On Monday evening, industry types, fans and club patrons gathered at The Bamboo club in Toronto to celebrate the release of Saukrates' debutfull-length project|. Anticipation was the evening's theme. In 1995, an album was due out on Canadian indy Genesis, but complications axed that deal.Then, after signing to Warner Bros. Records in 1997 (a big coup for aCanadian artist), fans again eagerly awaited Shine. Upheaval atWarner caused the project to permanently stall, and after close to two yearsof frustration, the Toronto-based MC/producer left the label in February ofthis year. Therefore, the Canadian release of Saukrates: The UndergroundTapes (Capitol Hill Music/Ill Vibe) on August 24 was a monumental one(The album was released in the U.S. earlier this summer on SeriousEntertainment.) The Canadian version also features six bonus tracks.

When Sauks finally climbed onto the stage at his party anhour-and-a-half late, his fans could wait no more. The 22 year old opened with the self-produced single "Action," capturing thecrowd by professing he was "a hip hop drug." Saukrates performed severalcuts from the new album, but classic material such as "Father Time" and"Hate Runs Deep," featuring Marvel, of his Circle crew, received won thecrowd. His ability to construct melodious beats and original lyricalconcepts was best showcased on "Ay, Ay, Ay," an ode to stutter-stylerapping.

Moments after the show, Sauks sat on the rooftop patio contemplating hisfeelings regarding The Underground Tapes. "It's like finally,something's out there," he says. "But the projects that I would have droppedbefore, they were a little more together as far as the production of thewhole thing, the concept, and the thought put into it. The Warner stuff, theGenesis stuff, it was a whole lot tighter. But at the same time, everythinghappens for a reason."

His manager and co-owner of Capitol Hill Music, Chase Parsons, acknowledgesthat the project is a way to reward patient fans. "We threw a release partybecause we wanted to get all the women out," he jokes. "Nah, we just wantedto say thank you to everybody who's been there for the five years."

The Canadian hip-hop scene has yet to make a significant markinternationally due to various industry-related obstacles and lack ofavailable material. The Underground Tapes should garner plenty ofattention since it's being distributed throughout North America and teamsthe lyricist with Pharoah Monche, O.C., Masta Ace and Heltah Skeltah. "Hisalbum's been so anticipated up here and south of the border," commentsYLook, an up-an-coming emcee from The Circle, "And he's laying thefoundation now. God willing, if the album does what it should do, the Northwill finally blow." - Celine Wong