Having toured with the Hilltop Hoods and hailing out of Vancouver, British Columbia by way of London, Ontario the hip-hop duo Okay City is the always hard-working, always entertaining collaborative effort of Ray Black and Bill Maka. Armed with an unquestionably good sense of music and a hip-hop swagger all their own, the two young emcees have been steadily building a name for themselves writing and performing across southwestern Ontario since mid-2006.

Sharing a similar vision, Bill Maka, 23, and Ray Black, 22, bring to their audience two distinct styles. This blend of Maka’s explosive and edgy delivery and Black’s laid-back smooth flow, along with their eclectic soundscapes, are what make Okay City unique and places them among the brightest of the new generation of Canadian music acts. Bill Maka, born William Makrigaini, was raised in Kitchener, Ontario on a musical diet of rock spanning from the early days of rock n’ roll to the classic rock of the 1980s. It wasn’t until his late teens that Bill discovered his talent as a rapper. Through his skill, performances, tireless efforts and self-promotion Bill quickly garnered local success and notoriety as Kitchener’s premier rap act.

Ray Black, born Raymond Anthony Black, similarly came of age in one of Ontario’s small townships. Growing up listening to his parent’s jazz, reggae and Motown records in Oakville, Ontario Black developed a desire to write lyrics at an early age. Like many in his generation, hip-hop had left an indelible mark on his life and Black soon began writing rhymes. After honing his skill and deciding on a career in music, Ray left Oakville for London, Ontario, where he would cross paths with his future rhyming partner. The fall of 2005 found both emcees independently releasing solo debuts while also pursuing a seat in the nationally renowned Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College. After hearing each other’s music Maka and Black quickly developed a bond and found common ground not in rap-style but in a desire to entertain and a love for the live show. Shortly thereafter the two began performing together and within a year Okay City was born.

Fast forward to the present and we’ll find Okay City residing in Vancouver, BC. Having toured with Mac Miller, Talib Kweli, Hilltop Hoods, Sweatshop Union and Swollen Members. Okay City are in for a huge 2011.