the development of the country’s folk music landscape.
Both Bishop Brigante and Don Bird left lasting legacies in their respective music scenes, and their contributions will continue to influence Canadian music for years to come.
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