Prime Boys Explained

Prime Boys
Origin:St. Lawrence, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genre:Canadian hip hop
Years Active:2012–present
Label:eOne
Current Members:Jimmy Prime
Jay Whiss
Donnie

Prime Boys are a Canadian hip hop collective based in Toronto, Ontario. The original group carnation consists of Jay Whiss, Jimmy Prime and Donnie and the trio released their debut studio album Koba World on July 27, 2018.

Background

The trio all come from the Esplanade area in Toronto's central waterfront district that is popular with tourists, stating that they are showing the sides of the city tourists don't see with their music.[1] It is said that Prime boys member, Jimmy, coined the term "The Six" as a nickname for Toronto, after its six boroughs and the area codes 416 and 647. A term that was taken global by Drake and even influenced the name of companies such as 6ixBuzz.[2] Prime, Donnie and Whiss were all childhood friends who naturally formed into Prime Boys.[3]

The group's single "Tinted", which was produced by Murda Beatz, was featured on Spotify's Northern Bars playlist.[4] [5]

The group released their debut studio album on July 27, 2018. The album was originally slated to be titled Prime Forever but was renamed to Koba World as a dedication to their best friend, Kosi Modekwe aka Koba Prime, who was killed earlier in the year with Halal Gang member Smoke Dawg.[6] The album received a 9/10 score by Exclaim! and was heavily produced by Murda Beatz.[7] [8] It was supported by the singles "Hold Me Down," "Sopranos," "Tinted" and "Come Wit It".[9] Jay Whiss and Jimmy Prime made an appearance on 6ixBuzz's second release NorthernSound released on December 13, 2019, alongside Halal Gang musician Safe on track 13 "The World is Yours".[10]

Prime Boys also come together with all the Halal Gang members to form the hip hop supergroup "Full Circle".[11] Jay Whiss released his debut studio album Peace of Mind on March 3, 2020. It contained features from Puffy L'z, and fellow Prime members Donnie and Jimmy Prime. It contained production from Toronto natives Murda Beatz, Richie Souf and CuBeatz.[12]

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Filmography

Documentaries
YearTitleFeaturingNotes
2017 6ix Rising Jimmy Prime
Jay Whiss
Documentary showcasing Toronto's hip-hop featuring numerous Canadian rap artists.
2019 Remember Me, Toronto Jay Whiss Short film by Mustafa the Poet.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Where I Came From: Toronto | Features | Clash Magazine . Clashmusic.com . 12 March 2018. 2020-01-20.
  2. Web site: Prime Boys Want the Whole World to Respect Toronto Rap . VICE . 2017-11-20 . 2020-01-20.
  3. Web site: @champagnepapi's Instagram post: "I miss the 6!!! #Toronto #JimmyPrimeNamedIt #The6 #Home #SummerInToronto #Paradise". https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/champagnepapi/671694340699783964 . 2021-12-25 . registration. Instagram.
  4. Web site: Toronto's Prime Boys Are Getting the World's Attention . The Fader . 2018-04-19 . 2020-01-20.
  5. Web site: Toronto group Prime Boys release the "Tinted" video . HipHopCanada . 2018-03-05 . 2020-01-20.
  6. Web site: Listen to the Prime Boys Debut Album "Koba World" Now . Complex . 2018-07-25 . 2020-01-20.
  7. Web site: Queen St. W. shooting victim remembered as a selfless multitasker who cared for family . Gallant . Jacques. July 2, 2018. www.thestar.com. 2020-01-20.
  8. Web site: Lowers . Erin . Prime Boys Use Collective Power to Unite Their Toronto Community on 'Koba World' . Exclaim.ca . 2018-08-13 . 2020-01-20.
  9. Web site: Slingerland . Calum . Stream Prime Boys' Debut Album 'Koba World' . Exclaim.ca . 2018-07-27 . 2020-01-20.
  10. Web site: 6ixBuzz features some of Toronto's best on NorthernSound. December 13, 2019. HipHopCanada.
  11. Web site: "Full Circle" Features Pretty Much Everyone in Toronto Rap and It Slaps. Phil. Witmer. September 14, 2016.
  12. Web site: Jay Whiss of Prime drops Peace of Mind album debut. March 5, 2020. HipHopCanada.
  13. Web site: ‎Koba World by Prime Boys on Apple Music . Music.apple.com . 2020-01-20.