Fanshawe’s Music Industry Arts (MIA) program has been the starting point for many artists who have made a name for themselves in the Canadian music scene. The creative environment serves as a place where artists share their material, grow closer and support each other’s careers.

It was from the MIA program that Fresh Religion emerged, a local hip-hop collective made up of Fanshawe alumni.

“I think it’s just a group of brothers who are hungry to make a difference and it’s just a way to express a concentrated level of hip-hop,” said Daniel McCaffery, also known by his stage name as 2Divine.

2Divine alongside his friend and MIA classmate, Jack Craven, are two members of Fresh Religion.

McCaffery is originally from Prince Albert, Sask., just north of Regina. Music was heavily involved in his upbringing. While spending time with his father, who managed a music venue, he sat and watched the various performers who he looked up to as role models, which influenced him to make the big decision of moving to London. 

A native of Toronto, Craven was involved in the underground rap scene from a young age. During his high school years, Craven made music while also partaking in rap battles. This took him from battling in competitions from Toronto to Hamilton. Following this, Craven then started to focus more on creating music and networking with friends which then led him to the MIA program.

Six artists make up the group which also features Moosey Elias, Toni Blue, The Finesser, and George Toox.

The origin of the Fresh Religion started just as a thought one day when both McCaffery and Craven were hanging out.

“The conversation started one day when Daniel came to my house and we added everyone to a group chat and we were like, ‘All right, this is what we’re doing,’” said Craven.

Since pursuing his passion for rap, Craven cites Wu-Tang Clan as an inspiration, which also fueled his passion for forming this group.

“I always wanted to find a group of people to pursue music with and I wasn’t sure if I’d get that, but here we are now,” he said.

Each artist has their own story with a variety of musical backgrounds, with influences from rock to R&B in their music.

“We’ve got Toni Blu with the R&B elements, Moosey with his mix of rock and hip-hop and R&B and personally, I feel like I bring a lot of intensity and vulnerability with my music and that’s a side that a lot of listeners can relate to,” said Craven.

Unlike other rap groups, Fresh Religion has refused to label itself as a group, as they emphasize that each artist is defined by their own personal brand and solo career.

“I feel like a group would be more affiliated with legal stuff and they’re confined to this, but this is not anything like that as we’re just a group of friends who’re trying to help each other out,” said Craven.

“It’s not like a band or anything close to that sense; there’s no royalty split, and all it is, is just a group of brothers doing business with one another,” said McCaffery.

The group stands on supporting each other’s careers by defining their individuality and creativity. Fresh Religion has an upcoming show titled The Fresh Religion Showcase: Vol.3 on April 11 downtown at Rum Runners, located at 176 Dundas St.