Sound of the City: Dakota Bear

The hip-hop artist and activist sounds off on travelling, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and the one thing he would change about Vancouver

SOUND OF THE CITY is a chance to discover and explore Vancouver’s incredible and diverse music scene created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir.

We’ll hear from different local artists or acts—what’s in heavy rotation on their playlist as well as what’s happening in their world amid COVID-19. It’s time to crank the volume on the amazing music that’s all around us, right in our own backyard.

Sound of the City is a way to celebrate local talent, highlight BIPOC and underrepresented artists, and connect with creatives and each other.

Dakota Bear

DAKOTA BEAR IS a Saskatoon-born, Vancouver-based Indigenous hip-hop artist and activist. His melodic rhymes carry stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada leaving listeners enlightened, inspired, and instant fans of his music and message. His performances range from audiences of 30,000 (Global Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg, Vancouver, October 2019) to inspirational performances for youth in remote communities in Northern Canada. His work with Idle No More, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Peoples and the Global Climate Strike movement has intertwined his music with international social-justice movements and connected him with fans across the country. He’s shared stages with legendary greats like Bone Thugs n Harmony, Redman & Methodman, TechN9ne and more. His music has been shared by Noisey, Exclaim!, Hip Hop Canada, Digital Drum and numerous grassroots-news outlets, while his online videos have collectively amassed more than 1 million views. His quest for love, justice and peace is unwavering, with his melodic rhymes and iconic beats carrying his message to the masses and beyond.

Listen to Dakota Bear’s Sound of the City playlist.

Dakota Bear’s Playlist

How are you feeling about life right now?

I'm feeling pretty excited, things are going well!

What did you have planned last year and how did the pandemic change those plans?

I was starting to travel a lot for music and speaking, I had shows and a tour that were lined up, definitely a big change to some plans, but I'm making the best of it.

What, or who, do you miss most about pre-pandemic life?

Travelling and live shows!

What gives you solace?

Music.

What song or album has been in your heavy rotation and why?

Mattmac's newest album, 20/20 -- such an inspiring story.

Who is your favourite Vancouver musician or artist? What about them inspires you?

Snotty Nose Rez Kids, I appreciate their hustle and the visibility they give to Indigenous people in the hip-hop scene.

If you could change one thing about Vancouver, what would it be?

More creative spaces for Indigenous artists.

Who is your dream collaborator?

Dream Collaborator? I'd like to create a song with 2oolman from A Tribe Called Red!

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SOUND OF THE CITY, MUSICStir VancouverJanuary 8, 2021Sound of the City