Kardinal Offishall Mr. International

It’s not quite clear why Kardinal Offishall, a mainstay of Canadian hip-hop, hasn’t truly broken through in the states. That’s not to say he hasn’t made splashes. His previous record, Not 4 Sale, was a relative success on the charts and critically, giving way to singles like “Dangerous” and “Numba 1 (Tide Is High).” Backed by glossier production and signed to Akon’s Kon Live imprint, Offishall was essentially destined for more exposure. But after the initial sizzle faded, so did his time in the public eye. Mr. International looks to thrust him right back, with help again from Akon along with frequent De La Soul contributor Supa Dave West and Supa Dups. The question on here, though, is whether Offishall’s blend of dancehall reggae and hip-hop will catch on again.

Abstract by Andrew Martin