Connaisseur Ticaso

Connaisseur Ticaso is coming to a city near you with a career that has made him one of the defining figures in Quebec hip-hop. Born Steve Casimir and raised in Montreal North, he emerged in the late 1990s as one of the pioneers of Montreal's gangsta rap movement. Although he did not release an official studio album for many years, he built a legendary reputation through mixtapes, EPs, collaborations and his duo Blok B with King. Tracks such as Sur le corner, recorded with Méchant Style for the Montréalité compilation, helped establish him as one of the most respected voices in Quebec street rap.

After an extended absence from the music industry, Connaisseur Ticaso made a highly acclaimed return with Normal de l'Est, his first official studio album, released in 2021 through Joy Ride Records. Produced by Ruffsound, the album earned widespread critical praise and won the Félix Award for Rap Album of the Year at the 2021 ADISQ Gala. The release features songs including La rue m'appelle encore, Dos large and Sortie de secours, highlighting his vivid storytelling and authentic lyrical style. In 2024, he followed with Rap Life, a second studio album featuring collaborations with prominent Quebec rappers including Imposs, Yvon Krevé, Baxter Dexter and Fléau Dicaprio.

Widely recognized as one of Quebec's greatest lyricists and storytellers, Connaisseur Ticaso has built a body of work rooted in honesty and lived experience. His music explores street life, personal growth and the realities of his environment while offering a nuanced perspective on his own journey. Through more than two decades of influence and an acclaimed catalog, Connaisseur Ticaso remains one of the most important voices in Francophone Canadian hip-hop. Purchase your tickets today at Tickets.ca.