FROM HIP HOP TO HOLLYWOOD

words ELAYNE LAKEN shutter ROCKITPROMO

Maestro: by dictionary definition,
it’s a term used to describe a master of art.

It’s also the name for Canadian hip-hop star Wes Williams, a.k.a. Maestro Fresh Wes, a silver-tongued urban poet who’s evolved from rapper to television and movie actor.

His 1991 Juno Award–winning tracks “Let Your Backbone Slide” and “Drop the Needle” gave him global recognition, and Maestro’s 2005 album, Urban Landmark, promises fans a collection of hits, plus fresh songs.

“The timing is right for putting together a greatest hits,” says Maestro during an afternoon meeting at Lobby, an upscale Toronto restaurant. “It’s important to have the history of your work all in one place.” In addition to dancefloor classics, the album hosts a social commentary with conscious lyrics. His track, Criminal Mind, already is a hit video on the MuchVIBE station, and speaks about how the justice system can be criminal.

Back in 1991 there wasn’t even a category for hip hop or rap music at the Canadian Music Juno Awards. In order to classify Maestro’s accomplishments, a new award was created for hip-hop music. Reflecting on his 1991 Juno, Maestro says he “felt a strong sense of success, but, in that same year, Leonard Cohen won a lifetime achievement award, so I felt I had a long way to go as an artist.”

As early as 11 years old, growing up in Scarborough, Ontario, Williams realized he wanted to create hip-hop music. Inspired by the sounds of Grandmaster Flash and the Sugar Hill Gang, Maestro also found stimulus in English class where he was exposed to poetry and the powerful use of words in language. With a strong passion to communicate lyrically in music, Williams conceived the name Maestro Fresh Wes and began to pen rhymes.

As a microphone commander or formally a master of ceremonies, Maestro speaks of his MCing role as something that naturally fell into place. “I already had a friend who was doing the DJ thing and I wasn’t so nice a breakdancer, so, I just figured, I’m the rapper,” he admits while chuckling.

In addition to overcoming skepticism from his family, Maestro also had to struggle for support in the Canadian music industry. After sending his demo to record labels across North America, his career jumpstarted when he was signed up by an American label, LMR Records in 1989.

“In Canada, there is a lot of talent, but no industry,” he sighs. “In order to be acknowledged in Canada, unfortunately, you have to be recognized in the US. Nevertheless, persistence and desire would not let him give up. Maestro’s Stick To Your Vision is a track all about perseverance.  “You have to be aggressive,” Maestro advises all artists.

Maestro looks to other Canadian hip-hop artists with much respect. Some of his favourites include K-OS, Classified, Divine Brown and Esthero. “Our talent is the hottest!” He says his strongest influences are Chuck D and Ice T, whom he toured with in 1989. He was impressed with their crowd interaction, and how they conducted themselves with the press. “Anyone can rhyme, but it’s really about how you are off-stage that really counts to be a success.”

"Anyone can rhyme, but it's really about how you are off-stage that really counts to be a success."

So it’s all about keeping it real for this rapper-actor. He was recently brought to a humbling moment when he performed a private show for Prince Edward and the Countess of Duke in the CHUM City Building. “They were waving their hands in the air. I wasn’t even sure they’d like hip-hop music.”

Since his first album, Maestro has steadily performed 40 shows a year. This has recently switched with his venture into television and movies. Starring in Hollywood flicks alongside Jessica Alba in Honey and Jamie Foxx in Redemption, Maestro is also a TV regular in weekly series like Metropia and Instant Star. “I have a lot to prove as a thespian.” As a new challenge, he feels acting is his new artistic outlet. “I’ll always love making hip hop, but it’s time to progress into different creative areas.”

As Maestro moves from the realm of music to acting, perhaps this is why the timing is so right for Urban Landmark. Now that his music history is documented into one place, he can focus his talent in film without distraction. This master of art is up for any challenge, which is why the name itself, Maestro Fresh Wes, commands respect.