“There’s nothing new under the sun?” Stunning young artist Jonathan Emile (also known as Jon E) forces listeners to question the truth of this ancient proverb. The poet-producer pushes the level musically and intellectually while bearing his soul on record and on stage. Covering styles of Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae, Jonathan Emile offers an honest gaze on reality without sacrificing the ‘hype noise’ that the new generation craves. The music is danceable but reflective, fresh but inline with the legacy of soul. Emile offers a new way of listening and living through the company he founded based on the elements of mind, peace and love. The conscious enterprise is a hub that encompasses music, film and clothing driven by the ethos of balance in knowledge, harmony and passion.



Born and raised in LaSalle on the island of Montreal, Jonathan Emile first began rapping at the age of 14 with actor Omari “Vagabond” Newton (formerly of Kobayashi Jazz) and was mentored by Poet Trumpeter Jason “Blackbird” Selman at the Black Theater Workshops. He later went on to receive various community awards including the Gloria A Mitchell-Aleong award for artistic achievement.



At the age of 18, Jonathan was diagnosed with cancer. For two years he underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation to fight the disease. During this period, Jonathan used music as his personal therapy and continued to develop as an artist. Prior to his illness, which is now in remission, Jonathan Emile’s music and his Mindpeacelove philosophy remained a method of expression. During treatment Jonathan founded his company, refined his craft and began making his name known while performing alongside J-Remy in a duo known as Île City.


Jonathan Emile’s devotion to hip-hop and creation spawns from his ideology and quest for knowledge. It’s almost as if he does not see himself as a hip-hop artist, but as a liberal thinker with a knack for rhythm & rhyme. “My life and art are not a style. It’s a philosophy,” Emile explains. “ I try to live by mind peace and love in everything that I do”. The depth and relevance of his lyrics are only paralleled by his presence, understanding of ‘now music’ and his youthful energy. These are some of the fundamental ideas on his upcoming album entitled The Lover/Fighter Document.



Emile’s focus and drive was amplified by what occurred in his life. The time spent in the hospital allowed him to truly test his personal philosophy and branch out with creativity. Jonathan has just begun to make his name known in the national and international scene performing in Europe and Canada. At home in Montreal he has quickly become a respected member of the Kalmunity Vibe Collective and has worked with veterans Preach Ankobia, Fredy V, Malika Tirolien, Promise, Meduza and Nomadic Massive. His company is developing new talent where the roster currently includes, Jonathan Emile, Machine Hands and Île City.



Jon E’s first studio album with Île City, Agenda Reciprocity, was recorded at the world famous Studio Piccolo where artists such as Madonna, Céline Dion, The Game, Smashing Pumpkins, Sum 41, Jean Le Loup, Sans Pression, Simple Plan, & Isabelle Boulay have recorded. He performed for charitable causes such as the Montréal Children’s Hospital Fund’s Annual Ball and Gala in front of 900 spectators at which over 10 million dollars were raised. In 2005 he performed at Jamaica Day in front of and audience of 3500 people at L’Hippodrôme de Montréal. His credits include opening for world famous violinist Miri Ben Ari and composing and performing with renowned cellist Denis Brott.



Look out for Jonathan Emile, his upcoming album and expansion in performances south of the boarder and over seas.


Photos 1 & 3 By Matteo Bruzzone
Photo 2 By Shayne Laverdière