Canada’s indisputable Godfather of hip hop Maestro Fresh Wes has unveiled his newest release — an inspirational children’s book, Stick To Your Vision: Young Maestro Goes to School.
Telling the tale of a young Maestro as he finds new adventures, both in school and as he’s introduced to the world of hip hop, readers follow along as he competes in the school’s writing contest against ‘Julia the Great’ and ‘Hakeem the Dream.’ Nervous — but ready — Wes draws inspiration from his family, teachers, friend and mentor DJ Greg, plus all that he has learned from hip hop, to find the power of his pen.
Written by Toronto, ON/Saint John, NB’s Wes Williams and award-winning teacher, mentor, educational consultant, and student advocate Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool, the book includes a foreword from fellow legendary music icon, Kardinal Offishall, and illustrations from multi-talented artist, entrepreneur, media personality, and author Leon “Eklipz” Robinson.
“This book was written to emphasize the importance of family structure, mentorship, hip hop, and the positive impact of inspirational elementary school teachers,” Williams says.
Kardinal Offishall says “everyone who reads this book, young or young at heart, will benefit tremendously in so many ways,” and comedian and actor Gerry Dee adds that the book “is a must-read for any child who is developing their own passion and dreams.”
Stick to Your Vision: Young Maestro Goes to School is an extension of Williams’ now-signature Stick to Your Vision brand; he released an inspirational memoir, Stick to Your Vision: How to Get Past the Hurdles and Haters to Get Where You Want to Be (2010) via Penguin RandomHouse Canada, and “Stick to Your Vision” was the first single released off his fifth studio album, Built to Last (1998).
With its foreword written by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, and content long-credited for inspiring fellow Canadian hip hop star Drake, the original Stick to Your Vision book has been incorporated by multiple school curriculums as required reading and, together with his 2017 TED Talks on the subject of self-revision, have seen many guided on the right path by the multi-talented visionary.
It’s all a continuation of the legendary musician’s 30th anniversary of exploding onto the scene by way of 1989’s iconic Symphony in Effect. Its success blazed a fiery fresh trail, becoming the first hip hop release to receive a JUNO Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year, and first Canadian hip hop album to reach Platinum status.
Even more, his legendary track “Let Your Backbone Slide” made Williams the first Canadian hip hop artist to have a single reach Gold status; he was also the first Canadian hip hop artist to have a stronghold on Billboard’s Top 20 Rap Singles chart.
With 14 JUNO nominations (plus a second win, this time for Best Video in ’91), real estate on the Scarborough Walk of Fame, anthems on repeat for both ’14 and ’16 Olympics, and eight seasons playing the role of Vice Principal Paul Dwyer on the CBC hit sitcom, Mr. D. — to say the least — Williams is easily considered one of Canada’s premier and most notable multi-media personalities.
“Maestro taught me how to be a student of the game while being a legend,” artist, producer, and CEO of Half Life Records Classified shares. “He always had excitement for creating new projects, and his first children’s book is an indication of his dedication.”
“An outstanding achievement from one of Canada’s most prolific artists,” actress and Founder/Executive Director of Reelworld Film Festival and Reelworld Screen Institute Tonya Williams adds. “You are drawn into the very real and raw experience of Young Maestro. This story is fun and filled with anecdotes that every child could relate to.”
“This is a powerful story that brought me back to my school days as a young black boy and the son of Trinidadian-born parents; I knew one day, even though facing adversity, I would play in the NBA,” Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach and President of the Jamaal Magloire Foundation Jamaal Magloire says. “The book reaffirms to not only kids — but also to parents and teachers — that positive influence, encouragement, hard work, and sacrifices can make your dream come true.”
