Eminem Who? This Canadian Rapper Is the Political Rebel We Need

In Canada, rap and politics have a long, cringe-y history together. Astounding, because the idea of Canadian rap has only existed since Drake's So Far Gone. You can look that up on Wikipedia (don't). We are mild-mannered folk, so it takes a lot to get us riled up, but one thing that can always provoke response is electrical bills. Ontario's premier Kathleen Wynne has spent much of the past few years not particularly endearing herself to her province with a variety of scandals and policies pertaining to energy usage. Now one unsigned rapper has decided he's had enough.

J Reno, the rap name of an Ontarian named Jeremy Renaud (not to be confused with Jean Reno or Janet Reno) has unleashed a furious attack on Wynne entitled "Hydro Bills," shared via Facebook video because it's the future. It's gone viral over the past few days because apparently rap is still a novelty to most Canadians. "You don't care about the people you govern / You just sit comfortable while the rest of us struggle," goes one pointed line.

Powerful stuff.

According to an interview with CBC, Reno doesn't usually get this political in his music. However, his 2013 video "Open Your Eyes" has Reno in a Guy Fawkes mask, using George Carlin sound clips, and begins with "Fuck the government entirely." Likewise, "Truth" protests an Orwellian existence where the idea of "freedom" is "a camera in your face, to prevent some kind of terrorist…" In a time when Canada needs to mobilize after decades of being just fine with things, may we suggest that we turn to the only truth: beats and rhymes. J Reno, keep on fighting the power.

Phil is a reasonably proud Canadian. He's on Twitter.