Michie ‘Badgyal’ Mee the first lady of Canadian Hip Hop is writing her memoir. She is considered a hip-hop pioneer and Canada’s first international hip-hop superstar. She created a gateway for Canadian rappers and musicians to succeed in the U.S. market. Michie Mee has been credited as an influence by many celebrated Canadian hip-hop artists, including Maestro Fresh Wes, Choclair, Drake and Kardinal Official.
Michelle ‘Michie Mee’ McCullock was born in Jamaica and migrated to Toronto at a young age. She began performing in her teenage years and later teamed up with DJ L.A. Luv to form the duo Michie Mee and L.A. Luv. She was the first Canadian female MC in the late 1980s to break into hip-hop, fusing her Jamaican identity and dialect with her rap persona. She released classics such as On This Mic, Jamaican Funk and later on Don’t Wanna Be Your Slave. She was the first Canadian hip-hop artist to be signed to an American record label.
In a statement posted on her @michiebadgyalmee Instagram page, she was happy to share the news with her fans, “#it’s Official Proud to announce finally!! I’ve signed my first book deal with @penguinrandomhouse. Thank you Dave @westendphoenix Bidini/Ballpoint Agency & Scott Sellers for making this happen!”
The memoir will reflect on her career and life, from her early memories in Jamaica, growing up in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto and pursuing her passion for music. The book, which is not titled as yet, will be published in 2023 by Random House Canada.
