Ty’Dre Is Taking Toronto With Him As His Sound Reaches London

With “Last A Lifetime,” the Toronto artist looks across the pond while continuing a musical relationship the two cities have been building for years.

Toronto and London have been connected through music for a long time.

From Drake and Skepta’s relationship to Drake embracing UK artists like Dave, Giggs and J Hus, the two cities have spent years trading sounds, collaborations and influence. Drake and Skepta’s connection became especially visible in the mid-2010s, with the pair performing together and Skepta later appearing on More Life. (The Guardian⁠)

Now, Ty’Dre is building his own connection between the two cities.

His new single “Last A Lifetime” was created during time spent in London, a city the Toronto artist has come to view as a second home.

Produced by London-based producer RizMadeIt, the song blends Ty’Dre’s melodic Hip-Hop and R&B sound with a story about travel, connection and those moments you don’t want to forget.

Written while overseas, the record was inspired by meeting someone who instantly changed the energy around him. London isn’t just where the song was made either. The city becomes part of the story itself, including references to the London Eye and the idea of making memories while you still have the chance.

“Let’s make memories that last a lifetime,” Ty’Dre says on the record.

The release comes as he continues to reach audiences outside of Canada. Ty’Dre has previously received recognition from BBC Radio, Apple Music Hip-Hop/R&B editorial playlists, VEVO and EARMILK, while continuing to build relationships throughout London’s music scene.

His time overseas also brings up a bigger conversation that comes up often around Toronto music.

Do Toronto artists need to leave the city to grow?

For Ty’Dre, the answer isn’t as simple as leaving Toronto behind.

“It’s not just a Toronto question. I think music is a universal language, and therefore, if you believe in yourself and your art growing or reaching a bigger audience, then you need to put it on a universal stage,” he tells Toronto Rap Stars.

That mindset makes sense when looking at the history between Toronto and London. Drake’s support of grime and UK rap helped put an even bigger spotlight on that relationship, while artists on both sides continued crossing into each other’s scenes. The connection has grown well beyond one collaboration or moment. (Complex⁠)

Ty’Dre sees London as another place where his music can live.

“London has been a place that I’ve called my second home for years now. The people have always embraced me just like my family here in Toronto and Vancouver on the West Coast.”

For him, expanding outside the city isn’t about choosing one market over another. It’s about following where the music connects.

“As an artist, you need to go where you’re embraced, loved, and where your music resonates most.”

That may be the bigger takeaway from “Last A Lifetime.” Toronto can still be home without being the only place an artist builds.

“Whether it’s across the pond, across the border, across the coast, or across the street, I will be where my music lives and supporters are.”

Toronto and London already have years of musical history behind them. With Ty’Dre continuing to create and build relationships overseas, he’s adding his own chapter to that connection.

“Last A Lifetime” is produced by RizMadeIt, mastered by Slimfo Productions Inc., with photography by @refractmedia.co and visuals by @frostyvisuals_.