How Two 23-Year-Olds Built Canada’s Biggest Underground Rap Fest
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern hip-hop, Canada’s biggest underground rap fest, First Class Fest, has emerged as a vital platform for emerging talent. Founded by 23-year-olds Leo Strang and Jake Pretorious, the festival has grown from a local initiative into a premier destination for the genre’s most exciting voices. Their journey, however, has been defined by the high-stakes reality of event production, where last-minute cancellations and logistical hurdles are simply part of the job.
Navigating the Chaos of Live Production
The recent iteration of the festival was a testament to the founders’ resilience. Just three days before the event, the team faced a significant setback when headliner Nettspend dropped out, following earlier cancellations from artists like Che and Black Kray. Rather than faltering, Strang and Pretorious pivoted immediately. They successfully negotiated for Day 1 headliner OsamaSon to perform a second, unique set, ensuring the audience received a high-caliber experience despite the lineup shifts.
A Partnership Forged in the Underground
The origins of First Class Fest trace back to 2022, when Strang and Pretorious first connected in Toronto. Their professional chemistry was solidified during a grassroots college tour that saw them managing artists and navigating the realities of the industry from the ground up. This shared history provided the foundation for their current success, allowing them to scale their operations from intimate club shows to large-scale festival productions.
Championing Canadian Talent
Beyond the logistics, the duo remains deeply committed to the Canadian underground scene. They view the festival as a necessary spotlight for regional artists who often lack mainstream exposure. By curating lineups that feature both established underground stars and rising local acts, they are actively shaping the future of the Canadian rap ecosystem. As they look toward the future, Strang and Pretorious continue to prioritize the relationships they have built with artists, ensuring that First Class Fest remains a space where performers feel supported and audiences feel connected to the cutting edge of the culture.
