Hip Hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from RUN-DMC featured on Ottawa-based band BLAKDENIM’s new single “Sharks”

Notable hip-hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, from RUN-DMC, collaborates with Ottawa-based band on the new single “Sharks.” The single is a rebellious tune combining the sounds of punk-rock and hip-hop, the familiar stylings of RUN-DMC. This single is found on BLAKDENIM’s first full length album Usual Suspects: Season III, which encompasses the themes of love, togetherness and unity. The new album showcases the band’s refined sound combining the elements of new electronic music with 70s funk.

The aggressive and rebellious tune within “Sharks” pays homage to the #NoAntiBlackRacism movement and how people are reacting to the horrific events of racial profiling and police brutality to help inspire a positive change in the world. With the ongoing movement BLAKDENIM aimed to highlight the historical facts of racism through the lyrical styling. The single ties to the overall theme of their album Usual Suspects: Season III, showing how the world is uniting together to fight for a better tomorrow.

In addition to, BLAKDENIM has also released the single “James Brown’s Cape” in conjunction with the children’s comic book The Battle of Ottogatz!. The book is now available for pre-order on Amazon. BLAKDENIM’s single “James Brown’s Cape,” found on their new album Usual Suspects: Season III, is the official soundtrack for the upcoming children’s comic book The Battle of Ottogatz!, as the song’s themes (strength and courage) related to the book. Combining the sounds of hip-hop and R&B, BLAKDENIM used experimental sound to resonate with the children. Written by Canadian author and sickle cell disease expert Nahomie Acelin, the book is inspired and based on her three sons and their fight with sickle cell disease. The Battle of Ottogatz! follows the story of three superheroes who are fighting sickle cell disease. The book is in partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada to aim at raising awareness of the disease and hopes to empower and unite children who are affected by the disease.

From humble beginnings to collaborating with hip-hop legend and rock and roll hall of famer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, BLAKDENIM has made waves in the music world over the past eight years. BLAKDENIM has opened for Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at the #HoPX launch party at Ritual Nightclub and was a finalist at the Indie Week Music Ontario Showcase in 2015. BLAKDENIM was given the opportunity to headline the SNC-Lavalin/Casino of Montreal Stage at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2016. In February 2017 the group headlined for the Megaphono Festival at Babylon Nightclub in Ottawa. Now with the release of their first full length album BLAKDENIM is ready to take on their next series of musical adventures. Follow the group on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay-up-to date on upcoming events and music releases.