typotherapy

Hip-hop in Canada stamps

This was a special project for our studio—because we grew up listening to these artists. They’re cultural pioneers. Heroes. Architects of Canadian hip-hop who opened doors and built the foundation for everything that followed. This work is about honouring their legacy and making sure their stories live on as a vital part of Canada’s cultural history.

Visually, we leaned into expressive, ’80s-inspired graphic and typographic treatments—bold, vibrant, unapologetic. A nod to MuchMusic/MusiquePlus, nostalgia charged with the raw energy of early hip-hop.

These commemorative stamps celebrate three trailblazers: Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, and Muzion. Each helped define a distinctly Canadian sound, shaped by rhythms and influences from Jamaica, Trinidad, and Haiti.

Maestro Fresh Wes () pushed Canadian hip-hop into the forefront and with groundbreaking hits that set new industry milestones.

Michie Mee () fused rap with dancehall and reggae, creating an iconic, genre-defining sound.

Montréal’s Muzion () () , layered French, English, and Haitian Creole—reshaping the culture with every verse.

Legacy. Culture. History.
Stamp design: Noël Nanton, Nadia Molinari | typotherapy

Stamp photographers:
Maestro Fresh Wes: Wellington Williams; background by Edward James Rissling
Michie Mee: Getty Images (); background by Rick McGinnis ()
Muzion: Brigitte Henry (); background by Marie-Michèle Bouchard

LAL is a Toronto-based electronic duo led by Rosina Kazi and Nicholas Murray. Blending influences from hip hop, punk, electronic, and experimental music, LAL’s beats and melodies are paired with lyrics of anger, sadness, and possibility.

typotherapy collaborated closely with LAL to create a collection of packaging designs and marketing materials for their sixth album release. Featured here is a limited-edition tote bag showcasing a custom repeating album title, composed using a bespoke typeface created specifically for the project.

The project included a 12-inch LP vinyl, a 7-inch single, digital album artwork, concert posters, promotional CD packaging, and merchandise materials such as tote bags and t-shirt designs. A custom typeface was also designed for the album, complementing the striking artwork by visual artist Syrus Marcus Ware.

He Hijacked My Brain: Gary Topp’s Toronto.

Summer 2023: In our first meeting with Gary Topp—legendary for booking bands before they were famous—he shared a mantra that’s guided his life, quoting Thelonious Monk: “The only cats worth anything are the cats that take chances.” True to his word, Gary reflected, “I’ve never made a huge amount of money, but I’ve lived comfortably and had a great time for 50 years.”

It felt only right to kick off the book with this quote on page 001.

He Hijacked My Brain: Gary Topp’s Toronto. - Get your copy: www.facebook.com/GaryToppBook.